Today we began our advocacy work with the broader Habitat III community of 45,000 people. It took a while to get in this morning because the lines were so long, but it was so worth it once I got in. I enjoyed the plenary sessions and the workshops.
One of the best workshops was about cities overcoming segregation and expulsion of its residents. The deputy mayor of Paris who is in charge of urban planning for that world class city describe how many leaders there are working toward a more resilient and inclusive city despite the tension between people groups that exists there. They are doing a lot of innovative projects in order to make the city more livable for people across the ethnic and socioeconomic spectrum. As an example, the city had about 30 properties in the Paris that were schedule for redevelopment. Instead of going with the highest bidder as they usually do, they decided to do a global contest that opened the bids for developing the land to the most innovative and collaborative bidders. The results led to remarkable results in which the residents were thrilled, the private developers were thrilled, and the civic sector and social service partners were thrilled. They are considering expanding the model throughout Paris. He also said they're experimenting with temporary uses for vacant properties while they're in the process of waiting for development, and they've been able to creatively generate solutions for homelessness through mixed use approaches and transitional housing in temporary spaces. It was an interesting workshop.
I also spent time connecting with delegates and exhibitors from around the world. It's exciting to be around so many different people, even though it's a little bit overwhelming trying to take it all in. I would say that it's exciting and tiresome. Many of us involved in the Urban Shalom Project were able to engage in advocacy efforts today. God is opening up opportunities for impact. And, this afternoon one of the urban planners that was engaged in our Gospel and the Future of Cities Summit, Dr. Christopher Miller, gave us an architectural tour of Quito. It was fascinating to learn more about the thought that went into the planning of this city. I'm sure I'll learn more over the next few days. k
I'm getting a lot of good ideas for Pittsburgh, and for teaching with Bakke Graduate University and at North Way. Also, God is moving here. We are all encouraged. Here are a few photos from my day:
This is Chris Miller giving some of us a tour of the architecture in Quito. We're standing in the main square of the Old Town.
There are so many amazing churches, crosses, and statues through this city that has so much rich history.
Little courtyards like this with restaurants and shops are tucked throughout the city.
I'm making lots of new friends who are a part of the Christian presence here in Quito, advocating on behalf of more than 600 million Christians around the world. This is Juliana from Columbia and Frank from Guatemala.
I ate dinner with some friends from Latin America and Australia at a restaurant that was themed around the legend of a Catholic priest who would sneak out at night through a window of the church to go hang out with people in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is a painting of that legend.
Many of us gather to debrief each day at a spot that is right next to the president's home and national offices, pictured in this photo. It's a beautiful building!
I've been sharing more photos of Habitat III and other adventures on Twitter and Facebook. It's been an exciting week so far, and I'm looking forward to what God has in store next. I'll be participating in several workshops on urban children and youth tomorrow. Prayers are appreciated!
One of the best workshops was about cities overcoming segregation and expulsion of its residents. The deputy mayor of Paris who is in charge of urban planning for that world class city describe how many leaders there are working toward a more resilient and inclusive city despite the tension between people groups that exists there. They are doing a lot of innovative projects in order to make the city more livable for people across the ethnic and socioeconomic spectrum. As an example, the city had about 30 properties in the Paris that were schedule for redevelopment. Instead of going with the highest bidder as they usually do, they decided to do a global contest that opened the bids for developing the land to the most innovative and collaborative bidders. The results led to remarkable results in which the residents were thrilled, the private developers were thrilled, and the civic sector and social service partners were thrilled. They are considering expanding the model throughout Paris. He also said they're experimenting with temporary uses for vacant properties while they're in the process of waiting for development, and they've been able to creatively generate solutions for homelessness through mixed use approaches and transitional housing in temporary spaces. It was an interesting workshop.
I also spent time connecting with delegates and exhibitors from around the world. It's exciting to be around so many different people, even though it's a little bit overwhelming trying to take it all in. I would say that it's exciting and tiresome. Many of us involved in the Urban Shalom Project were able to engage in advocacy efforts today. God is opening up opportunities for impact. And, this afternoon one of the urban planners that was engaged in our Gospel and the Future of Cities Summit, Dr. Christopher Miller, gave us an architectural tour of Quito. It was fascinating to learn more about the thought that went into the planning of this city. I'm sure I'll learn more over the next few days. k
I'm getting a lot of good ideas for Pittsburgh, and for teaching with Bakke Graduate University and at North Way. Also, God is moving here. We are all encouraged. Here are a few photos from my day:
This is Chris Miller giving some of us a tour of the architecture in Quito. We're standing in the main square of the Old Town.
There are so many amazing churches, crosses, and statues through this city that has so much rich history.
Little courtyards like this with restaurants and shops are tucked throughout the city.
I'm making lots of new friends who are a part of the Christian presence here in Quito, advocating on behalf of more than 600 million Christians around the world. This is Juliana from Columbia and Frank from Guatemala.
I ate dinner with some friends from Latin America and Australia at a restaurant that was themed around the legend of a Catholic priest who would sneak out at night through a window of the church to go hang out with people in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is a painting of that legend.
Many of us gather to debrief each day at a spot that is right next to the president's home and national offices, pictured in this photo. It's a beautiful building!
I've been sharing more photos of Habitat III and other adventures on Twitter and Facebook. It's been an exciting week so far, and I'm looking forward to what God has in store next. I'll be participating in several workshops on urban children and youth tomorrow. Prayers are appreciated!
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