New Chapter, New City: Timisoara, Romania

March 4, 2011 at 5:32 pm (Uncategorized)

Liberation theology holds a majority of its roots in the Latin American concept of acompañar. This concept of accompaniment has held true for many researchers in the social sciences, humanitarian relief efforts, religious organizations, and communications.

Darr suggests “half of ‘giving back’ is ‘being there’ (Darr, 2010:11).” This statement effectively constructs an understanding of accompaniment, where the suburbia upper/middle-class white ‘knight in shining armor’ is replaced by a simplistic individual, open and willing to collaboratively learn and grow. This mentality is not only effective within the realm of service/mission, but is necessary. To work together, side by side, with whom you are serving is essential for positive social change, as well as an opportunity for communal understanding of new cultures, people and worlds.

This principle of accompaniment is the focal point for my upcoming life chapter, where I will be participating in Gonzaga’s Leadership and Accompaniment course in Timisoara, Romania. I will spend the upcoming month of April partnering with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), accompanying refugees and developing knowledge of differing traditions and cultures, contributing to a more holistic understanding of the human family.

Throughout the upcoming weeks, I will be posting my experiences, thoughts, questions and concepts of understanding for you to partake and enjoy. I encourage you to grow along side me, embracing different cultures and challenging traditional thoughts.

Acompañar es para crecer.