tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27645892031548618802024-02-02T23:01:12.043+13:00Concentric CirclesSheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comBlogger466125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-87289415415090999362023-06-26T16:01:00.000+12:002023-06-26T16:01:21.280+12:00Caravan of Selves 12: 70-77 Years 2015-2022 <div class="separator">A lot can happen in seven years! In this chapter of life - birth, death, aging (of course!), a global pandemic, moving house - and still managing lots of lovely holidays.</div><p>Because I started my Blog in 2011 this episode of <i>Caravan of Selves</i> covers years I have already Blogged about. So to summarise even more I will include here just bullet points from each year with a photo or two.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2015</span></p><p>#Ageing: turning 70 was certainly a landmark. I decided to walk with Anthea around the Orewa Estuary and talk about memories I have of each decade of my life. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0GpUdSSD7_PvN2XqGG9r6u0obVvG-PxoF2rN4rFe8bgzqpGb8BJrLL4N4MKHgOy8prw5g59aN2cdsVmmIu5IGh9jCID1_Mlu1MZaboFsJLpSDvlMqzAkMX7maRogs7miYpyJPqfFDsciLWdANZ0_CYfUEEKKA4nMOBLizR9erVxFbrRbucI_5Gxg/s1280/IMG_1053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0GpUdSSD7_PvN2XqGG9r6u0obVvG-PxoF2rN4rFe8bgzqpGb8BJrLL4N4MKHgOy8prw5g59aN2cdsVmmIu5IGh9jCID1_Mlu1MZaboFsJLpSDvlMqzAkMX7maRogs7miYpyJPqfFDsciLWdANZ0_CYfUEEKKA4nMOBLizR9erVxFbrRbucI_5Gxg/s320/IMG_1053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 September 2015</td></tr></tbody></table><p>#Holiday: A long awaited holiday in Perth - lovely city! Then on a couple of days at New Norcia Monastery, a visit to the Pinnacles and a a retreat at Shoalwater retreat centre. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8pXwlM2CC2NPBy7CZtWLW5Ye_vv8he3baPOUsUEIBjy2fRHMp5bCC1iGycmtBv5dBIHJsvIiudpTbNIWa4AZVZGD81FOgpVY229wugEUN3nuyd_WF0PQEMbJYVRrRYtitDMPlLCJusGic6YN-xh7QDOSyQo86UZBBwP9xdaXaze4GqZxQhQZSPtM/s2048/IMG_0495.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8pXwlM2CC2NPBy7CZtWLW5Ye_vv8he3baPOUsUEIBjy2fRHMp5bCC1iGycmtBv5dBIHJsvIiudpTbNIWa4AZVZGD81FOgpVY229wugEUN3nuyd_WF0PQEMbJYVRrRYtitDMPlLCJusGic6YN-xh7QDOSyQo86UZBBwP9xdaXaze4GqZxQhQZSPtM/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kings Park Perth</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVCz-qZHKBzJE11KtJdt8vcpsTuKpcHlKdLGUe6oF-GyzJpIu1XrYoNZNsUvnbGIrg3Xqb5zkaPnW6ykycjdGV-0Wyt1PmC0OatSCaA1w90yTu6LRYisoOTo7W-5t-S1b049mQ03Z7p22wiT1WQj2EHQ5U3ODWC326r7nGUzG_y2bpgZvOgnZvjjw/s2572/IMG_1174.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2110" data-original-width="2572" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVCz-qZHKBzJE11KtJdt8vcpsTuKpcHlKdLGUe6oF-GyzJpIu1XrYoNZNsUvnbGIrg3Xqb5zkaPnW6ykycjdGV-0Wyt1PmC0OatSCaA1w90yTu6LRYisoOTo7W-5t-S1b049mQ03Z7p22wiT1WQj2EHQ5U3ODWC326r7nGUzG_y2bpgZvOgnZvjjw/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Norcia Monastery<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoVpZcnnNRzyHCgLT05ndENUXE1eH4h-5U1a4hJeS5v1c3uPtItjaTolyKzkzSMEy5yZR2v8Wt_bMXIRkEePCS4h5_7uwB4QiI4B1giLvG7lS9SWHilsQfM-e_RmOTYBqSwcchH_N8Q5r5c3zjSXnhCJcIULsp8tIhJB_CGLIrKyzxKJ-f_jODVaa/s2048/IMG_0566.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoVpZcnnNRzyHCgLT05ndENUXE1eH4h-5U1a4hJeS5v1c3uPtItjaTolyKzkzSMEy5yZR2v8Wt_bMXIRkEePCS4h5_7uwB4QiI4B1giLvG7lS9SWHilsQfM-e_RmOTYBqSwcchH_N8Q5r5c3zjSXnhCJcIULsp8tIhJB_CGLIrKyzxKJ-f_jODVaa/s320/IMG_0566.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pinnacles</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz_xCevbrp2nwRVowNL4em5hXgbCmuovXOkkGgIoMsCktwme_XUAeeJVnmI_TssuOUEnRwyHu-74nbfxXB2UxoFkPT1EKGWzoYTkql9MYiIkTTMA1ocYPIQPeceE83jTlv_9CpM5bkIrQJW8070Xi-jA0EAoxmnekdR2agJ_zpPqLUw5TU90XMk1U/s2048/IMG_0606.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz_xCevbrp2nwRVowNL4em5hXgbCmuovXOkkGgIoMsCktwme_XUAeeJVnmI_TssuOUEnRwyHu-74nbfxXB2UxoFkPT1EKGWzoYTkql9MYiIkTTMA1ocYPIQPeceE83jTlv_9CpM5bkIrQJW8070Xi-jA0EAoxmnekdR2agJ_zpPqLUw5TU90XMk1U/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoalwater</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: medium;">A quote: "Anxiety is such a waste of the imagination!" </span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2016</span></p><p>#13 June: 20 years since my aneurysm. Certainly a date worth celebrating! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfALq9UMUY4MtWTch6UN8AViVMoNlx_22y8VN3egRXjd4M7-RbPcY9GOiZBHj02yQrDgkHWYU0MB2HewSzIqtnMr8IynJSq23vD-4q2fuqYELpCJr3hOyTFXsO8YinKC6OQDNgXr_4MQCPbnZOlfPamO0u3bqiKZpdrrx-2qSiOgoXXKCzAe8GSvY/s3376/IMG_2080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3376" data-original-width="2345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfALq9UMUY4MtWTch6UN8AViVMoNlx_22y8VN3egRXjd4M7-RbPcY9GOiZBHj02yQrDgkHWYU0MB2HewSzIqtnMr8IynJSq23vD-4q2fuqYELpCJr3hOyTFXsO8YinKC6OQDNgXr_4MQCPbnZOlfPamO0u3bqiKZpdrrx-2qSiOgoXXKCzAe8GSvY/s320/IMG_2080.JPG" width="222" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Rosie - the new snake pet in Sarah's house!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> #August: Holiday in Brisbane</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeMwyrF5TrkdFdrulxq-iEF09Jpq0xfdyGAyszY9SKI2EnXdl3HDGO0dn4bY0L64_2xRqjmHXPaiR51dAlcR9RlOs8J2Do2LXy5tvwGNj_SmeQvSjE-vj0tI5RifnK9jPww3y7p9taeOtUrl3hBz8HBRcB0H8iCvLjLxjzhipVfqIPpeN8Q85scnP/s3264/IMG_2109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeMwyrF5TrkdFdrulxq-iEF09Jpq0xfdyGAyszY9SKI2EnXdl3HDGO0dn4bY0L64_2xRqjmHXPaiR51dAlcR9RlOs8J2Do2LXy5tvwGNj_SmeQvSjE-vj0tI5RifnK9jPww3y7p9taeOtUrl3hBz8HBRcB0H8iCvLjLxjzhipVfqIPpeN8Q85scnP/s320/IMG_2109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Dawn</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhyPXVMv-xK01zOKyssE-qr0A5eCIguWvFVEzmKOJzidrpYNSHvY4eduQEofdxmwseWimIpUQc0YjBzOmVr2dP_NbbEE93cFvv50K2Bc6LT80WvDtiZW8ce4D1RFQTsSilYEPiPuXbBXB4DoGb10Ih7sIhfqOF97YgCm9GbHXpfsn-loJ7nliNadO/s3264/IMG_2140.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhyPXVMv-xK01zOKyssE-qr0A5eCIguWvFVEzmKOJzidrpYNSHvY4eduQEofdxmwseWimIpUQc0YjBzOmVr2dP_NbbEE93cFvv50K2Bc6LT80WvDtiZW8ce4D1RFQTsSilYEPiPuXbBXB4DoGb10Ih7sIhfqOF97YgCm9GbHXpfsn-loJ7nliNadO/s320/IMG_2140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanya and Johan showing me round!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzbxlCXT-8zR_cnS15xbWmmijFtB0qw636ePUqis8EPu78gc3bSAcKawkEUW6l-FRILPRIXJwio5jPd-XoAA0IEhszMagrPqwXyRE1XLOM0mQAuK_N0d0cHn0GZynWZJaosfMPjkPhGAC1prpOYBy8XCE8U2RT1dlErT_bdcPV0j-dEgTuZ0bmiDD/s700/WTBR_20160805_d2923f17-10b1-40b0-8dbe-8b0e7814414a_T1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="700" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzbxlCXT-8zR_cnS15xbWmmijFtB0qw636ePUqis8EPu78gc3bSAcKawkEUW6l-FRILPRIXJwio5jPd-XoAA0IEhszMagrPqwXyRE1XLOM0mQAuK_N0d0cHn0GZynWZJaosfMPjkPhGAC1prpOYBy8XCE8U2RT1dlErT_bdcPV0j-dEgTuZ0bmiDD/s320/WTBR_20160805_d2923f17-10b1-40b0-8dbe-8b0e7814414a_T1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah with Bodhi, Harlan and Leo and the Brisbane Eye</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> <b><span style="font-size: large;"> 2017</span></b></p><div>#I decided I needed something different to do as I gradually reduce my private practice. In March I trained with <i>English Language Partners</i> and was matched with a learner from Korea. I thoroughly enjoyed my 18 months of helping her improve her spoken English<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8NRa_w7PCkVLK_WURlpg9MRVn177FY-TU3iJaaCbj0lXGo7x16kzpSt1rMBQqsd47t-kKBTc1UcWBPGvbnDN790rhiNcdItY-IVI8-b3qptI1dnYzjC3DH8exI2PoK4t3NofyUK88BGO-K7WVgUmJX-yegSHNMBSv6yaMgUW8AcTlKsFf2ZCu7DN/s2576/IMG_0708.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8NRa_w7PCkVLK_WURlpg9MRVn177FY-TU3iJaaCbj0lXGo7x16kzpSt1rMBQqsd47t-kKBTc1UcWBPGvbnDN790rhiNcdItY-IVI8-b3qptI1dnYzjC3DH8exI2PoK4t3NofyUK88BGO-K7WVgUmJX-yegSHNMBSv6yaMgUW8AcTlKsFf2ZCu7DN/s320/IMG_0708.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christina and me at her home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>#Peter and Gwenyth both began to need more care and moved into an independent apartment at North Haven. Fortunately this Bupa facility is near here so I could visit often.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsyFaiCLRLhj-QfN6bxmGOAn5EXUL0__lCLqrbiwrZTGeh3AavTnO9e9rvwl0iAiOQki_CwZhhMLrDASdTP8f3yuAS0fRGh8U4DU2m6yane2YOk7FTVAiw1IM5jj12-BX1Zk_rVUV5euma0GFHBrGcREU_T_xlT_mIw_dkhdLrTciU4e2cwKgKcAo/s3229/IMG_1266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2675" data-original-width="3229" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsyFaiCLRLhj-QfN6bxmGOAn5EXUL0__lCLqrbiwrZTGeh3AavTnO9e9rvwl0iAiOQki_CwZhhMLrDASdTP8f3yuAS0fRGh8U4DU2m6yane2YOk7FTVAiw1IM5jj12-BX1Zk_rVUV5euma0GFHBrGcREU_T_xlT_mIw_dkhdLrTciU4e2cwKgKcAo/s320/IMG_1266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter and Gwenyth - North Haven</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /></div><div>#Holidays: </div><div>Rotorua in January:</div><div>We had previously done most of the boiling mud and Geysers! So some other Rotorua choices this time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN0PFRR4Jl-aL81cq0Q9-4Qph5Rx4v0rq7scTG3AZoV2ogdjjUeVPwbTgCXfm9l2S1vA0mE1m2ztUNcveQ5K8o9FmNoPe4HzJY918xiraaLo82z4PzULOXBDD6-J8GUqkbhNWBI7g6D8ky9SX9kKwgC1R5FqwEeziOm78PPvOvh5GmVKKxHEU9nM_/s3404/IMG_0396.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2553" data-original-width="3404" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN0PFRR4Jl-aL81cq0Q9-4Qph5Rx4v0rq7scTG3AZoV2ogdjjUeVPwbTgCXfm9l2S1vA0mE1m2ztUNcveQ5K8o9FmNoPe4HzJY918xiraaLo82z4PzULOXBDD6-J8GUqkbhNWBI7g6D8ky9SX9kKwgC1R5FqwEeziOm78PPvOvh5GmVKKxHEU9nM_/s320/IMG_0396.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amphibious Duck Boat on the Blue Lake<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5PBfnHt0C5biyendQpATGHzWtwv9-UYsWgxO5Kn5vbz9MypdNTHxYX-mt_x0rerUllIDcgPxK5lD3dQqwruynsEFdxFdw3YFPe78JAabb4rcYsM9k1NBke3j40rkFtS5XLUTTfOSeP9xOqWSuKcMVT1Kx1aqkNrukESZwNm7YRFZwu_N2Y0dkjoW/s4032/IMG_0425.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5PBfnHt0C5biyendQpATGHzWtwv9-UYsWgxO5Kn5vbz9MypdNTHxYX-mt_x0rerUllIDcgPxK5lD3dQqwruynsEFdxFdw3YFPe78JAabb4rcYsM9k1NBke3j40rkFtS5XLUTTfOSeP9xOqWSuKcMVT1Kx1aqkNrukESZwNm7YRFZwu_N2Y0dkjoW/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthea at the top of the Tree CanopyWalk in the Redwood forest. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor2Im3C7miwFe_jGUg-2bcARDiCp2nUdffKt_STkyZZeIeTDf1GG7T_lMSW3MpeUFyaiqmo8JQLDkw4vTimu5wjJqqJIJyrBl_9JjUV4P3wdFK5wl6YxEobZ6BQwsSF6-28hZI20ftadlSR44EPUGqaGAr8A5YFa_YzH-yOu3sknMdpSQk1mED_h1/s3693/IMG_0388.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2770" data-original-width="3693" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor2Im3C7miwFe_jGUg-2bcARDiCp2nUdffKt_STkyZZeIeTDf1GG7T_lMSW3MpeUFyaiqmo8JQLDkw4vTimu5wjJqqJIJyrBl_9JjUV4P3wdFK5wl6YxEobZ6BQwsSF6-28hZI20ftadlSR44EPUGqaGAr8A5YFa_YzH-yOu3sknMdpSQk1mED_h1/s320/IMG_0388.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scene in the Rotorua Bible Museum - sadly, now closed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sydney in November: Our reason for going was the "<i>Vivid</i>" light display. But Sydney is beautiful in the daytime too!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcj5ao1CsjmHpFE44o_5kGuWGz6VbQvcfKcTYsXfa2CQNmyYW4ghkv1kAsoEvn9vY7s3aKJbpJryVXp_LdyzVMyUbwwl1Oxi9_ny9uZ33kHxz-BNL1umhsJV0n4lVPlTS8F7w_lHrbCdf9XIFT5TDHZJlsCy4NXMZ72CD1CIyFDVCUtRFvkURxrjY/s1644/IMG_0827.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1644" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcj5ao1CsjmHpFE44o_5kGuWGz6VbQvcfKcTYsXfa2CQNmyYW4ghkv1kAsoEvn9vY7s3aKJbpJryVXp_LdyzVMyUbwwl1Oxi9_ny9uZ33kHxz-BNL1umhsJV0n4lVPlTS8F7w_lHrbCdf9XIFT5TDHZJlsCy4NXMZ72CD1CIyFDVCUtRFvkURxrjY/s320/IMG_0827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many light variations on the Opera House.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR0OgGqhfj7GhUADH5q2Cd7FEIUNLlp2bbyg3h9BpmXCTQVCszxwWZ3LcbjeOlmybUUehOzvELtgdLhKCe6RahQ-P6ZowCkAtRHcsQejS-D7IX9ckI50VZNV1EuOjWdB4f2Xx6ES45J_bGbwK_8b0Srah-hYlgC0jw2R4xvzlqP2mpnrFyMZy3PR1/s4032/IMG_0908.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR0OgGqhfj7GhUADH5q2Cd7FEIUNLlp2bbyg3h9BpmXCTQVCszxwWZ3LcbjeOlmybUUehOzvELtgdLhKCe6RahQ-P6ZowCkAtRHcsQejS-D7IX9ckI50VZNV1EuOjWdB4f2Xx6ES45J_bGbwK_8b0Srah-hYlgC0jw2R4xvzlqP2mpnrFyMZy3PR1/s320/IMG_0908.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popping across the harbour on a ferry is very easy!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><div> <span style="font-size: large;"> <b> </b><b>2018</b></span></div><div>#South Island holiday in March: Christchurch, Tekapo, Hanmer Springs</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ryYZ_V0HoG3fYTgOnEl5v6MZQeRgV4Hh6siTHQpP4JiNss3kKepur2rh3s8CLrxYPlmYMdh7dh_fHVILYp_4gWbRD6pEC-iu_opjcqS8QeawsgQtiwBjFR3_LVoqVAO1B_YDyNcBknc5d3teNnz5X81rAobw1GVpLgRGUuloYZCiYOYVvQVIk9E0/s4032/IMG_2440.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ryYZ_V0HoG3fYTgOnEl5v6MZQeRgV4Hh6siTHQpP4JiNss3kKepur2rh3s8CLrxYPlmYMdh7dh_fHVILYp_4gWbRD6pEC-iu_opjcqS8QeawsgQtiwBjFR3_LVoqVAO1B_YDyNcBknc5d3teNnz5X81rAobw1GVpLgRGUuloYZCiYOYVvQVIk9E0/s320/IMG_2440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial Wall for those who died in Christchurch earthquakes 2011</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpHV7K1a7JRR6FNeY1G08PdIYohjjXUuQZPAr6T1CUOQDKtPwEO26FnouLj89Y1FaNgZ9VAPCqzZha3K24dPMaX4VhGXU5zMOtb6OI1yT9HvXlFLEpV2iU9i-Xv6KT8ADbPKdwvdWC89n8rN4dFrm11gMViw40T-ZwdrWLk32jHmRD_cIn7yJ-xqg/s4032/IMG_1018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpHV7K1a7JRR6FNeY1G08PdIYohjjXUuQZPAr6T1CUOQDKtPwEO26FnouLj89Y1FaNgZ9VAPCqzZha3K24dPMaX4VhGXU5zMOtb6OI1yT9HvXlFLEpV2iU9i-Xv6KT8ADbPKdwvdWC89n8rN4dFrm11gMViw40T-ZwdrWLk32jHmRD_cIn7yJ-xqg/s320/IMG_1018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous lake Tekapo!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTb-GWsRJG3HQGAPQ6Yi3u9Qb9nWlG-dT9ayvrKrgsNhCXjITnnC26YGAVlH9z2g85fxQIJjBSYKeNE7RPM3B3TT_Z98ZhAIM5liV84BGq0CWFyNRn4d2iJH6ErqZRBNRSii9IDIKflPXesOEwMvepkUENDbl3MDulDLPIP-CPYpCgkdIgAbnh1_oD/s439/Church%20@%20Lake%20Tekapo.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="439" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTb-GWsRJG3HQGAPQ6Yi3u9Qb9nWlG-dT9ayvrKrgsNhCXjITnnC26YGAVlH9z2g85fxQIJjBSYKeNE7RPM3B3TT_Z98ZhAIM5liV84BGq0CWFyNRn4d2iJH6ErqZRBNRSii9IDIKflPXesOEwMvepkUENDbl3MDulDLPIP-CPYpCgkdIgAbnh1_oD/s320/Church%20@%20Lake%20Tekapo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well known view from Church of the Good Shepherd, Tekapo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wqrnKMdrC8JIJtrlrJmVnNVz-IYkwujyzUplYC4sosvRlKjT4CH5Qkp4nqiz71vCZ7cYtML3puCCfrB5SYPFnFz-KpYOJ46deRVv-K_bmmwcWGky88Vj13DKvHKUnX-S7VSv4j3zQdYaG3KiKo0swCk8t8kqN-zhnFALjvBpDELw9OdkXxmSPMru/s2564/20180308_203017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1939" data-original-width="2564" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wqrnKMdrC8JIJtrlrJmVnNVz-IYkwujyzUplYC4sosvRlKjT4CH5Qkp4nqiz71vCZ7cYtML3puCCfrB5SYPFnFz-KpYOJ46deRVv-K_bmmwcWGky88Vj13DKvHKUnX-S7VSv4j3zQdYaG3KiKo0swCk8t8kqN-zhnFALjvBpDELw9OdkXxmSPMru/s320/20180308_203017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Good Shepherd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14JSn6sNOZAme6MPz5TXzxPDiZi6ItB9fAr7JsHpzRMUuU4ude9iQGHtvuMv37337i-RMStaYXMyMivGsODfy9YL3z6KBNw4vdVwPHKM2fR9LyWDTJMDhq6tTfOovzxiSCb115HNgRWZQ4i13M1x2JwQ2axJRzygbF74g1QHAM9LE1cyA2KnWe-1b/s3744/IMG_2404.