The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I came into this forum last year after going through the Alanon Traditions on this MIP board. i was so impressed. I learned stuff through interacting with the fine people doing this task. At this end of the world keeping Alanon going does take a lot of patience and I feel we need all the help we can get!
This is the first time i attended an AA, Alanon assembly in Bluff. Bluff is a seaport and fishing port backing onto the South Pole, more or less. 200 years ago visitors came ashore bring rum and tobacco. They were looking for seal skins and flax- and for many coming here was a chance for a new beginning.
Like most outposts the levels of addiction here are fairly high. My grandfather was raised here and we still have family in the town. My family did not escape the ravages of the booze.
The local Kai Tahu tribe have a complex here-a marae. I huge dining hall and a carved meeting house. I slept overnight. it was great to sleep in a house with recovering alcoholics- instead of, as a kid, having the head of the household 'under the influence'. There was a banquet- and as I said they were treatinging alkies, and family members, as if they were kings and queens. We had all the local [and very expensive] delicacies such as paua [abelone] and oysters.
The 12 step programme has grown in leaps and bounds- and the bounty is a reflection of the gratitude of members. It shows that the programme can reach into any community.
At the opposite end of the spectrum I can listen and learn here on MIP Alanon. I can look on the wider world of recovery. it is a great honour! Thanks!
What a wonderful post..I love hearing from various parts of the world. We truly are all connected and I am happy to hear about the recovery growth in your region
Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for your share, David. :)
I think one of the wonderful things I get to see from attending assemblies and conventions for AA and Al-Anon is just how much dang FUN we can all have - and not a drop of alcohol is needed.
