What does the word “home” mean to you?

“Home is not just four walls or the country we were born in.
It is not a locked door, an investment, a legal address,
or a nation with rigid borders. Home is where the heart is:
a yearning for a precious past, a dream of something that has never been, or a present reality. Home is in relationship – with our
families, in community, and with the whole of creation.
The qualities of home are reflected in the circle (O),
an ancient symbol for safety, equality, inclusiveness, and eternity.
But we will never be at home unless we are at home to ourselves.
Home is where we all want to be.”

This is from my recently published book, The O of Home. There is, of course, a great deal about borders and belonging – and displacement and detention – as well as a mention of City of Sanctuary. I’m doing a number of events, including today at Eastside Books, Brick Lane, East London. The format is one that might work elsewhere: a panel of refugees and,in this case, migrants, discussing what home means to them. I’m happy to facilitate such events elsewhere, if fares are paid. See the website for details of more UK events etc.

I hope you will feel able to circulate details of the book. I am happy to send flyers to display, if requested.

www.o-of-home.co.uk

www.o-books.com

Jennifer Kavanagh,
London City of Sanctuary