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2807" data-original-width="3744" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14JSn6sNOZAme6MPz5TXzxPDiZi6ItB9fAr7JsHpzRMUuU4ude9iQGHtvuMv37337i-RMStaYXMyMivGsODfy9YL3z6KBNw4vdVwPHKM2fR9LyWDTJMDhq6tTfOovzxiSCb115HNgRWZQ4i13M1x2JwQ2axJRzygbF74g1QHAM9LE1cyA2KnWe-1b/s320/IMG_2404.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasman Glacier boat trip on a grey day!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CRRdGtT6P6U1t2-702owsSlqste8ExvNzhMmpp80OkMhbemgAE8WDa8MwHTUQDmcSqjykkYF-dfHz7PzVcEAa0aSwAfdfkUitxWeoUVquVq0v5OYiBpATXHYPSw78svsRWV84svz0xILsgZKoaG6VXmcZLxSsqE9OvifKHr3bZkHSc6MkdFGJoSN/s4032/IMG_2460.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CRRdGtT6P6U1t2-702owsSlqste8ExvNzhMmpp80OkMhbemgAE8WDa8MwHTUQDmcSqjykkYF-dfHz7PzVcEAa0aSwAfdfkUitxWeoUVquVq0v5OYiBpATXHYPSw78svsRWV84svz0xILsgZKoaG6VXmcZLxSsqE9OvifKHr3bZkHSc6MkdFGJoSN/s320/IMG_2460.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dip in the lovely pools at the Hanmer Springs Spa</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw9iEMbl1lft1S_j0FYkshKxnySKm9xqGA3a4wzk_mPASMeyhUPZdA45AyIQOJFATy23jOVtkdKB68m27gB4yWu_QroWpBm7uKz0UmstbWXRk5scwmcuGnD1p9Bq45_AjXGggqiq54Ffp0x0YyH4AJEzJ_a5IBdwtgdl3uw9PLfARfLmjpq91YVML/s4032/IMG_2450.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw9iEMbl1lft1S_j0FYkshKxnySKm9xqGA3a4wzk_mPASMeyhUPZdA45AyIQOJFATy23jOVtkdKB68m27gB4yWu_QroWpBm7uKz0UmstbWXRk5scwmcuGnD1p9Bq45_AjXGggqiq54Ffp0x0YyH4AJEzJ_a5IBdwtgdl3uw9PLfARfLmjpq91YVML/s320/IMG_2450.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We recommend this motel!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>#My atrial fibrillation issues meant a night in hospital and new medication. (No photos of this!!)</div><div><br /></div><div>#Merrie and Marty's 80th birthday celebration. A photo of us four siblings on that occasion was the last photo we have all together.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8iJDQbv2oE1AWNfmMaq7Q3IpmD1nDJ2Fu2z3yWUzP0ln4MWu_qU8-zynUZVThkKYQxgjUwjo0fKVvuQ3WKToZfsZacDmXrifVzinLgXpk8IU9yQKwp8OsHdpdcCcGVQUR0bic5d-JKqct-RxpKICaF3g169Gd-KPrS2TCEIwFfD1OevRxv7vhIsR/s2736/IMG_2556.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1954" data-original-width="2736" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8iJDQbv2oE1AWNfmMaq7Q3IpmD1nDJ2Fu2z3yWUzP0ln4MWu_qU8-zynUZVThkKYQxgjUwjo0fKVvuQ3WKToZfsZacDmXrifVzinLgXpk8IU9yQKwp8OsHdpdcCcGVQUR0bic5d-JKqct-RxpKICaF3g169Gd-KPrS2TCEIwFfD1OevRxv7vhIsR/s320/IMG_2556.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter, Merrie, Sheila, Andrew</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>#Burleigh Heads holiday on the Gold Coast of Australia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWxkO7gmJrGrXB6nHqtuvPUK2frxf6tF82MIfD8rCMkIs5W-qjNwdwPCReBrw8fzmh87jli0nYsZCj4_calBLRBzAETsxoChJ8y82JgswsLbNYTSR1y9YpSdl2gunokyijSYJJJkZO5U5cVZpQ05vudjW7SKxwDiqhNmGLWlLgDEZV48DsRG-tDMs/s1967/IMG_1118.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="1967" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWxkO7gmJrGrXB6nHqtuvPUK2frxf6tF82MIfD8rCMkIs5W-qjNwdwPCReBrw8fzmh87jli0nYsZCj4_calBLRBzAETsxoChJ8y82JgswsLbNYTSR1y9YpSdl2gunokyijSYJJJkZO5U5cVZpQ05vudjW7SKxwDiqhNmGLWlLgDEZV48DsRG-tDMs/s320/IMG_1118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside our Motel at Burleigh Heads. Gold Coast in background.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>#Andrews death 3rd November after five short weeks of illness with a brain tumour.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbd_LfvJhBWr3PJa8iLIZaqWoyymrUHebQK9Tda61C-TO-ewYMpAvbf8eObzAFDie7n7iGGzKLRwvuO0lFw4MMepJhavOVBCaaYPHoGMKKbG-bh0rnZjJ3oTkW0nf_qtvVzAL7EmsU2hgKfSFD9AHCu-xxxrhtgOSHmLS0gPt34qmU_IfHJ1P8AQq/s4032/IMG_3052.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbd_LfvJhBWr3PJa8iLIZaqWoyymrUHebQK9Tda61C-TO-ewYMpAvbf8eObzAFDie7n7iGGzKLRwvuO0lFw4MMepJhavOVBCaaYPHoGMKKbG-bh0rnZjJ3oTkW0nf_qtvVzAL7EmsU2hgKfSFD9AHCu-xxxrhtgOSHmLS0gPt34qmU_IfHJ1P8AQq/s320/IMG_3052.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew and Lynn just after his diagnosis.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>#Lydia (Andrew and Lynn's daughter) married Phil just two weeks after he died.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitEyDyI6vwD2j3Qn045Tt26V4TohNNFXgNXFf9G-IIxmkEoBHdkzG2BW2IwJr7R7cG8p3CsxV-gvScGSHIXZCLBqUJVP0MT5J-Usfjx-7aEbWBi_g3_yqtbErMACp2cVvOKhXTD860oIMard2pLQA5XU1RI7HeCoy4XYt1vEl1_xETbGwjsIuqENu/s2016/Wedding%20Blessing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitEyDyI6vwD2j3Qn045Tt26V4TohNNFXgNXFf9G-IIxmkEoBHdkzG2BW2IwJr7R7cG8p3CsxV-gvScGSHIXZCLBqUJVP0MT5J-Usfjx-7aEbWBi_g3_yqtbErMACp2cVvOKhXTD860oIMard2pLQA5XU1RI7HeCoy4XYt1vEl1_xETbGwjsIuqENu/s320/Wedding%20Blessing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew didn't make it to the wedding - so a preview blessing ceremony at home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>2019</span></b></div><div>#Cafe culture! More and more I'm enjoying the catch ups with friends over coffee!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gXINWpMzQzFWxax5sWmSivJXS8nunn4JUf6yupjArmN39M1yOqaJsHgjQAGmIW0MOGJ6EtVyLIDQw0UZmra1J1Dw8e9iq_JopEUjD-pQYzgkoomKr8EM5YfSEDz15nVjKMrfw8UXmCGkGHOFGWteSrnft_3Fm8E8WRpi_rb0cvp7h43ps5C4RJ40/s3264/IMG_1163.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gXINWpMzQzFWxax5sWmSivJXS8nunn4JUf6yupjArmN39M1yOqaJsHgjQAGmIW0MOGJ6EtVyLIDQw0UZmra1J1Dw8e9iq_JopEUjD-pQYzgkoomKr8EM5YfSEDz15nVjKMrfw8UXmCGkGHOFGWteSrnft_3Fm8E8WRpi_rb0cvp7h43ps5C4RJ40/s320/IMG_1163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div># Playing Scrabble with an 87year old neighbour. Unfortunately I didn't ever think to take a photo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEbulRWW4gWqm3o-_8C_WbbgzgpMyUZO8oERcWgdqCk6Jd54fNX_69n6mL9l2SkoXeVylKc7sOAb9UGA5rFOtW9c9oF5dkfpW1_KDxSmpQiNV6H2pYFFf8EkcaHpYwQzzGAzJmDTIvOSRsI-uZB9KL8aMbAlwX2cc6y6BJ-kXNLfkoXD1hKEl6Ikx/s276/download-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEbulRWW4gWqm3o-_8C_WbbgzgpMyUZO8oERcWgdqCk6Jd54fNX_69n6mL9l2SkoXeVylKc7sOAb9UGA5rFOtW9c9oF5dkfpW1_KDxSmpQiNV6H2pYFFf8EkcaHpYwQzzGAzJmDTIvOSRsI-uZB9KL8aMbAlwX2cc6y6BJ-kXNLfkoXD1hKEl6Ikx/s1600/download-1.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div># Some time ago I joined Tree Sisters - a wonderful organisation begun in the UK. So far (2019) I've "planted" 50 trees!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SExHkVC4GDkBXFA3l82doFGK_MVY8rdezNyRmPDexaaIe1CjQLsy92-vlZW-nPldJeCFwAkTLDLl2vnYRiCJbsbXGAMAStarS_w6n4fUK46RBV6NBdMM1Qu0dRzO0ZUwqeM-CewsEKSiOumFqfDRgta-dvgH42I8LaqgMGjEsGN3kRzFk0objbUa/s365/tslogo365x100-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="365" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SExHkVC4GDkBXFA3l82doFGK_MVY8rdezNyRmPDexaaIe1CjQLsy92-vlZW-nPldJeCFwAkTLDLl2vnYRiCJbsbXGAMAStarS_w6n4fUK46RBV6NBdMM1Qu0dRzO0ZUwqeM-CewsEKSiOumFqfDRgta-dvgH42I8LaqgMGjEsGN3kRzFk0objbUa/s320/tslogo365x100-1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>#Scattering Andrew's ashes at Kopua on the anniversary of his death. Star of the Sea monastery in Kopua was a special place for Andrew. He went on retreat there every year at the tiny Hermitage on the grounds.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LmipNJHBHEMjsoB5h1KBEPWiXc4n9cZZKd0QODaSt7qT18LC3Jgvh_Ryp2DrpSs6Kz9NiOe-TkKL5Txlb9ryM81Dm7yqiKZIDaV1BTP_oVzZ6KswpsmeN_rhfKz0kqt5phquupdSY3Bw95xO1KvbtSuzoJiWwD0Uf48Xv994Rq1BhKSfbIUvddat/s4032/IMG_3097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LmipNJHBHEMjsoB5h1KBEPWiXc4n9cZZKd0QODaSt7qT18LC3Jgvh_Ryp2DrpSs6Kz9NiOe-TkKL5Txlb9ryM81Dm7yqiKZIDaV1BTP_oVzZ6KswpsmeN_rhfKz0kqt5phquupdSY3Bw95xO1KvbtSuzoJiWwD0Uf48Xv994Rq1BhKSfbIUvddat/s320/IMG_3097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynn and Phil planting a Kowhai Tree outside the Hermitage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF_pR-LXdngVHboXZNjnZJgClx1e1pXru3JmmweaMOXfx73sN9Ryjl0v6HFNhkCoCT4FfN0xsSMu80RUuzC0l48-eH2b8rZoYrH5aMToxuYmMX2kRsR2WnRiHzUrImFOi38hjhcZvoUyZuVq96fb2rR8LUBvYlftRZWHrWn9Q75Gv3zZfjbcRb5nj/s4032/IMG_3103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF_pR-LXdngVHboXZNjnZJgClx1e1pXru3JmmweaMOXfx73sN9Ryjl0v6HFNhkCoCT4FfN0xsSMu80RUuzC0l48-eH2b8rZoYrH5aMToxuYmMX2kRsR2WnRiHzUrImFOi38hjhcZvoUyZuVq96fb2rR8LUBvYlftRZWHrWn9Q75Gv3zZfjbcRb5nj/s320/IMG_3103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia, Sheila, Rachel, Lynn, Anthea (Photo taken by Phil)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gWz_cD5tKQa_utkyk9aFfmENnlRqrm0UA0Ygk8bkJGBa6TWD-Rizpi7_kqen3u1Uzkj5mD7RylwiBwb0baoN3Y4NFslN20ntqKkAnP2E7RKQ7_suTeCqbE_PmDGXw3v6ZjIZM-ialmdFlKtLwPoLegllGeQJ4x4c9FA15MAZ_mUtdFABD04gFnjJ/s4032/IMG_3135.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gWz_cD5tKQa_utkyk9aFfmENnlRqrm0UA0Ygk8bkJGBa6TWD-Rizpi7_kqen3u1Uzkj5mD7RylwiBwb0baoN3Y4NFslN20ntqKkAnP2E7RKQ7_suTeCqbE_PmDGXw3v6ZjIZM-ialmdFlKtLwPoLegllGeQJ4x4c9FA15MAZ_mUtdFABD04gFnjJ/s320/IMG_3135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hermitage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div># On the way home from Kopua Anthea and I went on our own retreat at Tyburn Sisters community out of Rotorua.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42Qh2ZWtaZdA4IzTzJ6Z96qWf-Ja3nPXLc0m8MgqVcza1pZFEUhHbr5tmkJQZ0nZpsfHpfDhPYYN2cMK9d5V6nM2dD54VanWuXapKYpaSK4IPdFcqbDBbqyJxnzwEW8fNFm8r5d8-Lf42dwdLyJpK1TFbgr-3MipqdlsOQnfUWRUQ7w6XJMCyxRI9/s1200/unnamed-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42Qh2ZWtaZdA4IzTzJ6Z96qWf-Ja3nPXLc0m8MgqVcza1pZFEUhHbr5tmkJQZ0nZpsfHpfDhPYYN2cMK9d5V6nM2dD54VanWuXapKYpaSK4IPdFcqbDBbqyJxnzwEW8fNFm8r5d8-Lf42dwdLyJpK1TFbgr-3MipqdlsOQnfUWRUQ7w6XJMCyxRI9/s320/unnamed-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single (ensuite) rooms overlooking a lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wA4Y8btPZsdJJ66WG2Lq0mGqUoDnpPZsdZ9_Q0xCqSYbuxsx1939yltIF7ieChUD_mX7FgL6fohZyAIgGR4_IFeJ9jURg5mKzhHaM4FqX2xoUvkm508-Km037ZkVcL_J0Bswy79oDCsLtQQ2l4dA_OnXlzl-XA_9Cr3unUr1uZ8E2E2iW1PD0eUO/s4032/IMG_3152.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wA4Y8btPZsdJJ66WG2Lq0mGqUoDnpPZsdZ9_Q0xCqSYbuxsx1939yltIF7ieChUD_mX7FgL6fohZyAIgGR4_IFeJ9jURg5mKzhHaM4FqX2xoUvkm508-Km037ZkVcL_J0Bswy79oDCsLtQQ2l4dA_OnXlzl-XA_9Cr3unUr1uZ8E2E2iW1PD0eUO/s320/IMG_3152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIIx8dPnXN0y8jpyzUJFJwnT_CRolYlTxarsb3f7utk_T2fxulqRLrrBfHyjSCMiVDzMyKYlzKhXj7iPfaS9rIqczn3CSdgthNONAOKJBD1A5uNC5eYHtYMkFAYrDvWGMIt9OFIQzLAk-rkCoW9nIqhCztgYW3NjI1axWw-_P8R5Nuii4fWOT7v0O/s4032/IMG_3151.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIIx8dPnXN0y8jpyzUJFJwnT_CRolYlTxarsb3f7utk_T2fxulqRLrrBfHyjSCMiVDzMyKYlzKhXj7iPfaS9rIqczn3CSdgthNONAOKJBD1A5uNC5eYHtYMkFAYrDvWGMIt9OFIQzLAk-rkCoW9nIqhCztgYW3NjI1axWw-_P8R5Nuii4fWOT7v0O/s320/IMG_3151.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cross on the hill beside Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div># This was the year we began researching Retirement Villages as we sensed it might be getting closer to needing to move!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>2020</b></span></div><div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#We began the year with a wonderful cruise around NZ for seven days. The weather was perfect and the</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">cruise took us to some of the most beautiful places in our amazing country. Milford Sound, Akaroa and</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the excellent Waitangi visitor centre were among our favourite places. Little did we know that all too</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">soon cruises would be off the agenda for some time. We look back with great gratitude.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUsy5f6qdxoOtWaGkUKBYje0shQMZZapzYmnaYGejULKOugI32L4i3SV_URL28oiyQNUKDumQC7Ac_-iC9el88Srl0wMxQWrgsHo4Y3HgEf869BmUL8iCMzPRe95lJMKfxhzRi_D5stASJX2amjpKzIw4mRsrDIEnVZtqdm8t7FTBQ_HDx5vlOlrV/s4032/IMG_3239.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUsy5f6qdxoOtWaGkUKBYje0shQMZZapzYmnaYGejULKOugI32L4i3SV_URL28oiyQNUKDumQC7Ac_-iC9el88Srl0wMxQWrgsHo4Y3HgEf869BmUL8iCMzPRe95lJMKfxhzRi_D5stASJX2amjpKzIw4mRsrDIEnVZtqdm8t7FTBQ_HDx5vlOlrV/s320/IMG_3239.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waitangi Visitor Centre - welcome to the Marae</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD4cYqFtOYIvO_AJQNSrukln6FwvtJdew541eKxpH28ceVkb_YUb7qghmnO1rTdKQZ8aBMlrWHxoMEBZ619BqZQDcCtpFmvLegxyUEX2SCFqqIungLY3Bw8NoE6umjFAW_a-4v-albRwOHYCtAYsWPCuvVLY9Pk1kL-khArsToho4NeJ-qwXWeGBW/s4032/IMG_3265.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD4cYqFtOYIvO_AJQNSrukln6FwvtJdew541eKxpH28ceVkb_YUb7qghmnO1rTdKQZ8aBMlrWHxoMEBZ619BqZQDcCtpFmvLegxyUEX2SCFqqIungLY3Bw8NoE6umjFAW_a-4v-albRwOHYCtAYsWPCuvVLY9Pk1kL-khArsToho4NeJ-qwXWeGBW/s320/IMG_3265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Mitre Peak (Milford Sound) at Dawn</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEp-818i3vxik6wUYQIMk7lp6B1UYakJ3rQ98LwTEMOkl0TgYbDgJwVaibXHIhiyPMEoXvAlxiRoI-RYreeIdlRCxA5SuRmYRbi7OQe5yKgkNaleQFTloXtwDxOFvfsWxAM8ee2SdLmsSPEI_YWBMLgQDyA_WgeHVKX0X2L4AXWq3WWfwIKaqQ6F-8/s3024/IMG_3318.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3024" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEp-818i3vxik6wUYQIMk7lp6B1UYakJ3rQ98LwTEMOkl0TgYbDgJwVaibXHIhiyPMEoXvAlxiRoI-RYreeIdlRCxA5SuRmYRbi7OQe5yKgkNaleQFTloXtwDxOFvfsWxAM8ee2SdLmsSPEI_YWBMLgQDyA_WgeHVKX0X2L4AXWq3WWfwIKaqQ6F-8/s320/IMG_3318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Akaroa!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">#Selling our house! This was a major event - by the grace of God we sold it privately and bought an apartment at Evelyn Page Retirement Village - all within one week! </span></div><div>However, we had to pack the house during the first total lockdown because of Covid.</div><div>Wonderfully we were able to move to our new apartment on the date originally set.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCd-M6cMWGKRdpzubWSzRmSeJ2L-JpGaoF4_wype7FH-Z02RpyuMHhzMLQ_l__9nuR_EYhrvarl_66JhAT4hZpSLwcaV_0D3kOvruBPaHlDdRKk3ZLGWEy1pCXbGwGdwi-puOjWnTalKiVc9I-g7k-mkvP8ns6zQ37KoXTK4eGKLqaV3kIGJuD_mwS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="434" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCd-M6cMWGKRdpzubWSzRmSeJ2L-JpGaoF4_wype7FH-Z02RpyuMHhzMLQ_l__9nuR_EYhrvarl_66JhAT4hZpSLwcaV_0D3kOvruBPaHlDdRKk3ZLGWEy1pCXbGwGdwi-puOjWnTalKiVc9I-g7k-mkvP8ns6zQ37KoXTK4eGKLqaV3kIGJuD_mwS" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>#The Election</b> has been another major feature of this year. We are so blessed to live in New Zealand! Our</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has become a world renowned figure in the way she has managed the Covid </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">pandemic here. The landslide victory of the Labour Party in the election is, in part at least, due to this.