(Second posting. I lost the majority of this post when I tried to post on the web page).
Hello, everyone! I know I don't post very often, life has a way of getting in the way of things we enjoy and do!
Well, Spring is on it's way here, and for me, it can't come soon enough! I have a theory that the spring storms are much worse than the winter ones! Cold, wet, blowy, cold, did I mention cold?
I've been spending the last few weeks preparing for a departure from where I'm currently residing. Which, as I should mention, is my brothers' place here in Papakura, South Auckland, New Zealand. I was living with my elderly father as his care-giver, chief cook and bottlewasher, but that blew up in my face.
So, after a few months living in a caravan park in Dargaville, I contacted my sister and asked if anyone in the family could put me up. The only one to offer me a roof and a bed was my brother, the next one down from me. I was very grateful for that!
So, I've been here some months, since March, if I remember clearly. Now, the Restlessness is on me again. Unlike so very many others, it seems that is my 'fate', my 'karma', my mission to go wherever it seems that I am needed, to help in some way someone who needs it.
I keep looking out the window, watching the cold wind blowing leaves and raindrops past my window. I'm waiting for the warm weather to hurry up and arrive. Have you ever had to hitchike or walk any long distances in the wet weather? You don't want to, unless you have a shower and dry clothes to come 'home' to. On many occasions, I have not had that luxury.
But experience has taught me well. I now carry firelighting and shelter gear. I now carry water and food supplies with me. Basic backpacking stuff, but carbohydrate and protien rich, as I can afford them. It's amazing how a warm meal, however basic, can lift the spirits and sooth aching muscles as you sit in the darkness.
I'll be heading south. I feel a 'call', (?) to go south. There's a lot of my own country I haven't seen yet, so I'll be in no hurry. I heard someone say once, 'When men walk, angels talk to them'. I don't know if that's true or not, but you feel much closer to the Divine when away from the distractions of cities, towns, and 'civilisation'.
So now, I wait and prepare as best I can. The task ahead is very daunting, because quite frankly, like Jonah and Abraham, I don't want to do it. I'm 51 years old. I have aches and pains in my hips and legs. I want a place to settle down, somewhere I can call my own, somewhere I can call 'home'. I don't want to be 'homeless' anymore. That was fine when I was a younger man, but I feel the time slipping out of my hands, quicker every year.
Time will tell. This was a time of rest before the next chapter begins. I'm intimidated and exhilirated, all at the same time. I don't want to go, but at the same time I can't wait to go.
Pray for me, please.
Your Brother,
Reverend Ra.