++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2. And from Serena in Australia- To a friend in Australia: Sorry for delay in getting back to you. As always chaos and orderliness in equal amounts... This is a remarkably relaxed congress so far. maybe it was the 3 days kejiwaan and lack of immediate pressure coupled with the reunion of old friends and family that went on for that amount of time and the austrian\germanic organization that allows for smooth running as far as possible with a subud mob of spiritual anarchists. We had a long opening ceremony complete with revolving stage on which sat the French orchestra and the audience chairs set around in a circle with seven aisles (yes, yes, all very symbolic) and choirs singing in 5 different languages. It went on for a bit but apart from that was very nice and we had the presence of the vice-mayor of innsbruck who gave a short speech about how the feelings were so good! The official opening session was following day and that went on too! but we had a short speech from Ibu Rahayu about the importance of harmony in our dealings with each other (oh yeah). then daniel gave a hearfelt piece on his vision of subud democracy (basically more participation from everyone, especially the kind and gentle souls - good sell, everyone immediately felt they were a kind and gentle soul!). thanks all round and another speech from congress organizing team leader Hussein Dickie about what they all went through in the process and how they all came out the other end, so supportive and loving of each other. the official zone meetings start today plus testing of new IH's. Apparently about 6 women from Oz are testing - will let you know more later… did some keji work yesterday re. subud organization etc. keji work not very structured and no big-group participation as yet. all very honeycombed…. facilities are great though - and nearby mountains always a magnificent presence. lots of tours to alps and castles and excursions and workshops. mursalin,charles and i have been making short segments on the congress using johnny panda (soft toy made by melissa) as character for congress tv every night. can show back in syd. have to leave now. more later. love and kisses Savana ps. the latihans with IR lift the roof off. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3. Dear All, (from Roxanne in LA) I send this to Hamidatun for purposes of saving time. Please send it on So far. not many test questions to pass on--lots of one's relationship to Subud, Congress, etc. Tonight there will be several of us testing about sex in and out of marriage--women only, so far. . Keyboard is unfamiliar, and lots of distraction here--sorry. Interesting meeting with Daniel C., who feels an urgency about shaking things up--including helpers self-evaluation, or something to help get the latihan stronger and deeper. Urges us all to own Subud more, says we all have his job, he is just the mouthpiece, so what do we want to change. Impassioned replies from some about Forget the international level, it's the local levels that need to improve harmony, more love, more social, etc. And why the urgency? He said that all the Int'l helpers had told him that everywhere they went the latihan was weak and that the helpers were blocking it. Talked with Halimah this a.m. about this and she has a clarifying view and said she’d be in touch with another helper--basically the usual problem of a leader hearing only the bad news. There have been others who have talked to Intntnl helpers who have felt it was not the case. The truth is out there. The truth is Out There, right? Halimah likes the questons, for many circumstances: What is my perception of ________? And then, What is the reality? Okay, back to this Congress world. I send love and wish you could be here to share the Alps--they are quite spectacular. Tomorrow night Ibu Rahayu will do testing. Love, Roxanne 4. More from Marston, much about the progress with the Symphony Concert! (order your cd at www.subudusa.org! Can’t miss a chance to plug the cd!) Dear Melinda: Just a short update on the concert and concert CD. We are continuing to make efforts to get the word out that we have a special concert happening on Friday and tickets sales seem to going up. Yesterday was very slow. Morris (McClellan) put the last touches on the cover to the CD into the wee hours of last night and it looks great and he is very pleased. It will be driven by car to Munich and 500 made. The jacket went to them today and they will print it for insertion on Aug 1. I am totally amazed we have pulled this off! It is right on target. The load is lightening for the staff now that all are registered and this is great. Things are settling in now and people know the routine. The overall spirit of the congress is as happy as I have ever seen...the laughter and smiles are overwhelming. The concept of integrating the children is working and they are happy and everywhere and filling in. The youth are really here and I am stunned that even though we don't have 1000 youth, the numbers are hugh. The Night Cafe (hangout) is a rage and tons of young people are hanging there late into the night. Of course, it is Europe and mor ebeer and wine at this event than I have every seen...some very Young members with them. But...Hey! It is Europe. My favorite item is that each night they set up a huge table with tons of smoked meat (mostly pork) in the lobby and carve it, with giant cheese and wine. This a tradition here I guess , but the first look at the table at the Entrance to the congress was as bit startling. We are probably now up to about 500 tickets sold. We are doing a sample piece on Wed. at 2 pm to push tickets and bring attention to our concert. The Chorale getting larger and better each day. I am exhausted...but happy! We met with technicians today to set the mics and equipment for the concert...that was fun and made us realize (Yikes!) how close we are getting to the concert. The public keeps wondering in and is amazed to see the displays and activity. We are everywhere, but there are so many tourists we just blend into the town...I am not sure most even know we are here. I visited the Dome of St Jacob Cathedral and it was as beautiful as we expected. Hadidjah found it like an over decorated jewel. It is so catholic - I now see it really might now have been the best place for an interfaith service. The food here is amazing in restaurants. However, the food on the plan is better than Spokane, but not much so far. Though the desserts make up for it. They do desserts here---- that's for sure. I will email tomorrow with a new update. Love, Marston Gregory (USA) 5. And a mini-note from a tired but happy Congress team worker-Annabella! Dear Melinda I am so tired I cannot tell you and I don’t have a moment to even think of writing to anyone or answer emails, but we are having a great time here, I think, the weather is not so good, but it is warm. It is 10.45 and folks are still hanging out in the congress Centre, and I am preparing the programme for tomorrow and fiddling with the ***** database to make it all right. I now have help and may be able to make more efforts to do some writing, if only I had time to see any of the congress instead of just working. By the way, I see you use that strange word – sleep – what is that? Love Annabella