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNqEochLqtShdK4jnBBNBlHdB5ERoCGGWw2plCU-hxlMVSagQiQRRpjboTqS6jdU3YDyMkgk-tkdmstcCGnhtdbskermftngb_qtRTXQeDwu9U8HisnusQeo-t87qV4rFQ0KwpzMGMfQEph60J1j9HKlYMERg7agjtVgWEjXV-QFoloe5XHl18psA/s275/images-1.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNqEochLqtShdK4jnBBNBlHdB5ERoCGGWw2plCU-hxlMVSagQiQRRpjboTqS6jdU3YDyMkgk-tkdmstcCGnhtdbskermftngb_qtRTXQeDwu9U8HisnusQeo-t87qV4rFQ0KwpzMGMfQEph60J1j9HKlYMERg7agjtVgWEjXV-QFoloe5XHl18psA/s1600/images-1.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br style="text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">#New life - and aging have both been part of this year.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha9ahCkZvU1_DrXDuEyzC9PrMXw0dcehnOrxXvB0cAATsAAucyjAPl8kTvDzQrXIQeMIuPKcor696OMGmpAYPagxZx6x4ysM28mvFULhrIj2DjC-LmZ8ohw9i4E62w0FwdbvjBpNkpfjALHF41NpwP_9e4wlWSwvN3i0TcbkuF4IGR7twj3ifuCN06" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha9ahCkZvU1_DrXDuEyzC9PrMXw0dcehnOrxXvB0cAATsAAucyjAPl8kTvDzQrXIQeMIuPKcor696OMGmpAYPagxZx6x4ysM28mvFULhrIj2DjC-LmZ8ohw9i4E62w0FwdbvjBpNkpfjALHF41NpwP_9e4wlWSwvN3i0TcbkuF4IGR7twj3ifuCN06" width="117" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia and Phil's first baby - Oscar!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCe2dn7dJOJbFfkSzou1Pr-_F2r72RpvcqfdMHHP_37IftnUrxFUM1u4y8lmCR8TIve728yQnQ9goYyYnUF4Llaf8xGWLVA_OwfXTY9pfyyb9QJseeVfShAZ4byDPqrF7ss9MvU3qU1mMCcMnC3-UORum8pcMfLJOkszulL88-rWc6eU7mjcH7ittq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCe2dn7dJOJbFfkSzou1Pr-_F2r72RpvcqfdMHHP_37IftnUrxFUM1u4y8lmCR8TIve728yQnQ9goYyYnUF4Llaf8xGWLVA_OwfXTY9pfyyb9QJseeVfShAZ4byDPqrF7ss9MvU3qU1mMCcMnC3-UORum8pcMfLJOkszulL88-rWc6eU7mjcH7ittq" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter and Gwenyth still managing a walk!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b> <span style="font-size: large;"> 2021</span></b></p><div>Covid continues but in the first few months of 2021 there was not too much disruption so we were able to go on a <i>Ship and Shore </i>trip to <i>Aotea</i> - also called <i>Great Barrier Island </i>in April<i>.</i> Wonderful to have all bookings, transport and accommodation arranged!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-imb3KFIWKTOWOl21A-0c5uAxHgUrcLDjvNj1LG8I23GMjUrG-qOeQqZdf8PtMaCnSLv3EiTNey69bA85S0zpKVegtiFZt8ytOa-4ytCpXbnN3p9LurEN6h3T5hUU_gcj3IVC2oA6SyGPjHnn1jHvysIpgNxQXhvLaqHUQLwGiwQ3gC9jzl0-KEU2/s4032/IMG_4030.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-imb3KFIWKTOWOl21A-0c5uAxHgUrcLDjvNj1LG8I23GMjUrG-qOeQqZdf8PtMaCnSLv3EiTNey69bA85S0zpKVegtiFZt8ytOa-4ytCpXbnN3p9LurEN6h3T5hUU_gcj3IVC2oA6SyGPjHnn1jHvysIpgNxQXhvLaqHUQLwGiwQ3gC9jzl0-KEU2/s320/IMG_4030.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast at one of the accommodation lodges.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxUwwg-YntK_egxqfetNpBbqq-nhMIm8TyunUwsHqGdcYRurufRL8gV88ieNIgb-FjxAmWBir47yIKrboUyLYxvdwmowMesaTCF77zUJHP8xbTJzqgqiHgZIWxb6Qg3C6VT_CMEj-QSjU_cjvRyCc75SOXQFrmb4jmXmZ_6pxDaz-YYsyocA7UbvC/s3348/IMG_4021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2225" data-original-width="3348" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxUwwg-YntK_egxqfetNpBbqq-nhMIm8TyunUwsHqGdcYRurufRL8gV88ieNIgb-FjxAmWBir47yIKrboUyLYxvdwmowMesaTCF77zUJHP8xbTJzqgqiHgZIWxb6Qg3C6VT_CMEj-QSjU_cjvRyCc75SOXQFrmb4jmXmZ_6pxDaz-YYsyocA7UbvC/s320/IMG_4021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A high point on the Island</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In August we made a short retreat at the Tyburn Abbey just over the Bombay Hills.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih1PSPwNUlEAOFZsM6KWiME8ySNQoXO0JmQZp8OZsRLaB0o5J4SpPS_EKCo9jabmfxe0K0in3OBNYyw-09btiD8ArQ_m2BIWX4c37lyYSmxxgWGdYvHB9QEn2HLQXEeHHwFHoT_Ply8s1owdOVYMdRiLOCh7-iA2vAOk0nNSHTxWHezAF5fwoe8VG/s2304/DSCF1350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih1PSPwNUlEAOFZsM6KWiME8ySNQoXO0JmQZp8OZsRLaB0o5J4SpPS_EKCo9jabmfxe0K0in3OBNYyw-09btiD8ArQ_m2BIWX4c37lyYSmxxgWGdYvHB9QEn2HLQXEeHHwFHoT_Ply8s1owdOVYMdRiLOCh7-iA2vAOk0nNSHTxWHezAF5fwoe8VG/s320/DSCF1350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A big event in 2021 was that Merrie and Marty moved to Queensland to be closer to their daughters Tanya, Sarah and Carla. This was a major move especially in the midst of various Covid restrictions.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFGiWMaQKLqtb3Wd7ay0rC_xY-A5TdTdr2-B23U2EV4uPVCfOQY5Eyl2b4iMfYZCPDvj_J5M6te0n8ofApNqDeDDhaFuK6Gf3E1kZqVFgeAkyuM1yygJOeSufcSTMA5fXLnVZsqt6o7BTt93GefIIF1oozz5ilSOtZGSCJEa_lO7NaKUX-TLElVs7/s1280/174094646_10158958346849156_1527298061966197082_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFGiWMaQKLqtb3Wd7ay0rC_xY-A5TdTdr2-B23U2EV4uPVCfOQY5Eyl2b4iMfYZCPDvj_J5M6te0n8ofApNqDeDDhaFuK6Gf3E1kZqVFgeAkyuM1yygJOeSufcSTMA5fXLnVZsqt6o7BTt93GefIIF1oozz5ilSOtZGSCJEa_lO7NaKUX-TLElVs7/s320/174094646_10158958346849156_1527298061966197082_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merrie, Tanya, Sarah, Carla, Marty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This was also the year that both Peter and Gwenyth were transferred to full time care at North Haven Hospital.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2W9qLKhsgEuX2Us7MB5vcojUaHuqpTkd2xmow-P7qFro2Ej4okdqKubY2dVj7skPc6XoaAmFH2Yh_gmA_TMj7qVsr9iA-7A__VvJxHxPEIbBW-FZ2kc-ID1dA8ENlHvMw_eLIzjHg_XklYE9wCI7V6m6p9FUSJsjTEbeb1G-cZ0XkVmytbzSsy53g/s3152/IMG_4076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2159" data-original-width="3152" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2W9qLKhsgEuX2Us7MB5vcojUaHuqpTkd2xmow-P7qFro2Ej4okdqKubY2dVj7skPc6XoaAmFH2Yh_gmA_TMj7qVsr9iA-7A__VvJxHxPEIbBW-FZ2kc-ID1dA8ENlHvMw_eLIzjHg_XklYE9wCI7V6m6p9FUSJsjTEbeb1G-cZ0XkVmytbzSsy53g/s320/IMG_4076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Peter's 85th Birthday at North Haven</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In August of 2021 the next wave of Covid caused more lockdowns - so we all learned to do "Zoom Church" and see clients on Zoom or Skype, or FaceTime or Messenger - or perhaps plain old telephone!</div><div>Like so many people around the world we adapted our lifestyles around the realities of the pandemic. So far Anthea and have I been blessed to stay healthy!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2022</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div>Another year of deaths and births. After a couple of really hard years both Peter and Gwenyth died this year - Gwenyth first (March 25th), then Peter just 11 weeks later (June 7th). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM30mLUdxjU6FC0d5vF92xU9WYfR3Cp4v792wbxFXGg5urKObxUp3KyZ4CccYC7tqlZG3PJKPkBPXgwdsy2y9_m5ExUENRCCYoS6xiSli47mQlnD9j_Sl7FBih8895Il4eJBkbIwxvfACydAo78QCNjIzPYjGM1HZhCIqWYs6SwLG99r_ro4xUGPabQd8/s4032/IMG_5095.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM30mLUdxjU6FC0d5vF92xU9WYfR3Cp4v792wbxFXGg5urKObxUp3KyZ4CccYC7tqlZG3PJKPkBPXgwdsy2y9_m5ExUENRCCYoS6xiSli47mQlnD9j_Sl7FBih8895Il4eJBkbIwxvfACydAo78QCNjIzPYjGM1HZhCIqWYs6SwLG99r_ro4xUGPabQd8/s320/IMG_5095.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div>And then... new life!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM9RVwhqi_FecTX-Kqk2WfA70vxB197b477-8RIp2dYhuaMLWD2j1Y5XFFuqjdBCcMTpcgF8ulHJ8vhaDj8_p0xV0Vqv7KeTs9_3GMuslUM6W9R4ReV9otV5VhpPUqh2nykgbGIkfkUA7ob-L2pZnwrBkDNgzfz2x8Z0loSsI1L98AEPXaVr0B81PWPs/s701/318440118_10158760477080870_4227181893376456981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM9RVwhqi_FecTX-Kqk2WfA70vxB197b477-8RIp2dYhuaMLWD2j1Y5XFFuqjdBCcMTpcgF8ulHJ8vhaDj8_p0xV0Vqv7KeTs9_3GMuslUM6W9R4ReV9otV5VhpPUqh2nykgbGIkfkUA7ob-L2pZnwrBkDNgzfz2x8Z0loSsI1L98AEPXaVr0B81PWPs/s320/318440118_10158760477080870_4227181893376456981_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sebastian (Sebby) a brother for Oscar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP77hVHOSCqE1D9OipJm0VfFMXjqp1I6WnsjprvROia58PDP9eLvWMddBzQtiBGH7__CcjEWLlUZVbxCJbOe_LnTAU6f35zTKciPzU-9plGMG296HOI2Ye1GhWcc38UCWn2aKKrWA3b0zKvDcihPxPfAu_BTcXFErrtR9r_9x3fnknsocv_LHeyxtSO8/s1800/344542646_3028903400739110_108345713243621611_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP77hVHOSCqE1D9OipJm0VfFMXjqp1I6WnsjprvROia58PDP9eLvWMddBzQtiBGH7__CcjEWLlUZVbxCJbOe_LnTAU6f35zTKciPzU-9plGMG296HOI2Ye1GhWcc38UCWn2aKKrWA3b0zKvDcihPxPfAu_BTcXFErrtR9r_9x3fnknsocv_LHeyxtSO8/s320/344542646_3028903400739110_108345713243621611_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Remy - first child for Kristen and Nicolai</td></tr></tbody></table><br />More holidays! A weekend in Whangarei:<br /><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy5mc_OB-Tv4hKbp11Ufrl6UoNWBe1am--xQqEG4QJJc2XToCrj7YeAPD6hqhdZj-YjdRIiUh8iyu0bVx8pG39p0QHD9tBttCfOQVdQm1FHKk4-njJdMaudw1KjXW5KsYOrRZrE8XwOyRrMvxxMuoZr8hyhfDXS_HEW-h3ZwhoYHknGsVwuXEe5livLE/s4032/IMG_4578.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy5mc_OB-Tv4hKbp11Ufrl6UoNWBe1am--xQqEG4QJJc2XToCrj7YeAPD6hqhdZj-YjdRIiUh8iyu0bVx8pG39p0QHD9tBttCfOQVdQm1FHKk4-njJdMaudw1KjXW5KsYOrRZrE8XwOyRrMvxxMuoZr8hyhfDXS_HEW-h3ZwhoYHknGsVwuXEe5livLE/s320/IMG_4578.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the quirky and amazing Hundertwasser Museum</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcsNSyApLDvd8G7mmC27yNnCJNSWA8SMbSOLmVXqT2PMI-GVzqYfoArlmJUouXWeBBvESbVDwha6kl7LH4wWXxJIoSyzNPIynjeMS_E09ZPIXzspCMbN1Yewdhf2rnr6arwQhdvHSZAIviz-bzSW-i3F5MyGCZskXGXnmQZ39yNIMcPvgUyjffufgCYg/s4032/IMG_4582.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcsNSyApLDvd8G7mmC27yNnCJNSWA8SMbSOLmVXqT2PMI-GVzqYfoArlmJUouXWeBBvESbVDwha6kl7LH4wWXxJIoSyzNPIynjeMS_E09ZPIXzspCMbN1Yewdhf2rnr6arwQhdvHSZAIviz-bzSW-i3F5MyGCZskXGXnmQZ39yNIMcPvgUyjffufgCYg/s320/IMG_4582.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whangarei Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssIiYnIWFMDOWQjil1819X9ITyFhsnMBuJwHeXGwE62OuxwbHoWQUdtC-l4fFGiROVC6hC6kpgg_9qaU__80qdTBWV-5uuKyeO90EH5LDaoI2g_sfu04FWL2JhWjM41LFjJ0zLl5X1EgfAktAWOKpxHFUjTmDWZirDM8nBGkw2fLsTzR7YJIhNKQwlUc/s4032/IMG_4580.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssIiYnIWFMDOWQjil1819X9ITyFhsnMBuJwHeXGwE62OuxwbHoWQUdtC-l4fFGiROVC6hC6kpgg_9qaU__80qdTBWV-5uuKyeO90EH5LDaoI2g_sfu04FWL2JhWjM41LFjJ0zLl5X1EgfAktAWOKpxHFUjTmDWZirDM8nBGkw2fLsTzR7YJIhNKQwlUc/s320/IMG_4580.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wet weekend but still plenty to enjoy!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>In September significant visit to Burnett Heads north of Brisbane to visit Merrie and Marty in their new home.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVIrjq5wSn0gLZsX9uJv8C5eWTMwHQhmhemIkQWQ09T_lXkawfz8Cxc2u9hYXuazL8sZsRv7b9r8hK1OKWujceKQx8LTsZA9OJIuq7sCq3jh7VhvO0hPI6wIlt_T_wUsL710JfjgpiYs5rcZR7abet7CXC9ORnYT0bijbKYrIRACcLXfOk7sd4nTwk5I/s2410/IMG_4779.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2259" data-original-width="2410" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVIrjq5wSn0gLZsX9uJv8C5eWTMwHQhmhemIkQWQ09T_lXkawfz8Cxc2u9hYXuazL8sZsRv7b9r8hK1OKWujceKQx8LTsZA9OJIuq7sCq3jh7VhvO0hPI6wIlt_T_wUsL710JfjgpiYs5rcZR7abet7CXC9ORnYT0bijbKYrIRACcLXfOk7sd4nTwk5I/s320/IMG_4779.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merrie and Marty outside their convenient two bedroom home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAsqVeKKhYI0199WR5TjrQHxp313h5ekH1XDw7sB-GrT2Icw_gKZxfCx046LOqUIfqQXQvUBJObCSVbl-Krg16ngO98VL-3n0C68lfRtVZMfNoA1ElrNgw5fAkkChBn2bP9_lY6uTFKkjdJGBoZnSjKfetoH9RDuEkDbO_d8ovP8LqJXi29n9vUGM1kY/s4032/IMG_4734.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAsqVeKKhYI0199WR5TjrQHxp313h5ekH1XDw7sB-GrT2Icw_gKZxfCx046LOqUIfqQXQvUBJObCSVbl-Krg16ngO98VL-3n0C68lfRtVZMfNoA1ElrNgw5fAkkChBn2bP9_lY6uTFKkjdJGBoZnSjKfetoH9RDuEkDbO_d8ovP8LqJXi29n9vUGM1kY/s320/IMG_4734.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merrie and me on one of our many coffee outings!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Then a Christmas trip to visit Lynn in her brand new home and celebrate her first Christmas there.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9x6Z4xRfjx5kVvqruE7dCclCDZ7QhHhjjhMZS75AAGiEC4ABrhUYwoVVdlCJrAD5aLQ669Qr1fKPl8n5DeJQedVsibesdgHVTNoyBqGdDHGNQDfzYFVDU00h3ySV1B3K67hM4K5qbaKXadjN34F6F4XIJ2evjBXnOnszba9amP07bjKqltckPtjchYFo/s512/IMG_4892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="319" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9x6Z4xRfjx5kVvqruE7dCclCDZ7QhHhjjhMZS75AAGiEC4ABrhUYwoVVdlCJrAD5aLQ669Qr1fKPl8n5DeJQedVsibesdgHVTNoyBqGdDHGNQDfzYFVDU00h3ySV1B3K67hM4K5qbaKXadjN34F6F4XIJ2evjBXnOnszba9amP07bjKqltckPtjchYFo/s320/IMG_4892.JPG" width="199" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthea, Lynn and Sheila at the front door!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t5EaERymj3-z5a1GIV6R6MVMY21gQ7xlB2CCObh3laz1D7723OIGQhMiCRvGQuomRS2AgmMyIvRzfFr7V-FG9-2mF7TfGtI0-sn_piSl1mubx7cn82QyPSvLVA7UnkVtPc84Nes89qStHbvZtOJOJmVA9vuNvF5eBAQd0uS4qp59MyTVm23ODlm_rFg/s895/b707f086-6be9-40a5-8bd3-24e37b89d05d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="895" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t5EaERymj3-z5a1GIV6R6MVMY21gQ7xlB2CCObh3laz1D7723OIGQhMiCRvGQuomRS2AgmMyIvRzfFr7V-FG9-2mF7TfGtI0-sn_piSl1mubx7cn82QyPSvLVA7UnkVtPc84Nes89qStHbvZtOJOJmVA9vuNvF5eBAQd0uS4qp59MyTVm23ODlm_rFg/s320/b707f086-6be9-40a5-8bd3-24e37b89d05d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar, Lydia, Phil and Lynn<br />Sheila, Rachel, Sebby <br />Photo taken by Anthea</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I wonder what the next seven years will bring? And will I be able to manage the computer skills to add another Blog post when I'm 84!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-30755202877589284212022-04-17T15:11:00.005+12:002022-04-17T15:21:15.628+12:00Rising from the Ashes: Climate Science and Good Fire<p style="text-align: right;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3w_nN5PpDxuTpz1i7moeoNZJVvGBe90hmp_w5bwlqGeA1Hr8xpIe9Ds_IyAw2nROKgzohzCDp8mwiwsn4c8UdJZUf7q8Ma5TALVYmy4pM026Mex2XAw8rHF7pBPib22QL8NCSgSReBHtAZMK2CR3raYGRE-ka6du4pnJGbiUuMj5OULCs_t592M-/s1280/RisingfromtheAshesTitleSlide.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3w_nN5PpDxuTpz1i7moeoNZJVvGBe90hmp_w5bwlqGeA1Hr8xpIe9Ds_IyAw2nROKgzohzCDp8mwiwsn4c8UdJZUf7q8Ma5TALVYmy4pM026Mex2XAw8rHF7pBPib22QL8NCSgSReBHtAZMK2CR3raYGRE-ka6du4pnJGbiUuMj5OULCs_t592M-/w400-h225/RisingfromtheAshesTitleSlide.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the final episode of the <a href="https://www.birthnewearthsummit.com/">Birth The New Earth</a> series. The title <i>Rising from the Ashes</i> intentionally brings to mind allegory of the symbolic Phoenix bird that rises from the ashes to bring about new life: a symbol of life, death and re-birth. