May 2014 EMER Convention in Israel

Last May I attended the Europe and Middle East Region (EMER) Convention and Regional Assembly meeting in Israel. From the time I left my home in Ireland until I returned, I was in fellowship almost the entire time. This was the trip of a lifetime!

The first morning after we arrived, a few of us attended a local English-speaking SA meeting. I was amazed to be in an SA meeting in Jerusalem with so many Orthodox Jews in attendance. We also connected daily with other SA members. One member gave 10 of us a guided tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. Because of the city’s strong religious connections, I felt an ease in connecting with a Higher Power.

On the first evening of the convention, I attended an early bird meeting. More than 30 members attended, including eight of us from Ireland. The fellowship was great, but when retiring that night, I had a burning desire to share my difficulties with codependency and same-sex lust. I prayed, wrote a Step Ten, and then prayed that I would meet the right person to share it with.

I went to the lobby, but as everyone was in conversation, I paused and again prayed. When I turned around, another SA member was standing right next to me. We started talking and we were soon identifying with each other on the very thing I had written. So I asked if I could share my Tenth Step with him, and I did—and I felt welcome acceptance that he could identify with my problems.

On the first morning of the convention, I needed some “me” time, so I decided to visit the Holocaust Museum. After this experience and the previous night’s activities, I felt quite emotional. For the next couple of days, I felt both gratitude and sadness and I had many tearful moments. However, I’ve learned from other members that it is important for my recovery to express my feelings. I cried as I was hugged by a kind member who encouraged me to accept the discomfort of my same-sex lust and to see this as a deep need in me wanting to heal. I was encouraged to see myself being cradled by God in His loving arms.

The convention was exhilarating: meetings, speakers, and fellowship throughout the day. Then came the entertainment—just what my Higher Power ordered: a singing/dancing fest of Israeli music with other men in a safe and loving environment. This was quite healing for me.

I also felt emotional at the closing ceremony, as the representatives of the Regional Assembly from many countries shared their joy of being involved in the convention. One member, when asked where he was from, pronounced from the microphone, “Heaven,” and a nearby Jewish member uttered, “Of your understanding!” He then invited all those with a year or more of sobriety to stand. As I stood and looked around the hall, I felt grateful for everyone present.

When the convention ended, three of us Irish members joined members from Spain, England, Israel, Poland, and Belgium to spend one night at a 10-day Recovery Camp on the shores of Galilee. Upon arriving, everyone helped set up camp—a wonderful experience of fellowship!

The following morning we had early prayers and ate a light breakfast. Camp duties were next, and a number of us were then given the task of cleaning the public toilets. Part of our program was to leave places in a better condition than when we arrived, and with enthusiastic fellowship, even this proved enjoyable—we were even late for a 9 a.m. meeting!

Afterwards I participated in a meditation exercise. We met in a circle, read Step Eleven, and recited the Serenity Prayer and the St. Francis Prayer. Next, we went for a short walk—walking slowly, silently, and mindfully. When we returned we shared our thoughts on the experience. There was a great feeling of togetherness. Afterward, we still had time for a dip before the 11:00 meeting. After lunch we prepared for our flight home to the Emerald Isle.

Thank you Israel for fellowship, love, and such a warm welcome; for the enhanced fellowship with my Irish buddies; and for the opportunity to connect with members from other countries. This entire trip was quite healing for me. Most of all, I thank God for the time of my life.