Eastern Region Leaders Visit New Brunswick

By Dwight Rudisuela, Ottawa

Grand Falls District meeting with Eastern Region leaders
(Photographed by Glenn Turner)


From August 9-12, Eastern Region leaders Glenn Turner and Koichi Paxton visited the practitioners in several cities in New Brunswick Chapter including Fredericton, Grand Falls, Edmundston and Saint John. The trip involved meeting with people individually as well as attending two district meetings. 

At the Grand Falls district meeting, there were 18 people including one guest and at the Rising Tide district in Saint John, 12 people attended including two guests. The meetings were lively with members’ sharing personal experiences about using the practice of Buddhism in their life, singing and encouragement to study for the upcoming basics of Buddhism study exam.

Grand Falls District leader Francine Morneault said, “Despite being the first time for some of us to meet Glenn and Koichi, everyone was comfortable and at ease. There was a sense of close friendship. Glenn’s experience gave us the hope that by chanting for others we can improve our own lives. For myself the visit has awakened a happier avenue in my personal life. Grand Falls District practitioners expressed their joy from the visit and how they are looking forward to next year’s visit.” 

Rising Tide District leader Kris Trotter said, "As a remote garden appreciates the arrival of bees, so we appreciated Glenn and Koichi's visit! We deeply appreciate their time, energy, wisdom and bodhisattva spirit as they travelled from person to person, district to district, with encouragement, gifts, ideas and guidance. Since their visit we have had even more cohesive, inspiring, joyful meetings. Rising Tide District is determined to challenge the study exam together, and to grow in size and unity!”