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdOcX3gfhzf_ioYVpGMkBHFoEEuiVXqpxjlkhgqK6F5f6cjLvC2UdxFQU6bJM9-e7ysw71nMXz2j3wvcBZlo08DPKFNHwwe3TNhW5pjhbpS8VlYFmw_0DbiNTCvluxSvbhycI5CDQ8FSsx5SHHnzG6NvFM7csaxvtS00YxnaAfEz1pCVVVFg1Fj0t/s267/download-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="267" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdOcX3gfhzf_ioYVpGMkBHFoEEuiVXqpxjlkhgqK6F5f6cjLvC2UdxFQU6bJM9-e7ysw71nMXz2j3wvcBZlo08DPKFNHwwe3TNhW5pjhbpS8VlYFmw_0DbiNTCvluxSvbhycI5CDQ8FSsx5SHHnzG6NvFM7csaxvtS00YxnaAfEz1pCVVVFg1Fj0t/s1600/download-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I confess that I expected this last episode to be full of hope and optimism with examples of the "phoenix arising from the ashes". I have to say that while there certainly were indications of what <i>can</i> turn the climate crisis around, there was a stronger sense of urgency because time is running out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two of the contributors in this conversation are Australian so it is no surprise that the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-black-summer-of-fire-was-not-normal-and-we-can-prove-it-172506">"black summer"</a> of 2019-20 was a graphic example of the power of fire to destroy the environment and its inhabitants. The sheer scale of the fires should be a wake up call to us all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC4bnfmSiPvEAlILcRA3hPZyHDIDNJqgKfsJVu6I9GaNxHasOmMcZZ3nIV2C-ikbM2EoNmEwkKga9KIlzyHOE9np7GJOxX0lR-fvKgMV_Z4RPTqmslHCgIxfmzi5Rjzp3A00FK5RnN4xTB-bD82Pb-LGlmJFt6AS7_lZFeycB0fzSlVYWW6BTqiiM/s299/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC4bnfmSiPvEAlILcRA3hPZyHDIDNJqgKfsJVu6I9GaNxHasOmMcZZ3nIV2C-ikbM2EoNmEwkKga9KIlzyHOE9np7GJOxX0lR-fvKgMV_Z4RPTqmslHCgIxfmzi5Rjzp3A00FK5RnN4xTB-bD82Pb-LGlmJFt6AS7_lZFeycB0fzSlVYWW6BTqiiM/w320-h180/download.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was deeply challenged to hear Victor, the Aboriginal Australian, say that before colonisation there were no problems with bush fires <i>because the aboriginal people knew how to use "good fire". </i>He heads up the <i><a href="https://www.firesticks.org.au/">Firesticks Alliance</a> </i>which offers teaching and resources to bring indigenous wisdom to contemporary generations. Here's<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PqOwRCcz60"> a two minute clip</a> where Victor says "You can't tell your children there is no hope" and offers an alternative.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't help thinking about the confronting words of Jesus: "I have come to bring fire on the earth..." Luke 12:49. The context suggests that Jesus is saying part of his mission is to <i>wake us up</i> to divisions among us at every level. Only when we <i>see</i> (really 'get') the extent of the damage and dislocation will we be ready to move to a new way of seeing and acting. Jesus goes on to say: "How is it that you do not know how to interpret this present time?" This is a spiritual crisis as well as an ecological one. I find that strangely hopeful. Perhaps we need "good fire" to catapult us into action. Michael Mann a prestigious climate scientist talks about "reclaiming the sacredness of the natural world". Yes!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr94vSOpxpUtttPjC1vjoCS0--bG85_S4N8MJiXWZDZl6HJ30T1CAUa077vff_Jad4EzrUBgXSd7YyM6MDFbah5-hzSLnYVYcY4V3Tzrf094nvrE5XodB4dqgfoUdwFiBWHHB2dVfLJ4d3A26360-7oc3GdhYM3_k3nvjKYDKdenkCojaaWqHsrjRw/s1171/fire-in-your-belly.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr94vSOpxpUtttPjC1vjoCS0--bG85_S4N8MJiXWZDZl6HJ30T1CAUa077vff_Jad4EzrUBgXSd7YyM6MDFbah5-hzSLnYVYcY4V3Tzrf094nvrE5XodB4dqgfoUdwFiBWHHB2dVfLJ4d3A26360-7oc3GdhYM3_k3nvjKYDKdenkCojaaWqHsrjRw/w251-h400/fire-in-your-belly.webp" width="251" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a <a href="https://youtu.be/NDExZZE7Uos">three minute clip</a> of Michael showing how important it is to influence public consciousness. We need to reduce carbon emissions by 50% in the next decade. I believe that the integration of science, spirituality and indigenous wisdom is already happening. We need all three. Kylie (is also Australian) and is a transpersonal climate scientist. (What a fascinating job description!) She urges us to take seriously the scientific nature of indigenous wisdom. When we can share our insights and listen with humility to those with different knowledge and skills things can change very quickly. Cooperation rather than conflict may seem a distant hope on the world stage or in the political realm but it starts at home! This is once again the quantum invitation. A seemingly small shift in a personal relationship or action can ripple out in ways we will never know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I find it helpful in the face of global challenges to remember how we d<i>o continue to see this</i> in many situations. Here in New Zealand we can reflect on the outpouring of love and support after the Christchurch earthquakes and the Mosque shootings. Recently the news has been featuring people opening their homes and resources to those fleeing from Ukraine. There are many, many examples... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_R4-MDTCIck8wUYA97i9rR582aRWXIpMOC8L5GfJGTqlsvZiTUS6uvLVCUJNp1AdYCQOaQvBLvMwbYyXox6vsg5k_FOEdS9oJaFtmcpat3I2FfQGiPNYUI7CvbLfVxy9LSbTZNmrfiKoeVkk8P8h-gul0G6QA8ZFqIsoSEutALslW7sBhQBNYiQg/s275/download-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_R4-MDTCIck8wUYA97i9rR582aRWXIpMOC8L5GfJGTqlsvZiTUS6uvLVCUJNp1AdYCQOaQvBLvMwbYyXox6vsg5k_FOEdS9oJaFtmcpat3I2FfQGiPNYUI7CvbLfVxy9LSbTZNmrfiKoeVkk8P8h-gul0G6QA8ZFqIsoSEutALslW7sBhQBNYiQg/s1600/download-4.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offering a refugee mother and child hope!</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSe1kJC4hFZ6rg84290vSZagRE2aiG2DPM2-0M_0Dr6N01AsuRxIWa-m7diEZU7uO-CWthqzimu_QWxZ5rQGOXaUzqqDOAgtr2K4VfvAoQVbgd2N_RHsGNHLjYMRhGHruORMmPtPFzVNnxM623jFg052wSO2JNrBOsNlp8-kDDaTSK5SL3BB54nMhj/s275/images-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSe1kJC4hFZ6rg84290vSZagRE2aiG2DPM2-0M_0Dr6N01AsuRxIWa-m7diEZU7uO-CWthqzimu_QWxZ5rQGOXaUzqqDOAgtr2K4VfvAoQVbgd2N_RHsGNHLjYMRhGHruORMmPtPFzVNnxM623jFg052wSO2JNrBOsNlp8-kDDaTSK5SL3BB54nMhj/s1600/images-1.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Student Volunteer Army after <br />Christchurch Earthquakes</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another kind of Good Fire - that 'fire in our belly' can motivate us to act in ways (big or small) that enable us to play a part in <a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/">Co-creating Our Future World</a>. This is the organisation founded by Catherine, who is also the host of this series of interviews. Thank you Catherine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While writing this post I've been thinking about the Biblical promise of "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning".<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xB_2zAdZa4gP1jE_pqYiU1H_ySi4GO6w7nyoAN-KdEv5Wf_8-sJRmKJzeqN-MdJPUxembqIYkJNI-Un_YBOna8NKbR85wVLjVkEHF4Xtf3P1albeaN_4cTJrbmCox7z1wjuVjuTu6pVb7szM1xCZ-y_JmfjcQb3N8gZDOi06jdXRViDj9HMEPqe6/s1200/oct-11-2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="1200" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xB_2zAdZa4gP1jE_pqYiU1H_ySi4GO6w7nyoAN-KdEv5Wf_8-sJRmKJzeqN-MdJPUxembqIYkJNI-Un_YBOna8NKbR85wVLjVkEHF4Xtf3P1albeaN_4cTJrbmCox7z1wjuVjuTu6pVb7szM1xCZ-y_JmfjcQb3N8gZDOi06jdXRViDj9HMEPqe6/s320/oct-11-2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Jesus was invited to speak in the synagogue on one occasion he chose to read from the Prophet Isaiah which includes this promise. When I looked up the whole passage it seems that every phrase is relevant to the time we live in right now. I'm Posting this on Easter Sunday 2022 and it couldn't seem more relevant! Here is what <i>Birthing the New Earth </i>will look like - and it takes all of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="chapter-2" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial"><span class="text Isa-61-1"><span class="chapternum" style="background-color: white; bottom: -0.1em; display: inline; font-size: 2.4rem; font-weight: 700; left: -2em; line-height: 0.8em; position: absolute;">61 </span></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Isaiah 61:1-3</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;">The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,</div><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">because the Lord has anointed me</div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">to proclaim <b>good news to the poor</b>.</div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">He has sent me to <b>bind up the brokenhearted,</b></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">to proclaim <b>freedom for the captives</b></div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">and <b>release from darkness for the prisoners,</b></div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor</div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">and the day of vengeance of our God,</div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>to comfort all who mourn,</b></div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">and provide for those who grieve in Zion—</div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">to bestow on them <b>a crown of beauty</b></div></span><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="position: relative;">instead of ashes,</span></b></div></b><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="position: relative;">the oil of joy</span></b></div><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="position: relative;">instead of mourning,</span></b></div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="position: relative;">and a garment of praise</span></b></div></span><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="position: relative;">instead of a spirit of despair.</span></b></div></span></b><span style="position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">They will be called oaks of righteousness, </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.42em;"> </span></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="chapter-2" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-61-1" style="position: relative;"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 2.4rem; font-weight: 700; left: -2em; line-height: 0.8em; position: absolute;">61 </span></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Links:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Catherine G Lucas: Founder of <a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/">Co-creating our future world</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Michael Mann: Climate Scientist <a href="http://michaelmann.net">website</a>, free course: <a href="https://www.edx.org/course/climate-change-the-science-and-global-impact">climate change the science and the global impact</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Victor Steffensen: Indigenous Australian, Co-founder of the<a href="https://www.firesticks.org.au/"> Firesticks alliance</a> <a href="http://www.livingknowledgeplace.com.au/">Educational resources</a></div>Kylie Harris: Transpersonal Climate Scientist <a href="https://medium.com/@drkylieharris">Re-Birth of People and Planet</a> an open letter<p></p>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-17020810682822693702022-03-12T12:57:00.003+13:002022-03-12T12:58:33.204+13:00Conscious Evolution: Within and Beyond the Quantum<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiINvkxZLHD_JRA1K08Ds2suFVJcGJWmhHzujDU9AYTphlWv5c8GvKYqLrW2QejmnPVB5nCcBth1aIVfVogTZ0bA0ebtJ_S4JWU9_vpfRAHxDoN-CAN7IVtSr5DetT8ru51AykmLNR60fDH2BFTnAYZY9fEVKQy3xqVU4fLfYRzoY1xi7N1OYTN25h4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiINvkxZLHD_JRA1K08Ds2suFVJcGJWmhHzujDU9AYTphlWv5c8GvKYqLrW2QejmnPVB5nCcBth1aIVfVogTZ0bA0ebtJ_S4JWU9_vpfRAHxDoN-CAN7IVtSr5DetT8ru51AykmLNR60fDH2BFTnAYZY9fEVKQy3xqVU4fLfYRzoY1xi7N1OYTN25h4=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> <b>"We behave as we believe"</b>. This sentence caught my attention in this episode. Think about it: if we believe it is going to rain today we take an umbrella; if we believe</span><b style="text-align: left;"> </b><span style="text-align: left;">'the end of the world is nigh' we don't put any effort into significant change. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV0rjFuCDyXU5b-Jx0_NFZvmCBYUjsuSUKxQ2y5YXcxBe47W5YkNELL9Lx0roEEJSDJHvSvsC5cx2Qb1mUIBGNY5Oe56qBVCifunKpOqnsyh8b-Kjc9uyx_Q2h3csL1a8PY8C0HwNgbtvr7kvEq2Zy2B7MzaGBXlzZpPVQoJthNPf5G2NLEKNVyL8A=s225" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV0rjFuCDyXU5b-Jx0_NFZvmCBYUjsuSUKxQ2y5YXcxBe47W5YkNELL9Lx0roEEJSDJHvSvsC5cx2Qb1mUIBGNY5Oe56qBVCifunKpOqnsyh8b-Kjc9uyx_Q2h3csL1a8PY8C0HwNgbtvr7kvEq2Zy2B7MzaGBXlzZpPVQoJthNPf5G2NLEKNVyL8A" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNLOsziWWbTYyLSDO69AnS5rLCL7fnIfdTIwM1MucKiywS9IwbxEc0-d5w5KaXTlskX2Jl3ap1clxKG60vm8s1dd71D5jhvnU76f-Zi_pmn1Q3Cao10H7j3P3lo0WP6ISKLjlnsYizCjwAQ2b28ZGusVJC5CxpReVPUGr2HPeF9fgFaRJoAxz46J2l=s235" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="214" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNLOsziWWbTYyLSDO69AnS5rLCL7fnIfdTIwM1MucKiywS9IwbxEc0-d5w5KaXTlskX2Jl3ap1clxKG60vm8s1dd71D5jhvnU76f-Zi_pmn1Q3Cao10H7j3P3lo0WP6ISKLjlnsYizCjwAQ2b28ZGusVJC5CxpReVPUGr2HPeF9fgFaRJoAxz46J2l" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It doesn't matter much if we are wrong about an inconsequential belief. It matters a great deal if we live from a belief that false.</div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many of us live from a belief that we are separate beings in a world of unrelated parts. From this belief we look after ourselves and those closest to us as best we can, and then pretty much pull up the drawbridge and hope for the best. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But what if the underlying belief is wrong? What if the truth is that, whether we realise it or not, we are intimately connected with every person, plant, animal, ecosystem and galaxy? How would that change the way we behave? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGHfmpQstWJUZ1TXs6ajSN54nyQ_niz7W9ho7PQElJsTIGXiAG2ZpB8qoe6SBoFI45JXjnjhic4_SCtN0YPSEjCZcdu49iNyEQB1ljbCsjUbwhJgocmH_x-19xc-OUnzO9KklleeaFCMHCZTyBA1Ws706Z91dowJ4EE-zaFYJMMGgSPsMV3Z3JQ1Ov=s302" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="302" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGHfmpQstWJUZ1TXs6ajSN54nyQ_niz7W9ho7PQElJsTIGXiAG2ZpB8qoe6SBoFI45JXjnjhic4_SCtN0YPSEjCZcdu49iNyEQB1ljbCsjUbwhJgocmH_x-19xc-OUnzO9KklleeaFCMHCZTyBA1Ws706Z91dowJ4EE-zaFYJMMGgSPsMV3Z3JQ1Ov=w320-h177" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Animal species are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. Even the smallest insect has a role that is crucial to the whole. Plants can't survive without pollinating birds or insects. The earth can't produce the oxygen we need if we destroy the forests. Our planet as a whole cannot survive if we continue to pollute it. It is <i>human behaviour</i> that has led to these critical losses. <i>We behave as we believe</i>. There are hundreds of similar examples. We can see all this and become despairing and depressed or we can wake up to the fact that we are being offered large scale neon signs that point the way to the solution.