Over the last few years I have been spending a lot of my time reflecting on the state of the world, and in light of recent developments like 911, the War in Iraq, the Madrid train bombings and the recent London transit bombings, it is painfully obvious that we are living in very violent times. We are in dire need of people who dedicate a good portion of their lives towards making this place a better world, towards building peace and understanding, and exactly this is Servas' stated mission.

I admit that I have been losing faith in humanity over the last few years, but going out to Vancouver and seeing 200 people, all idealists and active volunteers, was a truly wonderful experience. It restored my confidence and my optimism, and I felt embraced by these many wonderful enlightened spirits. The conference and the people I connected with will remain in my thoughts for a long time, and it goes without saying that I will be joining Servas myself.

I started the conference as a writer, but I left as a friend.