Archbishop Tutu

The shipboard community has been greatly blessed with the presence of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his devoted wife, Leah. I mentioned in a previous essay how Paul made himself known to them early in the voyage. Our leader, Betty, was telling us that many Life Long Learners (LLLs) were discovering unexpected family members aboard when the Tutu’s walked into the room. Paul hopped up and exclaimed, “Daddy!” to which Arch ( as he likes to be called) came running across the room and hugged Paul! Paul continued the charade, crossed the room and gave Leah a hug! And me with no camera! A great photo opportunity missed!

This little incident has continued to be a theme between Paul and the Tutu’s during the voyage. When we were visiting his offices in Cape Town, he introduced Paul as his son by a previous marriage. The other night, when welcoming their guests to the cocktail party in Glazer Lounge, he thanked many different people in the room and then mentioned “Paul, my son by a previous marriage.” Not everyone got that, but we did and it means so much to us. Arch says he has never met anyone like Paul!

The Tutu’s are gracious and such fun. Arch has a wonderful sense of humor, obviously, and an infectious laugh. He makes jokes about himself and welcomes relaxed banter. He has retired again and we all respect that and do not make requests of his s time. In fact, I asked his assistant if they could join us for dinner a couple of weeks ago. She said they would have time one of two days, but to keep the talk light – he does not wish to talk issues. It actually never occurred to me until just this moment that perhaps he thought we might, or anyone might have a personal request of him. After all, he has endorsed many human rights projects and organizations over the years. He agreed to appear in the video about child slavery in Ghana which a group of students were making. They have formed a non-profit whose vision is an end to child slavery and they intend to take the message to their college campuses. You too can become involved in this important mission.  Visit http://www.findingrefuge.com/ in January to see how you too can help end child slavery in Ghana!

That dinner with the Tutu’s was another special time like the lunch at their home in Cape Town, breakfasts in the dining hall, and our joint birthday party on the ship with our extended family. We invited them to come and conveniently had the party in a stateroom right across from theirs. Several birthdays were celebrated that evening including Arch’s, Leah’s, our daughter, Kate’s, our friend, Jack’s, their daughter’s, our hostess, Salle’s, and mine.

Our extended family birthday party in October

Arch has given several speeches or talks while on board including the welcoming, the blessings, and prayers at the memorial service for the student who died, the invocation for another student who almost died from Malaria and finally, the graduation convocation. He had the final word on the panel on world religions recently when he summed it all up by referring to one of his best friends, the Dali Lama. “This man is one of the holiest men I have ever met. He holds no anger despite being forced into exile for more than 50 years. I could not go up to him and say, ‘Man, you should become a Christian!’ It is important to be accepting of all the great religions of the world. They all follow the Golden Rule and believe in a Supreme Being.”

After giving a lovely speech about hope for the future at the convocation , Arch said, “I bet you’re wondering when God is coming into this. Well, here comes GOD!” Arch asked those at the convocation, “Why does God let things happen like the Holocaust, the Burmese occupation, the Tutsi massacre?” Because God waits for human intervention. He (God) says, “You are unique. Help me do what you can do. I know you are fantastic and you will be my partner to change the world so that it is more compassionate.” “Please help me,” says God. “Please, please, please,” said Arch as walked of the stage.

The Tutu's and Michele and Barack Obama

I have read just two of his books and want to read more of them. Archbishop Tutu is one of God’s special gifts to this world. And his wife, Leah, always at his side, and activist in her own right, is another. Their children and grandchildren continue in their paths. What a fantastic family! What a fantastic gift to the shipboard community!