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW_m6ezin2fr_OYJMp9goS_1vry1NyNf_ES0z4o3GhQbJeTyBMNcIHvtRUnxrDJs0xDCZypNtlYkL9uc2_TpgWOyQzDLDBCxFXqjs-be9ei1MPvnujDTOYv_uX8AZAPoGyaQjn8590xbqyxgy_OV-HQI4bPQMeuy4AfH-YdZa4_G22a4gOg2LdV_2o=s225" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW_m6ezin2fr_OYJMp9goS_1vry1NyNf_ES0z4o3GhQbJeTyBMNcIHvtRUnxrDJs0xDCZypNtlYkL9uc2_TpgWOyQzDLDBCxFXqjs-be9ei1MPvnujDTOYv_uX8AZAPoGyaQjn8590xbqyxgy_OV-HQI4bPQMeuy4AfH-YdZa4_G22a4gOg2LdV_2o=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>We behave as we believe</i>. The solution becomes clear when we truly understand what quantum science has been telling us for the last century: separation is an illusion. The <i>uni</i>-verse is calling us into a unified awakening, a new fundamental belief or paradigm. We literally cannot survive long term without bees, dung beetles, green trees or fresh water. Jude Currivan spoke passionately about the fact that science is telling us this. And science is based on evidence. Of course indigenous people have always known this and so have many religious traditions. Now it is more evident than ever that science, spirituality, indigenous wisdom and creation itself are all singing the same song. For me that is exciting! There is a new coherence; a coming together of wisdom and insight from various sources that for some time have seemed to be at odds - separate!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDAIqXlJWlsJyTRFLn3oJXCd8W9hXaT1ugUnOrpAUd76kmGta9LVfP7KzKvlzkmwEGRVWtwAbQwVZFOcJEFS938f6sqKMFCTOrB4RWhybA_axSRSjPQqAhEcT0wTlejdqEk3aBPNjKD_WAcubUhLQnsQYV6nQhkcERFcQWdjUzX08AYHfj-9XIzpp-=s229" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDAIqXlJWlsJyTRFLn3oJXCd8W9hXaT1ugUnOrpAUd76kmGta9LVfP7KzKvlzkmwEGRVWtwAbQwVZFOcJEFS938f6sqKMFCTOrB4RWhybA_axSRSjPQqAhEcT0wTlejdqEk3aBPNjKD_WAcubUhLQnsQYV6nQhkcERFcQWdjUzX08AYHfj-9XIzpp-=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT7NlkA-LNA">Here is a three minute link</a> from the conversation where Jude Currivan speaks so encouragingly about this new paradigm that is beginning to emerge. As Mick said "We are tipping <i>into</i> something. Trust the process and don't panic!" Ervin very helpfully pointed out that if we focus on the threat we go into "flight, fight or freeze" mode. If we focus on the evolutionary movement of transcendence then we see this as a time of breaking<i> through</i> rather than breaking <i>down</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Synchronistically, at the time I was writing this Blog post, I saw a beautiful three minute video called <i><a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/a-mighty-purpose/?mc_cid=ca696c4432&mc_eid=4650b598f2">A Mighty Purpose</a> </i>showing an ordinary person who probably isn't delving into quantum science or entering into dialogues about evolution but is simply acting on how she sees the world. We can all be inspired to do the same. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlggkgMiVmmjqacu-Nd2xPQM2xhjABTIpULUYbwarldRLlyP8oRBJz3y8QV0X0IZhDB70t8fVMaTcrDEWENRUQMmgKDcpvZ55BT6-f2HW14DmMuEALkCbrXidaUED1076b_cP68eyaQvrXTy-xoiYh1F_Y3BsQJFTAzRIl2uOi8BUDuusPYwbZ090q=s318" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlggkgMiVmmjqacu-Nd2xPQM2xhjABTIpULUYbwarldRLlyP8oRBJz3y8QV0X0IZhDB70t8fVMaTcrDEWENRUQMmgKDcpvZ55BT6-f2HW14DmMuEALkCbrXidaUED1076b_cP68eyaQvrXTy-xoiYh1F_Y3BsQJFTAzRIl2uOi8BUDuusPYwbZ090q" width="318" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Links:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Catherine G Lucas: Founder of <i><a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/">Co-Creating Our Future</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.birthnewearthsummit.com/">Birth The New Earth</a></i> host</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ervin Lazlo: Author, Philosopher of Science, Founder of the<i><a href="http://thelaszloinstitute.com"> Laszlo Institute</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jude Currivan: Cosmologist, Author and Co-founder of <i><a href="https://www.wholeworld-view.org/">Whole World View</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mick Collins: Occupational Therapist, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Visionary-Spirit-Awakening-Imaginal-Transformocene/dp/1856233154/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1639186937&refinements=p_27%3AMick+Collins&s=books&sr=1-2">Author</a> and <i>Birth the New Earth</i> team member.</div><br /><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-11833364735683840652022-02-21T18:03:00.004+13:002022-02-21T18:05:41.231+13:00Emerging from Emergency: Callings, Sacred Activism and Quantam Leadership<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0DDeyn1QovVxFdxWyv4TDefJrhSwppL2-j6CGrXeZUyS_iGnaccSXJjRtiYuTWWdzuYIGXJwhvxKi0fwNL68cEN5WQjIl1x-j2pQfoDFdMOQELkeWpRkdF8vLImT_Nod9OiuDfPV5sTNUcZvtoTk84pYhoZqJ0C5zcMLolDZ_Y1T-A0adJmwnZpvl=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0DDeyn1QovVxFdxWyv4TDefJrhSwppL2-j6CGrXeZUyS_iGnaccSXJjRtiYuTWWdzuYIGXJwhvxKi0fwNL68cEN5WQjIl1x-j2pQfoDFdMOQELkeWpRkdF8vLImT_Nod9OiuDfPV5sTNUcZvtoTk84pYhoZqJ0C5zcMLolDZ_Y1T-A0adJmwnZpvl=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm writing this as New Zealand is in the second week of a protest on the grounds of Parliament. The protest is mainly about Covid mandates, but it seems there are various groups and various issues to protest about. It's as if there is no clear leader or direction which makes mediation and a way forward difficult. The topic of <i>sacred</i> activism and <i>sacred</i> leadership could not be more relevant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Shadow work.</span></b> In this <i>Birth The New Earth</i> conversation one theme comes up several times. We need to face our shadow - personally and collectively. That unconscious "stuff" that we all carry, comes out forcefully when we have some "other" on whom to project our animosity, criticism and anger. We all do it! Anyone we "other" and react to has something to mirror back to us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Activism can become just as angry and oppositional as the original issue. Stephen Dinan said: "Don't denigrate 'the other' in your activism. Speak to the divine essence of the other." That's a challenge to stop us in our tracks! It's all too easy to catch myself classing all the protesters as "them" and wishing they would just see sense (the way I see it!) and go home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6dBz7K3A2YBxJ7IA_z5_qBqTAOAiCojoq0-ouCnucBVdZZcv0iL13Jg8zVhkbLukriNblGC6eqa6ipE7EwdeqqshT6YCm8AKGEkOUgyb4gnmhk5jn9655mBfbTQ6NTeMXjLc6UQRq3To1eTE0d-pCa4I3-l8SxTctVtmOl_UQCg9NKfJDvv3Puh0e=s163" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="163" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6dBz7K3A2YBxJ7IA_z5_qBqTAOAiCojoq0-ouCnucBVdZZcv0iL13Jg8zVhkbLukriNblGC6eqa6ipE7EwdeqqshT6YCm8AKGEkOUgyb4gnmhk5jn9655mBfbTQ6NTeMXjLc6UQRq3To1eTE0d-pCa4I3-l8SxTctVtmOl_UQCg9NKfJDvv3Puh0e=w320-h166" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Facing our own shadow can feel like an impossible task. If shadow is what is hidden from my consciousness, then how can I face it, let alone deal with it? One important step is to be compassionate with <i>ourselves</i> when it <i>is</i> revealed and mirrored back to us! It's easy to berate myself for my anger and frustration at "them" (and thus create more anger and judgement, this time at myself!) Another way would be to compassionately understand how stressful this whole issue is and offer myself emotional support or practical care. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdlOZf854Ea60M4ekvcZ3c60xbKA6e3iPpPSCgjdQ2tLl2N1rxkZkMQegXD8LdnwXGY0DtXMmrcYB20W1fmdjpRFxDXcEnuiLsX-B5QOxfpOiTPtoeebs8Y2knd4JbQBh3mns-lxCmrNNMOzPe46HPojR-ZIxFMCIJRTQujtRHCKntiVI5iKO6OMJO=s260" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="260" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdlOZf854Ea60M4ekvcZ3c60xbKA6e3iPpPSCgjdQ2tLl2N1rxkZkMQegXD8LdnwXGY0DtXMmrcYB20W1fmdjpRFxDXcEnuiLsX-B5QOxfpOiTPtoeebs8Y2knd4JbQBh3mns-lxCmrNNMOzPe46HPojR-ZIxFMCIJRTQujtRHCKntiVI5iKO6OMJO" width="260" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course there are cultural, as well as personal, shadows to be addressed. We all need to "come to terms with our undigested history", said Stephen Dinan. <a href="https://youtu.be/zHiO97bAtJg">Here's a clip</a> where he speaks about his experience of being the only white person in a group of elders in Peru.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Sacred Activism</b> requires a balance of activism and spiritual practice. Activism on its own can become egotistical and lead to burnout. Focussing only on spiritual practice can be a way of avoiding taking any action. The <i><a href="https://cac.org/">Centre for Action and Contemplation</a>, </i> founded by Richard Rohr, models a healthy balance. Instead of seeking to destroy what isn't working seek to build a better way. Knowing what that better way might be requires prayerful discernment, rather than reactionary energy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbO6GDow3wBUJzmrwx7RObRVhS0LMo8v5aJ1I6bJWoa7-D18K1LfpWvnQRw7Hw_Fk_Trwb9HNoC9lnQn4EJzxwebcpPiVMvn3XWgJIA1w0Q5KqlA_0QUT7MfM75ruh2tnidiUEFI0eXeSiOk77K9vV_GaQGf6G8JZ3JqGlITbP8BUha3a0dUZl36dU=s293" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="293" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbO6GDow3wBUJzmrwx7RObRVhS0LMo8v5aJ1I6bJWoa7-D18K1LfpWvnQRw7Hw_Fk_Trwb9HNoC9lnQn4EJzxwebcpPiVMvn3XWgJIA1w0Q5KqlA_0QUT7MfM75ruh2tnidiUEFI0eXeSiOk77K9vV_GaQGf6G8JZ3JqGlITbP8BUha3a0dUZl36dU=w320-h188" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Quantam Leadership</b>. This quote from Mother Teresa has stayed with me for decades since I first heard it. And that reminds me that an apparently small thing (like this one quote) can have a significant and lasting impact. That is exactly what quantam science is telling us. We influence the world around us by every action and attitude. This has been a recurring theme in these <i>Birth the New Earth</i> conversations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The challenge to be a "quantam leader" can seem totally unreachable. It's easy to say, "I'm not in that league"and dismiss leadership as someone else's role. But the startling perspective of quantam theory is that, whether we like it or not, we are 'leading' in some direction by every choice we make. The Biblical parables of a planting a tiny mustard seed which grows into a huge tree or adding a small amount of yeast which then "works through all the dough" say the same thing. (Matthew 13:31-33) 'Quantam' refers to the mystery of how a small choice can lead to a surprisingly significant outcome. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDDoE9JrXy1_AinmCcmiGeEMh1WKO6MqqzOsA_xbrQhp9Zg4H_Ho2GG2QaGtqSTWXKmM0r5xMLfPSs8dlxNqLwupFCWeOtFlty244kntpAr1jyigVzei4zIKCQdcwYH4PSPGOT4_tnnm187C-hvyRK_IkPG89gO7OfptKjU1Cws5l6xmGpm_4NDfet=s298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="298" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDDoE9JrXy1_AinmCcmiGeEMh1WKO6MqqzOsA_xbrQhp9Zg4H_Ho2GG2QaGtqSTWXKmM0r5xMLfPSs8dlxNqLwupFCWeOtFlty244kntpAr1jyigVzei4zIKCQdcwYH4PSPGOT4_tnnm187C-hvyRK_IkPG89gO7OfptKjU1Cws5l6xmGpm_4NDfet" width="298" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Biblical story of David and Goliath demonstrates this in real historical terms. It was indeed a "quantam leap" to see power shift from an army equipped with weapons and full body armour to a young man with a stone and a sling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQP7PpAvagaVYW9jh0jh449U3hkiBRW4887Jnfik4bvTegnl3RExqCOb1gDuCB8nKDTNvYPq7CvrNM18NQ0zl5Th1eL1VxOq2tCVoX1WoCmCpOD5T7A52XFzQolhDddpJdVLKyA-n6djkTuhrZn3WxQqfc-w8fBFpkAM0X3wOLZYLLLB-OpnAFTMf4=s267" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="267" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQP7PpAvagaVYW9jh0jh449U3hkiBRW4887Jnfik4bvTegnl3RExqCOb1gDuCB8nKDTNvYPq7CvrNM18NQ0zl5Th1eL1VxOq2tCVoX1WoCmCpOD5T7A52XFzQolhDddpJdVLKyA-n6djkTuhrZn3WxQqfc-w8fBFpkAM0X3wOLZYLLLB-OpnAFTMf4=w320-h227" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every one of these conversations ends with the contributors challenging us to find our own particular contribution to a quantam shift. It could be the mustard seed of an idea, the yeast of offering a different perspective in a conversation or courageously standing up for justice even though we may be ridiculed or hurt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCHzm_OU922rsEwlwmPrZ5VDsDzDO9V8k8L4E-1D2cp2PWQn4wQYBtXGWiNzXJ9X1mKNAO2Nzi-hEqMqGfpxuXWZGccnqzaOf-icV7c62E38IL2DsW-PMQWQV3_A3JeJ6u1E-pfb190HzrMz5LIU4ZGpYygBGFeMNQwX--h0YvWS-L_6B_9-hJ-H5q=s287" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="287" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCHzm_OU922rsEwlwmPrZ5VDsDzDO9V8k8L4E-1D2cp2PWQn4wQYBtXGWiNzXJ9X1mKNAO2Nzi-hEqMqGfpxuXWZGccnqzaOf-icV7c62E38IL2DsW-PMQWQV3_A3JeJ6u1E-pfb190HzrMz5LIU4ZGpYygBGFeMNQwX--h0YvWS-L_6B_9-hJ-H5q=w320-h196" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Links:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Catherine G Lucas Founder of <a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/"><i>Co-Creating Our Future</i></a>, Author and <i><a href="https://www.birthnewearthsummit.com/">Birth The New Earth</a></i> Host</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stephen Dinan CEO of <i><a href="http://Theshiftnetwork.com">The Shift Network</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Carolyn Baker PhD Author and <i><a href="http://carolynbaker.net">Sacred Activist</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mick Collins PhD <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unselfish-Spirit-Evolution-Global-Crisis/dp/1856231933/ref=pd_sbs_3/134-3747986-8266319?pd_rd_w=zaUZk&pf_rd_p=3676f086-9496-4fd7-8490-77cf7f43f846&pf_rd_r=6XXJ5S18RR2CECGRAXYQ&pd_rd_r=5fa8a0bd-7bab-42c4-9ffb-ea77c237432f&pd_rd_wg=kLtC6&pd_rd_i=1856231933&psc=1&asin=1856231933&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1">Author</a></i> and <i>Birth The New Earth </i>Team Member</div><br /><p></p>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-88912107233259258972022-02-02T15:36:00.001+13:002022-02-02T15:38:39.541+13:00Prophecy and the Great Shift: Knowing, Being and Doing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif1QcKCf2pW9WFTuLJey7gUirsURNyJBTmYeOkpPZLYNMQyvpfLWgVk57Knt2J2M618RTfaNQeG66WzQqJ0VmnvgS_vN70_KAzr6eFvp_BLRdWISLKOHmKy2tUisU1N4rSNJdbMV_QV-LTCrILXPoGOQSxg7vMTxSdx9BOkTGtag-azW3nn1PSGw3R=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif1QcKCf2pW9WFTuLJey7gUirsURNyJBTmYeOkpPZLYNMQyvpfLWgVk57Knt2J2M618RTfaNQeG66WzQqJ0VmnvgS_vN70_KAzr6eFvp_BLRdWISLKOHmKy2tUisU1N4rSNJdbMV_QV-LTCrILXPoGOQSxg7vMTxSdx9BOkTGtag-azW3nn1PSGw3R=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first time I saw the title of this conversation I admit I felt a bit sceptical. There's a lot of misunderstanding about prophecy "foretelling the future". There are false prophets as well as genuine ones. In my Judeo-Christian heritage there are many genuine prophets, as well as warnings about false prophets, so perhaps my scepticism was more about being discerning rather than dismissive. I was delighted to find that once again this conversation was enlightening, challenging and grounded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One person said quite simply, "prophecy is speaking for the divine, however you hear that." We are all connected to God, Spirit, Source however we name that essential essence. Tuning in and listening to the wisdom of the creator of this universe is an invitation and a responsibility. