CAs programme of group visits and exchanges flows from a primary aim of the organisation; to develop multi-cultural understanding and friendship in a spirit of sharing so that a new focus and energy is generated for action towards human development and wholeness. Christians Aware works within a broadly-based, but clearly Biblical framework which seeks to be respectful of, and in dialogue with, people holding other religious views.

None of the visits and exchanges are conventional tourist holidays, although on the initiative of our hosts and sometimes in response to earlier requests from group members, important places and activities of tourist interest may be included in the programme in ways aimed at enhancing mutual understanding.

Each visit usually lasts for 2-3 weeks; here inevitably there is some compromise between the availability and budgets of members and the need to spend enough time with hosts for both sides to gain the most from the trip. The basis of the visit is mutual learning, in which members are, firstly, learners and respecters of the host culture rather than (often unwittingly) cultural imperialists (!). The last applies especially to people from the so-called "developed" countries visiting countries in the "Two Thirds World". But the principle of reciprocity and mutual regard applies world wide.

Often the best ways of sharing and learning together are through shared activities of various kinds, e.g., conferences, work camps, exchanges between churches or dioceses and involvement in local community projects. The scope is very wide here, but the crucial starting point for a visit must always be an initiative, and invitation, from the hosts. Such proposals for a visit, and some outline ideas for its aims and content, may arise through contacts made at conferences, colleges or on earlier visits and exchanges, between individuals in the host group and the leader of the proposed visiting group.

However, while curiosity- may prove a big part of the motive for tour members to join a visit to a particular country/place/community, the "human zoo" syndrome must at all costs be avoided at all stages in the programme. This means that in every visit or exchange, close attention must be given to preparation on the part of group members and hosts, and to opportunities during the visit for visitors and hosts to reflect together on the appropriateness of the programme, and. also to proper evaluation after the visit by both parties.

Wherever possible, visits and exchanges should not be "one -off' events, but intended as part of a series of visits, perhaps over several years. In this way, a deeper mutual understanding and respect, caring and co-operation can be developed. However, political events may work to compromise this ideal in certain instances. Moreover, under no circumstances should visits be suggested, or visit programmes arranged, or contacts made which will in any way place the hosts in a difficult, or even dangerous situation. Again, our "cue" in planning and managing the visits should primarily be taken from our hosts.

This is not to say that difficulties and tensions will not arise: they can, and they will, on every visit: yet by meeting such problems in discussion together -and this includes letters, taxes and sometimes phone calls before the visit- many would-be problems may be avoided, and such difficulties as do arise may be seen by both tour members and hosts on a creative "learning curve".

In any visit, tour group members and hosts will start out with their perceptions of each other, and their own expectations of the visit. Close attention to the information and education of these perceptions and expectations before, during and after the visit for all involved is crucial to the removal of as much prejudice and misunderstanding as possible and for the inculcation of creative and responsive attitudes of each to the other. This is not easy, and there is bound to be misinformation, misunderstanding and mistakes. If, however, these can be resolved in the preparation stage, or as soon as possible at the start of, or promptly during, the visit, much greater mutual benefit will ensue.

The difference between CA visits and many conventional types of holiday is between pilgrimage and tourism. Rather than trying to see, do, "consume" and "commoditise" as many people, places and cultures in the shortest time possible in a process in which natural curiosity becomes more like voyeurism which dehumanises; we should seek to be more open to cultural adventure, embracing some "reasonable!" measure of risk with a willingness to be more "vulnerable" and less cocooned by the cult of celebrating modem, Western conveniences! Paradoxically, it is in this position of "hazard", even weakness, hassle and uncertainty, through delightful surprises and sharing of both special and very ordinary things, that the real joys of encounter and mutual enrichment are often found. Our God is God of the unexpected! In other words, less travel in the spirit of the archetypal wanderer and fugitive Cain, and more of the true spirit of the traveller and spiritual pilgrim in Abraham. G.K. Chesterton once summed up the contrast very succinctly, if perhaps a little oversimply: "The tourist comes to see what (s)he wants to see: the visitor comes to see what is there."

Clearly, for a variety of reasons, not everyone among the hosts or the visitors will be able or willing to enter into this spirit of pilgrimage all at once. Personalities, experiences and responses differ, and it often takes most of us many years -as eloquently described, for example, by Laurens van de Post, in his books;

"Before we truly become pilgrims, travelling with mind-set that Jesus or Paul and their companions must have had on their journeys two millennia ago".

Come to think of it, Abraham, over 2000 years before that had quite a few challenging experiences on his way, through which he came to receive more of God's blessings.

Pilgrimage travel, whether in a 'religious' or 'secular' context, flows from a prayerful wonder at God's glory, creativity and amazing gifts of grace, and a responsive attitude of gratitude.