I had forgotten how odd it was starting a new job until today but now i remember. Very bizarre, but very, very good! The team I work with all seem great, my supervisor seems bob-on (though I have to say that because they know i run a blog!) and the work ethos is incredible. Having been overworked in a v stressful environment for a couple of years it's so nice to work somewhere that has a concern for my well-being... though it does highlight to me how much local churches are lagging behind on this issue.
It was also encouraging that Traidcraft are continually thinking not just about how they grow but how they can become more effective and ethical. I was fortunate to hear Paul Chandler, the CEO, talk about the development of the organisation today and when he talked about the growth of the company he talked not about the sales or profits, but the amount paid out to producers, because that is the focus of the organisation. Similarly he spoke of the importance in being about more than fair-trade products (which would lead to Traidcraft being squeezed out of the market by Nestle and Tesco); the importance of community development, best practise and environmental concern.
It all made me smile lots! 
On a separate note it was the reunion for Highway Projects last weekend at which i led a meditation using images from the Middle-East (Download highways.ppt). A few people specifically asked for this picture I used from the last U2 tour so I thought I'd upload it in case anyone else might fancy a copy (left click for pop-up window).
Happy first-day-at-work Phil! Glad the world is looking so good and looking forward to hearing all about life as a traidcraft rep!
Love Yaz
Posted by: Yaz | November 15, 2005 at 01:13 AM