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The four people in this conversation each gave an example of how they 'heard' something that motivated their passion for the work they do now. Steven saw a bumper sticker (370-0) that led to a conversation about how the American government had made 370 treaties with First Nations people and every single one of them had been broken. Here in New Zealand I'm writing this post just before Waitangi Day when we celebrate the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principles_of_the_Treaty_of_Waitangi"> Treaty of Waitangi</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCD5WIA3BfDPPy1DlNLaZS34QYsrJg_LTpjufymVmJRB_qcXJr-4l35WRxzTJqFgDPaT7fnx-bQVUheI3Xr5bPnfDwSDDairQOGKjFsLTTDBhUz0B88MAdE0-fo4BEQNn50WFCuUGwzKJC6sOFcMXEgz1mHtq2s_TfB9U8oRIW68ym9pIfBm5Zpw21=s300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCD5WIA3BfDPPy1DlNLaZS34QYsrJg_LTpjufymVmJRB_qcXJr-4l35WRxzTJqFgDPaT7fnx-bQVUheI3Xr5bPnfDwSDDairQOGKjFsLTTDBhUz0B88MAdE0-fo4BEQNn50WFCuUGwzKJC6sOFcMXEgz1mHtq2s_TfB9U8oRIW68ym9pIfBm5Zpw21" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSqC5kB0OwqLg1vxuhImyJQmNN3AeJ6MhGqu_p1Yor8I_x0VfjFyvrfujl8LtbssVnluaIk4fCsmY84oiXDxWabM5cB7AjJ_MZAYmofYVbJnhFoSmdyqBzsixfEMCixazbHoweOhluItByk45ikBAG3XvHlJx7rrr0oMO4twnwjK1Pu8Di8HfWvvDa=s286" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="286" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSqC5kB0OwqLg1vxuhImyJQmNN3AeJ6MhGqu_p1Yor8I_x0VfjFyvrfujl8LtbssVnluaIk4fCsmY84oiXDxWabM5cB7AjJ_MZAYmofYVbJnhFoSmdyqBzsixfEMCixazbHoweOhluItByk45ikBAG3XvHlJx7rrr0oMO4twnwjK1Pu8Di8HfWvvDa=w320-h197" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">There are always celebrations of all that has been accomplished since 1840 and protests that remind us we cannot be complacent. We still have plenty to do. I am personally aware how little I know and how few ways I am involved.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Luisah grew up in countryside that was full of trees and natural beauty. Then oil companies came in and destroyed "her whole world". She said she "heard the trees screaming" as they were felled. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYF2qlk6qPf-RKrNtiUG22fc_uC9g6NeTP8vekrPM8_2Xsp4dSIFgQOIr739h50giEv6bR0EQ-yHooU7X40EgFSlAUPnztb4VxZ5_XTF__d7R75CBQoskR_BUqGQr7DidKf_fey4glwMQVF5hWLLFOrnBhP2dtyeB0GxV5hJ9wdWnx7Ou9Is0P4VwW=s274" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="274" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYF2qlk6qPf-RKrNtiUG22fc_uC9g6NeTP8vekrPM8_2Xsp4dSIFgQOIr739h50giEv6bR0EQ-yHooU7X40EgFSlAUPnztb4VxZ5_XTF__d7R75CBQoskR_BUqGQr7DidKf_fey4glwMQVF5hWLLFOrnBhP2dtyeB0GxV5hJ9wdWnx7Ou9Is0P4VwW=w320-h215" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mick spent three years in a monastery and realised how disconnected we are from nature and native people. He had a powerful vision of the reality of the Ethiopian famine happening at that time. One day Catherine 'saw' millions of souls being taken into the light. It struck her that this represented millions of people dying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnZBbhaPWjNUzDmDV-qfObF6lTQpXjKUuKnsmqnzEqWXPD_99T2xEVltnUUhnQjaVuH1dFWgr00ldDVLycuWDdWlPNtUPFjNHFPJ1KlmG2WiKLoBC_2lObvixHDZWPwqSJKHXlXny85yTicr4Es9KuHWy9lUffPScyS5Mrta6GcE1s9SgwYgT4I2-D=s612" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnZBbhaPWjNUzDmDV-qfObF6lTQpXjKUuKnsmqnzEqWXPD_99T2xEVltnUUhnQjaVuH1dFWgr00ldDVLycuWDdWlPNtUPFjNHFPJ1KlmG2WiKLoBC_2lObvixHDZWPwqSJKHXlXny85yTicr4Es9KuHWy9lUffPScyS5Mrta6GcE1s9SgwYgT4I2-D=w320-h213" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whether it is a bumper sticker, a vision, or trees being felled, God is speaking. Prophecies from many traditions tend to say the same things. The themes of deep listening to creation and to indigenous people recur again and again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my work as a spiritual director one of the main issues people are exploring is "how can I hear what God is saying?" One person in this conversation said, "Just be open and stop the chattering mind!" So simple and yet so hard for many. I think the difficulty is often because of an expectation that "God's voice" is somehow separate and distinct from any "ordinary" observation, thought, or issue that touches us deeply. How else is God supposed to speak?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Any readers who have spent time in a retreat setting will know how the spaciousness and silence usually heightens our alertness. One of the best ways to attend to what the Spirit is saying is to <b style="font-style: italic;">notice what you notice. </b>It might be a bumper sticker, a flower pushing up through concrete, a homeless person, a breath-taking sunrise, a sentence in a novel, one line of a song, a dream... the options are endless. The divine creator of the universe is communicating all the time. You don't need to be on retreat to notice!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Notice</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">what you</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">notice!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The challenge of course, is to consider <i>why</i> you noticed and whether this noticing is a call to action of some kind. Each of the four people in this conversation were motivated by what they saw or heard. They are now giving a lot of their time, focus and energy to speak, act and share what they 'heard'. They each have their own unique prophetic voice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We must be rather deaf and emotionally insensitive if we fail to hear the voice of creation at present. Luisah put it this way: "we are digging in her body, draining her blood, messing up her lungs..."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS__aS0oOxI6b52vtE2CUOf4uy89KUhkYg1t4RQQj4-oLsiCMK--J4J3cXoDvj_3GsUmLsGccdNCqHZgz6ABVDYz2uTkl0TOR_g84DY06ESYIdei41mE1VhVu1g-XTulPsqzFCPmU9O02R14oTWH9SDt6G_9ImEvWVLHbNCXonODcFV0ntalnJhFo_=s276" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS__aS0oOxI6b52vtE2CUOf4uy89KUhkYg1t4RQQj4-oLsiCMK--J4J3cXoDvj_3GsUmLsGccdNCqHZgz6ABVDYz2uTkl0TOR_g84DY06ESYIdei41mE1VhVu1g-XTulPsqzFCPmU9O02R14oTWH9SDt6G_9ImEvWVLHbNCXonODcFV0ntalnJhFo_" width="276" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUS4GGNBse0JSChWtuUtpbHk2l_SbSDXab8-sHxSGggfe4jGdlVq5w9Kauw7d_AZyboEG3Y9FGzI5KsLN8ecukkTkK7HVhWX5uoJMZFfuH1xyiiDGT55s4-BThpQ1F5763Z5EB9RYrv5r-4z1wVtZqwMYl9nIYRINJt1RBRWpbHuy5dFWH0d-v5jhz=s300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUS4GGNBse0JSChWtuUtpbHk2l_SbSDXab8-sHxSGggfe4jGdlVq5w9Kauw7d_AZyboEG3Y9FGzI5KsLN8ecukkTkK7HVhWX5uoJMZFfuH1xyiiDGT55s4-BThpQ1F5763Z5EB9RYrv5r-4z1wVtZqwMYl9nIYRINJt1RBRWpbHuy5dFWH0d-v5jhz" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully, many of us individually and collectively are heeding the cry of our planetary home. Of course, there will always be those who ignore what they don't want to see and hear. As the prophet Jeremiah said: "Listen to this you foolish people, who do not have any sense. You have eyes but you do not see. You have ears but you do not hear." Jeremiah 5:21 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">History reminds us that periods of great chaos precede times of great transformation. Throughout these <i><a href="https://www.birthnewearthsummit.com/">Birth The New Earth</a></i> episodes this reassurance is repeated. A tipping point is coming when those who hear <i>and act</i> outnumber those who turn a blind eye. Biblical references to "a new heaven and a new earth" are spread throughout the Old and New Testaments. (Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1) We can each play a part in birthing the new earth. However insignificant we may feel, we can be given a vision of our particular part in the whole. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Without a vision</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">the people perish</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Proverbs 29:18</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Luisah talked of "de-colonising" our minds and hearts and respecting indigenous wisdom. (We are all indigenous to the planet even if we don't have direct link to an indigenous culture where we live!) Let's have the humility to stop assuming we know best. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPbF8wqvXU5D8WSPG4Dnc_YwVkC5XwOCxPajt5sXrvc-d7sR9B5kmvedM-FdN0zvtIzS3KrVFgtss5ecOOsy8GDkhQiuLatsbs98rtpv_mz37KLRUkNohPvaK7uNeC_C3ygwiOz4aa9qcJGkPcGpbI95rqjQa25uTZ_iLr0UPQbb0Ne0-LLcQQ8tx9=s273" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="273" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPbF8wqvXU5D8WSPG4Dnc_YwVkC5XwOCxPajt5sXrvc-d7sR9B5kmvedM-FdN0zvtIzS3KrVFgtss5ecOOsy8GDkhQiuLatsbs98rtpv_mz37KLRUkNohPvaK7uNeC_C3ygwiOz4aa9qcJGkPcGpbI95rqjQa25uTZ_iLr0UPQbb0Ne0-LLcQQ8tx9=w320-h217" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Steven talked of supporting restorative justice initiatives. <a href="https://www.restorativejusticeaotearoa.org.nz/">Click here</a> for the website of <i>Restorative Justice Aotearoa. </i>We can also empower businesses and organisations with our purchases and support. The web of relationships means that every dollar helps and every perspective offered can influence others who may begin to act in new ways. The current pandemic vividly demonstrates the multiplying spread of one person's actions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIpwZ_AMBZAznw0kAUKFIHCjtq7QgQXOwauazKKeN3Nb3VCxl4SQQJ-mKIuPxTNUXzx-sVejIJvrCWsrlMhKsemNWlc96aI1w-_heoKfGUyLJwlMM8bW2kkGpVdVT6ZoN6K5mZ0VVJfD-Bs5_3S44LgRtkgwpuZvnBAueuLnN2FVnqSp_7gC0zKeOL=s239" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="211" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIpwZ_AMBZAznw0kAUKFIHCjtq7QgQXOwauazKKeN3Nb3VCxl4SQQJ-mKIuPxTNUXzx-sVejIJvrCWsrlMhKsemNWlc96aI1w-_heoKfGUyLJwlMM8bW2kkGpVdVT6ZoN6K5mZ0VVJfD-Bs5_3S44LgRtkgwpuZvnBAueuLnN2FVnqSp_7gC0zKeOL=w283-h320" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yeyeluisahteish.com/">Yeyeluisah Teish</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://chiron-communications.com/">Steven McFadden</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/">Catherine G Lucas</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mick Collins <i style="background-color: #66bb33; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.49px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unselfish-Spirit-Evolution-Global-Crisis/dp/1856231933/ref=pd_sbs_3/134-3747986-8266319?pd_rd_w=zaUZk&pf_rd_p=3676f086-9496-4fd7-8490-77cf7f43f846&pf_rd_r=6XXJ5S18RR2CECGRAXYQ&pd_rd_r=5fa8a0bd-7bab-42c4-9ffb-ea77c237432f&pd_rd_wg=kLtC6&pd_rd_i=1856231933&psc=1&asin=1856231933&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1" style="color: #ff3300;" target="_blank">The Unselfish Spirit</a> </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Visionary-Spirit-Awakening-Imaginal-Transformocene/dp/1856233154/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1639186937&refinements=p_27%3AMick+Collins&s=books&sr=1-2" style="background-color: #66bb33; color: #cc3300; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.49px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><i>The Visionary Spirit</i></a></div><br /> </div><p></p>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-90814769636657672172022-01-15T14:18:00.073+13:002022-01-15T15:02:42.204+13:00Healing People, Healing Planet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3JkWbDjqClbyGDoGIza102vkPh-y7f2f_EbL0YHQ2pACPMu9QEQnNeuaY0rFYc1xQmpu4oN5qPwG2L5byLyVAKkeBs9jOsu5IpJmacqDFNjxVunwU-2yHF0fMfBJdZaLLnR3-6QOSyzZf0dO_3Hb78CsK_cnkMcHuUpCB5CQqGKwyK7xmZRpxQJ4P=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3JkWbDjqClbyGDoGIza102vkPh-y7f2f_EbL0YHQ2pACPMu9QEQnNeuaY0rFYc1xQmpu4oN5qPwG2L5byLyVAKkeBs9jOsu5IpJmacqDFNjxVunwU-2yHF0fMfBJdZaLLnR3-6QOSyzZf0dO_3Hb78CsK_cnkMcHuUpCB5CQqGKwyK7xmZRpxQJ4P=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to say that listening to these conversations for a second time is even more inspiring than the first time. In this conversation there are two Australians (one Aboriginal, one white), a neuropsychiatrist and a transpersonal climate psychologist! (See the end of this post for links). Living in New Zealand made the Australian wisdom even more interesting in relation to our own history with our indigenous culture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The conversation focused mainly on healing from trauma - personal trauma and planetary trauma. One theme that stood out is the impact of trans-generational trauma. Some of the stories told were heartbreaking. They showed not only the trauma sustained directly by a child or adult as a result of the brutal actions of colonists, but also the ongoing trauma through the generations.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh6qmSZyfL4">Here is a two minute clip</a> of Judy Atkinson talking about her own journey and her work with indigenous Australians. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000010;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>This, of course, is not limited to the effects of colonisation. Diane spoke of working with people who had never met grandparents or great-grandparents who had lost their lives in the Holocaust. Yet the trauma of that heritage needed deep healing in the life of the current person. The cellular memory (and soul memory) of the trauma remains. She has also worked in depth with some of the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">"lost boys of Sudan"</a>. I read a book about these "lost boys" some years ago. 20,000 boys were left without family or home in the genocide in Sudan during the Civil war 1987-2005.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000010;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kylie, as a white Australian, spoke of feeling the guilt of being part of the colonising culture. A significant experience during her childhood was having an Aboriginal girl living with her family over a long summer holiday. She assumes it was a well meaning programme of "let us (white) help you (aboriginal)". For her it planted a deep sense of unity beneath any cultural divide. She is now a transpersonal climate psychologist.<span style="color: #000010;"><span><br /><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYRzn1fefDI9fnFjavfj34VnDqJqEGOWgZrnxUaNL_X0B0UnEtXcH9gbYjqTLhCAaVa_JvzfHvRLOBDmQaJCQJUQhAVqdTuYHxPQNRF0NEnkz_Hkxkrwz1ZaT5BbkXTN4Dk2of-HFl1vh2v33bZOu4eZZ9HN55PUEUYbnAdCP6XCbtGacYKY1btuYy=s227" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="227" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYRzn1fefDI9fnFjavfj34VnDqJqEGOWgZrnxUaNL_X0B0UnEtXcH9gbYjqTLhCAaVa_JvzfHvRLOBDmQaJCQJUQhAVqdTuYHxPQNRF0NEnkz_Hkxkrwz1ZaT5BbkXTN4Dk2of-HFl1vh2v33bZOu4eZZ9HN55PUEUYbnAdCP6XCbtGacYKY1btuYy" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's not only people who bear the effects of generational trauma.. So does the planet. Judy spoke of "the memories of country". (We might say "memories of the land".) For example: On a "behind the scenes clip" on the current David Attenborough series, one of the camera team was close to tears as he returned to an area that had previously been home to trees specifically suited to that desert environment. They were lying dead because of increasingly extreme heat and drought. The wildlife he was hoping to film there was gone. The theme of really listening to the land and all that the land sustains is becoming more crucial every day.<span style="color: #000010;"><span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgExmkZ9zbN_xsurebne_Gby3LPq1wSa4vzKGasAkHGkJ7ALeOiqSJeb_2dGk_bbHrff2gL3Zf8EoP9Ep9mxeTgHzDbBB9cNcuAVeFKD4GtXtK9ZujSn4UY9JWz-N1FjCeOuSzXF8uyvcbMbDgZHzpcc5TwVzz2nIsQzj3WtGLpoNLYEz196nHn5fH0=s300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="168" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgExmkZ9zbN_xsurebne_Gby3LPq1wSa4vzKGasAkHGkJ7ALeOiqSJeb_2dGk_bbHrff2gL3Zf8EoP9Ep9mxeTgHzDbBB9cNcuAVeFKD4GtXtK9ZujSn4UY9JWz-N1FjCeOuSzXF8uyvcbMbDgZHzpcc5TwVzz2nIsQzj3WtGLpoNLYEz196nHn5fH0=w179-h320" width="179" /></a></div><br /></span></span>Deep listening is also an essential factor in healing people. Returning to the "lost boys of the Sudan" situation, Diane spoke from her experience and affirmed: "no-one is beyond help". However, the kind of listening that leads to healing can only be offered by someone who is not afraid to "go to the depths of hell" with the traumatised person. If the listener is afraid to hear the worst of the story or tries to 'make it feel better', the speaker will quickly shut down. It is no longer a safe place for them to dare to explore the depths of their pain. When a person has a guide to travel with them to the deepest core of trauma they can begin to heal and journey back, still accompanied by the guide.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #000010;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuAe72-jedLM09dbF2JdObVvbXF4IBDxpj22dfkjcXWcYIv482g5vPw4hP-tzZHgU_bDhn8weuxr3-2DAQsj9mLsHcWT5rH8mJdTVr1ibp-qihKF43xGvrin-fYulbgJS1yc_ahZ7d52pq0qWpa3C1Mbu9QrVbkp4pG_ulLz6lm3Kiv2VrLe7FoXn2=s230" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="230" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuAe72-jedLM09dbF2JdObVvbXF4IBDxpj22dfkjcXWcYIv482g5vPw4hP-tzZHgU_bDhn8weuxr3-2DAQsj9mLsHcWT5rH8mJdTVr1ibp-qihKF43xGvrin-fYulbgJS1yc_ahZ7d52pq0qWpa3C1Mbu9QrVbkp4pG_ulLz6lm3Kiv2VrLe7FoXn2" width="230" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">This healing journey can take a long time. Sometimes words are inadequate or simply cannot be found. An example in Judy's case was an extremely traumatised young girl who couldn't speak the horror of her abuse "or my head will burst". Judy gave her paper and art materials and said: "paint for me". It was many years later after many paintings that this young woman had courage to report her abuser and have him convicted. Judy's comment was that the young woman did this "out of her own authenticity". We are called to accompany the journey however long it takes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #000010;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpKoWH1BG3fwVluNHjPkJpUTypeUMNWe1WO5WLnL8hdKfpKO2sCTXjfaPJKs3znrE7qDp8oD0NqDrnT_q8y9DzsEBn-LCGZTBDI5LTQhbmfdXNzcheQ31Rjh7CZRZt5cxva4yUeymcVUarxVEmKa3YljDMALid670KQb3uIBnyzEybKezn1kDRtuRb=s296" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="296" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpKoWH1BG3fwVluNHjPkJpUTypeUMNWe1WO5WLnL8hdKfpKO2sCTXjfaPJKs3znrE7qDp8oD0NqDrnT_q8y9DzsEBn-LCGZTBDI5LTQhbmfdXNzcheQ31Rjh7CZRZt5cxva4yUeymcVUarxVEmKa3YljDMALid670KQb3uIBnyzEybKezn1kDRtuRb" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span>I re-tell these examples for two reasons. Sometimes I think we feel overwhelmed by all that needs healing on the planet and in people. It feels too much to comprehend or cope with. Yet listening is something we can all do. Perhaps we are not skilled or trained in the kind of listening described here - but it is something we can practice every single day. We all put out little hints of something we hope someone will "hear" and shut down very quickly if the response shows that deep listening is not on offer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #000010; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDcH3S0dDSq5wqV0K2BbeL5n-9u6HUnQGIaEYMOM20sD4J8_6HGSL2mTgGUSFr8IhntRnURkVYsyiegLJZQQVEhWStufDg8snDfcX7AKqNuKEXhKLSZ3-orf8lUWJg4SJ0rxPOXjwbYJJwGwxbtn_Gemp8poqOXW46Udmt4B7on2GNu7HLrVGqBo6o=s259" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDcH3S0dDSq5wqV0K2BbeL5n-9u6HUnQGIaEYMOM20sD4J8_6HGSL2mTgGUSFr8IhntRnURkVYsyiegLJZQQVEhWStufDg8snDfcX7AKqNuKEXhKLSZ3-orf8lUWJg4SJ0rxPOXjwbYJJwGwxbtn_Gemp8poqOXW46Udmt4B7on2GNu7HLrVGqBo6o" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #000010; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #000010;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Links to the people in this conversation:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/">Catherine G Lucas</a><br /><a href="https://wealli.com.au/about/our-staff/judy-atkinson/">Judy Atkinson</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://drdianehennacy.com">Diane Hennacy-Powell</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://researchgate.net/profile/Kylie-Harris">Kylie Harris</a> and <a href="https://medium.com/@drkylieharris">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #000010;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #000010;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000010;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000010;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000010;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000010;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><p></p>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-89647652140251561802022-01-02T12:20:00.000+13:002022-01-02T12:20:34.358+13:00Sacred Economics for a Sacred Earth<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOSDjcGBkgNlhqDQiGd0xWupQLz9agDvx21-n1Yq_7v5HfvlwDnigZtGDjuVFYzVIPCAXeLJrRHj4AzbZPfg2jNYa2k7m8LqgKJ3GwyY_G7kT5WOODnQUBmqeT2h7jtgsPQHEXbbh3FdAuhAtqGQ6T0c6rnLqTxoAMcbi0qCZKoxz25Tzx1amUTbi1=s1642" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1642" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOSDjcGBkgNlhqDQiGd0xWupQLz9agDvx21-n1Yq_7v5HfvlwDnigZtGDjuVFYzVIPCAXeLJrRHj4AzbZPfg2jNYa2k7m8LqgKJ3GwyY_G7kT5WOODnQUBmqeT2h7jtgsPQHEXbbh3FdAuhAtqGQ6T0c6rnLqTxoAMcbi0qCZKoxz25Tzx1amUTbi1=w400-h206" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the things I notice in every one of these conversations is that no matter what the specific topic is there are certain fundamental principles that come up every time. One of those is that everything in life is sacred. Looking for a specific "answer to a problem" or a way to "correct/heal" past wrongs or hurts is, as one person said, "a bottomless bucket". Only as we step into a new story, a new perspective, does fundamental change happen. That new story is what indigenous and spiritual elders have been saying for centuries: <i>all of life is sacred and is designed to function with reciprocity, generosity and abundance.</i> If we truly "get" that, then we are invited to participate in this story - right now. Fixating on the past can bring regrets and frustration. Looking at the future can make us scared and overwhelmed. Opening myself to what is asked of me right now, in this present moment, is motivating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Economy:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's interesting to me that in this time of pandemic and lockdowns and closed borders, much is said on mainstream news about<span> "the economy"</span>. It is usually couched in literal monetary terms: profit, loss, GDP, savings, debt, inflation etc. Understandably there's a lot of anxiety for individuals and businesses - and for the country in general. I'm not passing judgement on that - I live in that "story" too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But what if we were <i>corporately</i> living from a new story of co-operation, generosity, reciprocity - knowing that there really is enough for all (ie abundance)? There are encouraging examples of communities and organisations who do live out this story. Here are three examples I personally know about: Our current NZ government launched a <a href="https://www.treasury.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2019-05/b19-wellbeing-budget.pdf">"wellbeing budget"</a> in 2019 and still operates from those principles. A friend of mine recently sold her house. She told the real estate agent that she didn't need "top dollar" and the house must be sold to first home buyers. The church to which I belong is associated with a housing trust <a href="http://cort.org.nz">CORT Community Housing</a> where rent is matched to income not market rates.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtqK-dJV4Gy1L-QYtbDzkQMIoYwL0LUPr-ndhUTIF6BPITRntcCa8Go_SgR_jR1uR2_bHgcMJIagZ5dk1xL5WvWoWDDA9nZWzfOhFnc7Ha700H1baWg3yKoYh1e-AbhD9wfzLh89UAPhFN4A-cKJ1sLDMdCSR35baKPzhxJv8zMZ5ZnuTtudcWOAsp=s561" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="561" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtqK-dJV4Gy1L-QYtbDzkQMIoYwL0LUPr-ndhUTIF6BPITRntcCa8Go_SgR_jR1uR2_bHgcMJIagZ5dk1xL5WvWoWDDA9nZWzfOhFnc7Ha700H1baWg3yKoYh1e-AbhD9wfzLh89UAPhFN4A-cKJ1sLDMdCSR35baKPzhxJv8zMZ5ZnuTtudcWOAsp=w200-h89" width="200" /></a></div><br /> I'm sure there are many more examples - you probably know of some. At the moment they are probably the exception rather than the rule. However, I am optimistic that in time a tipping point will be reached where this new story becomes the norm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The word<span> <span><b>'economy'</b></span></span> coming from the Greek means <span><b>"good housekeeping"</b></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">!</span> </b></span>Maybe like me you had a class called "home economics" at school. I don't remember learning anything about money in that course! It did focus on cooking and sewing however. For many of our mothers and grandmothers cooking and sewing were a key part of the good housekeeping economy. I'm sure in some households that is still true. I'm really heartened that so much of this way of living <b>is</b> coming back into the mainstream. Schools are featuring gardens where children plant, nurture and then cook and eat the produce. Farmers' markets are popular and <a href="https://www.calmthefarm.nz/">regenerative farming</a> is becoming more well known.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_bMwyrzSkxZpPIYuG2MTX1cb04Al-5kNbZ3QW5rEO2wXNaRNsaEWxTHErU7-fItcXYw4qsX8KWXHWP9rJ6XOjetKVYLl3bCQnwdFXqY5ldeQ1-Cm-lHlcaAf-ebKZfeki3ns-pQZtTOsgAa2o900FYGD2x6dK8_Zr-txphaLpTR0soyzSOO71pUDo=s259" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_bMwyrzSkxZpPIYuG2MTX1cb04Al-5kNbZ3QW5rEO2wXNaRNsaEWxTHErU7-fItcXYw4qsX8KWXHWP9rJ6XOjetKVYLl3bCQnwdFXqY5ldeQ1-Cm-lHlcaAf-ebKZfeki3ns-pQZtTOsgAa2o900FYGD2x6dK8_Zr-txphaLpTR0soyzSOO71pUDo" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glen Eden Primary School: Garden to Plate</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWglXAHc8_dQwkH4a4Nw-AOirKG28zXZkiIr0jpx2Xre65SkcrCiP3Lj9l_rDu4zNNcdx3ajL0V8b7l4u_LsoM9JMxnO04wX8ZF1IstBYNIrabQ-UloEOYfIeOYaD-iLw7edkGRaNPjfhyrYZHzmeEsLwMvBXbcIVsT05vil5VWMxyVinrtcPuxbHh=s275" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWglXAHc8_dQwkH4a4Nw-AOirKG28zXZkiIr0jpx2Xre65SkcrCiP3Lj9l_rDu4zNNcdx3ajL0V8b7l4u_LsoM9JMxnO04wX8ZF1IstBYNIrabQ-UloEOYfIeOYaD-iLw7edkGRaNPjfhyrYZHzmeEsLwMvBXbcIVsT05vil5VWMxyVinrtcPuxbHh" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>Values:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What do we truly value?</span> It was suggested that our values are often "upside down". For example we value a tree when it is cut down and made into timber but we don't value it in the same way when it is alive. We value products but we often don't value the people who made them. (However, see <a href="https://www.tearfund.org.nz/Get-Involved/Ethical-Fashion-Guide.aspx">TearFund's Ethical Fashion Guide</a>.) Budgets often seem to value sickness (hospitals etc) more than health and well being. The NZ Wellbeing Budget is seeking to turn this around. We say we value the growing number of elderly in our midst but the <a href="https://www.payscale.com/research/NZ/Job=Caregiver/Hourly_Rate">pay scale</a> for those who care for them certainly doesn't demonstrate that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3u488h8etfLERN1ICFM4hEcYJ-KlFQsmcGughCXMk3qt2T-xnHO7vhYFewcE4iApQ2QYK4ZIItgzizesqswVGXhXjtfWvQgwAuAApVBB-UUsMfxvNKdRRwETytVJnV8tNW0h7w73Qr6PyZp7N0EwWXanGOjuuEstr_8t463GA7Ba9ZDP2MfJi3S-m=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3u488h8etfLERN1ICFM4hEcYJ-KlFQsmcGughCXMk3qt2T-xnHO7vhYFewcE4iApQ2QYK4ZIItgzizesqswVGXhXjtfWvQgwAuAApVBB-UUsMfxvNKdRRwETytVJnV8tNW0h7w73Qr6PyZp7N0EwWXanGOjuuEstr_8t463GA7Ba9ZDP2MfJi3S-m=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Money:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of us have some relationship with money. Maybe we fear it, worry about not having enough, feel guilty about having so much or are focussed on accumulating as much as possible to ensure our security.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>It was suggested that money is a beautiful resource and energy for connection to the things/people we value.</i> If it was generally seen in this way it could be the resource to drive things in a different direction.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4FKSDgco5KZhpFcAtKnZsuqxLWxV8pTh3KzJfRHDd1ftBRrPzE6d1IXTnMVps9NelUw819GRCmony0HMBcXmCy2TSNU6MxQS2wbumE4nwq_X21SmfXIu-fZ2bmxE-YthWJA1ZSaOlIspVkv2ei9PCnBAn39hGlesrDPNJv26dH4_TI_xmgzJwesZt=s128"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="128" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4FKSDgco5KZhpFcAtKnZsuqxLWxV8pTh3KzJfRHDd1ftBRrPzE6d1IXTnMVps9NelUw819GRCmony0HMBcXmCy2TSNU6MxQS2wbumE4nwq_X21SmfXIu-fZ2bmxE-YthWJA1ZSaOlIspVkv2ei9PCnBAn39hGlesrDPNJv26dH4_TI_xmgzJwesZt=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>What is your sacred currency?</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We can also see <span>"currency"</span> in a different way. We each have a sacred currency to bring to the table. One may bring the currency of teaching, another of building, another of caring, another of legal training, another of gardening, another of parenting, another of political skill. If you are from a Christian background this is probably reminding you of the "gifts of the spirit" and the part we each play in the unity of the body (1 Corinthians 12). I'm sure all religions have their way of saying the same thing. All of life is sacred and each of us has gifts to bring and a part to play. It is when all these <span style="font-size: medium;">sacred currencies</span> are woven together for the good of the whole that we create a culture of co-operation, generosity, reciprocity and abundance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTamxWMEAqnJLLyK_uB9JIHxMMATTWdv_VfYJnbanhnY4dpc5gfsTKu0l2ic8K1_9XLI5JA__RaSYOPRx1nkPdLkMkzG5h0C6PaAWAVRbF-PI-61OTagnkKsFRuWFNF0kvTeqHITXtHoHLnu--22Ndeg24MLdxhHIpKFXfDoAjLsAQ5pWJGcixiSd3=s228" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="228" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTamxWMEAqnJLLyK_uB9JIHxMMATTWdv_VfYJnbanhnY4dpc5gfsTKu0l2ic8K1_9XLI5JA__RaSYOPRx1nkPdLkMkzG5h0C6PaAWAVRbF-PI-61OTagnkKsFRuWFNF0kvTeqHITXtHoHLnu--22Ndeg24MLdxhHIpKFXfDoAjLsAQ5pWJGcixiSd3" width="228" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>Our personal economy is how we spend our life energy</b></span>. Do we "spend" it on what we value and share or on what we want to accumulate and protect? The resources listed below offer ways to explore our own approach to "the energy of money" (Sarah McCrum) and the outcome of this approach to life (Jyoti Ma). Mick Collins' books offer visionary challenges to the spirit in which we live out our values and Catherine G Lucas invites us to share in Co-creating Our Future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Links for those in the conversation:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Catherine G Lucas <i><a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/" target="_blank">Co-creating Our Future</a>, <a href="Birth the New Earth" target="_blank">Birth the New Earth</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sarah McCrum <a href="http://sarahmccrum.com" target="_blank">sarahmccrum.com</a> <a href="https://moneyscorecard.app/" target="_blank">The Energy of Money Scorecard</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jyoti Ma <a href="http://thefountain.earth" target="_blank">thefountain.earth</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mick Collins <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unselfish-Spirit-Evolution-Global-Crisis/dp/1856231933/ref=pd_sbs_3/134-3747986-8266319?pd_rd_w=zaUZk&pf_rd_p=3676f086-9496-4fd7-8490-77cf7f43f846&pf_rd_r=6XXJ5S18RR2CECGRAXYQ&pd_rd_r=5fa8a0bd-7bab-42c4-9ffb-ea77c237432f&pd_rd_wg=kLtC6&pd_rd_i=1856231933&psc=1&asin=1856231933&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1" target="_blank">The Unselfish Spirit</a> </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Visionary-Spirit-Awakening-Imaginal-Transformocene/dp/1856233154/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1639186937&refinements=p_27%3AMick+Collins&s=books&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><i>The Visionary Spirit</i></a></div><br /> <p></p>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-45203410420705148242021-12-13T13:48:00.324+13:002021-12-28T20:40:24.303+13:00Rewilding the heart, rewilding the earth<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDhaaNJKsXCMRYPFB4_c-2C9jBXwIXa2yOM_uUleOtpYFOnBbfERWmeblVK3pnNQQ3yygqmshUBhOC5f9nhUgiQlJjHeboV-7FA69ErHkgIZyXtDZnBTapVbODfciauCCmiOceh8ZhDw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1642" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDhaaNJKsXCMRYPFB4_c-2C9jBXwIXa2yOM_uUleOtpYFOnBbfERWmeblVK3pnNQQ3yygqmshUBhOC5f9nhUgiQlJjHeboV-7FA69ErHkgIZyXtDZnBTapVbODfciauCCmiOceh8ZhDw/w444-h229/BTNE_Rewilding-the-Heart-Rewilding-the-Earth.png" width="444" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I hadn't heard the term "rewilding" before listening to this episode. It's not hard to guess what it means!<div>We need to <i>bring back</i> the conditions for our natural environment to be "wild"; we need to stop raping the earth of the very spaces and resources it needs to thrive. It sounds so obvious - the earth is our home. There is nowhere else to move to. Yet somehow, gradually and collectively, we have become blind and careless. Over recent years I've heard myself saying more than once: "We're like frogs in water that is slowly getting to boiling point." You probably know that analogy. Apparently if a frog is dropped into a pan of boiling water it will frantically struggle to get out. But if it is placed in warm water on a low heat it will quite happily enjoy the warmth and sink into a tranquil slumber eventually allowing itself to be boiled to death. The analogy is much too close for comfort.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6h9HDYwqRkgtUn3vD43AxPBT6WjmygAIOdnUgwezZNWHTCBJCb4EHuvh0jwYemitB87xVqRVl5DhXnTNM9w6nhjVn63ygP_Q6s60p4iEBapMEqCosneeeFc0rTGNKateuwkXCn-QBD8kwAq_qPuDopIZQg6Jq58I78nYEi7MquE2m5K7Z-7LFM7Sc=s225" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6h9HDYwqRkgtUn3vD43AxPBT6WjmygAIOdnUgwezZNWHTCBJCb4EHuvh0jwYemitB87xVqRVl5DhXnTNM9w6nhjVn63ygP_Q6s60p4iEBapMEqCosneeeFc0rTGNKateuwkXCn-QBD8kwAq_qPuDopIZQg6Jq58I78nYEi7MquE2m5K7Z-7LFM7Sc=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div>Fortunately there are many organisations and individuals who are sounding the alarm - and showing us how to take action. If you Google the word "rewilding" you will find, as I did, many links.</div><div><br /></div><div>A challenging insight in this episode is that we won't succeed in rewilding the earth unless we also rewild our hearts. "You can't find nature sacred if there is no sense of the sacred within you." For some, "rewilding the heart" happens unexpectedly and even through trauma. Clare Dubois, in this episode recounts her experience. Here's an 8 minute clip of <a href=" https://youtu.be/tMN6HBEtOSU" target="_blank">her story</a>. I was particularly fascinated by Clare's story because several years ago I joined <i><a href="https://treesisters.org/">Tree Sisters</a>. </i>Through a monthly donation "my forest" now has 363 new trees. The total number of trees planted by Tree Sisters at the time of writing this is: 22,850,619! If you did listen to the YouTube clip you will know that Clare was/is a confirmed introvert who had no idea how to deal with her grief at the rape of the earth until the event described. Of course not everyone has to go through such a dramatic experience. Our call to action may be quiet and progressive. But one way or another we each have a part to play. And as two of the panel commented - we have to <i>feel the pain</i> <i>of our planet</i> before we truly show up and take action. <i>The Hidden Life of Trees </i>by Peter Wohlleben is an inspiring read.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihX65iTdUCmR5UyyVAGWEDBVcsE01u5T889aKMhuwpmELD3PQ1Tfdp0XzhBjBEupJg_7xvFa9IB0YlSeDtsHRjj4U_h-TMHdrM54jfBbhNLPE7mRr-l-uVlfSrVSh53bOsdhjyWjtFYKnHhHJl8KnDWPUBIiJscZI_Xsw0ak4D0d7RJ7IIWFoChiRz=s270" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="189" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihX65iTdUCmR5UyyVAGWEDBVcsE01u5T889aKMhuwpmELD3PQ1Tfdp0XzhBjBEupJg_7xvFa9IB0YlSeDtsHRjj4U_h-TMHdrM54jfBbhNLPE7mRr-l-uVlfSrVSh53bOsdhjyWjtFYKnHhHJl8KnDWPUBIiJscZI_Xsw0ak4D0d7RJ7IIWFoChiRz=w140-h200" width="140" /></a></div><br /></div><div>It's interesting that Covid is a disease of the lungs and trees are the lungs of the earth. A diagram of lungs shows that they even look like trees!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz-W5O-Gn0ODa2LKqVoXAEpco_LmhiRsLZZTCPOgV_QJrldqGvZDOXvhj5GyQwaLfcwmHATk-a1ckdUvmPLxOtsL3yOvGFOA7yp5ETmvEverI1GjXxjw-g05sQ_BgYYhen6eDB-ombSzsQ1FUw-fPToZvrpaEvNgZkz24_XSpG2NfE0dF7KTXHr9fE=s254" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="198" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz-W5O-Gn0ODa2LKqVoXAEpco_LmhiRsLZZTCPOgV_QJrldqGvZDOXvhj5GyQwaLfcwmHATk-a1ckdUvmPLxOtsL3yOvGFOA7yp5ETmvEverI1GjXxjw-g05sQ_BgYYhen6eDB-ombSzsQ1FUw-fPToZvrpaEvNgZkz24_XSpG2NfE0dF7KTXHr9fE=w156-h200" width="156" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx9OYnj0NJSF5WUBr0Pzf9SJ8J27qxpVr8YGrS_UTE01NyyZbGZMBecBgKz5dtXOEJnicyyTlUYheYsjMmTIGORFArxU75fFv8GgA5GZ1zHrpeWqMDKrSy0crX4lTs7xzXdfoYU_r0-VGAcc-_M_MbIm5PfC4b94DK9XqUyCmNKXFYp8t0lEwbPvz9=s225" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx9OYnj0NJSF5WUBr0Pzf9SJ8J27qxpVr8YGrS_UTE01NyyZbGZMBecBgKz5dtXOEJnicyyTlUYheYsjMmTIGORFArxU75fFv8GgA5GZ1zHrpeWqMDKrSy0crX4lTs7xzXdfoYU_r0-VGAcc-_M_MbIm5PfC4b94DK9XqUyCmNKXFYp8t0lEwbPvz9=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div> "The whole fabric of creation is designed for peace, harmony and fullness of life," said one person. That echoes creation stories around the world and in many religions. For example: the creation story in Genesis 1. If you are interested in the mythology of trees in different cultures and religions this is an <a href="https://www.uniguide.com/tree-of-life/" target="_blank">interesting site</a>. Getting back to that "peace, harmony and fullness of life" is what this mutual rewilding of our hearts and our planet is about.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've loved trees since I was a child. They seem so solid and rooted and dependable. They know how to weather storms and grow around obstacles. Their roots are strong enough to push up through concrete pathways. They stay put through the centuries often growing through cities now deserted and crumbling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuxb1ggktHCWMvSpaciuIRSP2xs0v-fhkq3yCUVzAXBwmXFTK7iAS6Yls4PEGW2Zq5L3qimIzmx8AFEAFoouBikTxm0AlMn0Si_B9LNh-EvmP77x87zC-Mb_zKC8ntyS6xrTqZ0eue9OW-OID4RHkDrbEVqKfJg8JRNc1SxZHfrPQX3ItP_f8Ydq6F=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuxb1ggktHCWMvSpaciuIRSP2xs0v-fhkq3yCUVzAXBwmXFTK7iAS6Yls4PEGW2Zq5L3qimIzmx8AFEAFoouBikTxm0AlMn0Si_B9LNh-EvmP77x87zC-Mb_zKC8ntyS6xrTqZ0eue9OW-OID4RHkDrbEVqKfJg8JRNc1SxZHfrPQX3ItP_f8Ydq6F=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWSNzUTVr2e1AjwhyjyPLpy_r8pCrooov4PWmz0htAbV99JO_tB17BpnHW1Z_T8HDLKZWSgrJZ2Gl5WKKeXbzsIUl6VP_qqht0AFon3M9jOFWKlsfetUE9_Yl9_5qGoGkzhoVHlCOo81b0s5LTIhVyAmmlUWiUtCvgJhqFiKnSzssasjjeAqgGSd5o=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWSNzUTVr2e1AjwhyjyPLpy_r8pCrooov4PWmz0htAbV99JO_tB17BpnHW1Z_T8HDLKZWSgrJZ2Gl5WKKeXbzsIUl6VP_qqht0AFon3M9jOFWKlsfetUE9_Yl9_5qGoGkzhoVHlCOo81b0s5LTIhVyAmmlUWiUtCvgJhqFiKnSzssasjjeAqgGSd5o=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take note of the last line: Our heritage is in our hands.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A final quote: "Trees are not insane.If you want to become sane go outside. Bow, listen, learn." </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9O2xq51y7IN5GlxSC31CajBPyM5hUI9vlMB0m42A9zQaksQwsKIXhC5D0QSl54iOIYfRPxLiXALdQX_n-nevruwV96JJL8LQxrmpI9HQ-V0bEr74K-zMP9NIPYgX1p74PgUxIEr5_jm4w2bKeIkQQbsmwhFI89DgNlFlNxlZad2a_INwajAA9d7yH=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9O2xq51y7IN5GlxSC31CajBPyM5hUI9vlMB0m42A9zQaksQwsKIXhC5D0QSl54iOIYfRPxLiXALdQX_n-nevruwV96JJL8LQxrmpI9HQ-V0bEr74K-zMP9NIPYgX1p74PgUxIEr5_jm4w2bKeIkQQbsmwhFI89DgNlFlNxlZad2a_INwajAA9d7yH=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><div>Some links to those on this episode:</div><br /><div>Catherine G Lucas: Founder of <i><a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/" target="">Co-creating Our Future</a>, </i>author and <i><a href="http://birthnewearthsummit.com" target="">Birth the New Earth </a>Host</i></div><div><p>Clare Dubois: founder of <i><a href="http://treesisters.org" target="">Tree Sisters</a></i></p><p><a href="https://www.sky-larking.co.uk/" target="">James Murray White</a>: Filmmaker, Activist and Co-founder of XR Rewilding</p><p>Mick Collins: Occupational Therapist and Author of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unselfish-Spirit-Evolution-Global-Crisis/dp/1856231933/ref=pd_sbs_3/134-3747986-8266319?pd_rd_w=zaUZk&pf_rd_p=3676f086-9496-4fd7-8490-77cf7f43f846&pf_rd_r=6XXJ5S18RR2CECGRAXYQ&pd_rd_r=5fa8a0bd-7bab-42c4-9ffb-ea77c237432f&pd_rd_wg=kLtC6&pd_rd_i=1856231933&psc=1&asin=1856231933&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1" target="">The Unselfish Spirit</a></i> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Visionary-Spirit-Awakening-Imaginal-Transformocene/dp/1856233154/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1639186937&refinements=p_27%3AMick+Collins&s=books&sr=1-2" target=""><i>The Visionary Spirit</i></a> and <i>Birth the New Earth</i> team member</p><div class="op3-element" data-op-element-hidden="0" data-op-visibility-hidden="0" data-op3-element-caption="Text Editor #unIl1meQ" data-op3-element-spec="" data-op3-element-type="text" data-op3-gid="" data-op3-has-children="0" data-op3-style-id="" data-op3-uuid="unIl1meQ" id="op3-element-unIl1meQ" style="background: none 50% 50% no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px auto; position: relative; transition: all 0s ease 0s; width: 232.5px;"><div class="op3-text-wrapper" data-op-animation-loop="0" data-op-animation-style="" data-op-animation-trigger="none" data-op-timer-minutes="0" data-op-timer-seconds="0" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 20px; position: relative; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"><div data-op3-contenteditable="" style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"><p style="border-color: currentcolor; box-sizing: border-box; color: #376e00; font-family: "Barlow Semi Condensed", sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-22257268615521684212021-12-05T17:52:00.008+13:002021-12-28T20:44:25.841+13:00Dark Night of the Globe<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeOiccSIZIutaKcVazXpkHm04v0qJtbRMaLHv0BrSLBLvjBwF551HOzTqMZtRakCBcsHUH2dDYKtX1gVp7iBWPEeLBY3o8vio6gYwyjm4I2WNxVEAuqCWAtmwkTMSkXTRdpwAxs0s1hA/s1642/BTNE_The-Dark-Night-of-the-Globe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1642" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeOiccSIZIutaKcVazXpkHm04v0qJtbRMaLHv0BrSLBLvjBwF551HOzTqMZtRakCBcsHUH2dDYKtX1gVp7iBWPEeLBY3o8vio6gYwyjm4I2WNxVEAuqCWAtmwkTMSkXTRdpwAxs0s1hA/s320/BTNE_The-Dark-Night-of-the-Globe.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Calling our current environmental and pandemic crises a "dark night of the globe" may seem rather gloomy and daunting. However, this description holds a serious challenge and a wonderful hope.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Many of you will immediately think of the origin of the "dark night" language in the experience and writings of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Night_of_the_Soul">St John of the Cross</a> (16th Century). John's experience included terrible external injustices and a deep personal spiritual crisis. It was a death/resurrection experience. Out of the trauma, the 'unknowing' and the surrender to what felt as if his whole world was crumbling, John emerged into new life. He brought gifts of insight, poetry and writing we still draw on all these centuries later. It is significant that he is Saint John <i>of the Cross. </i>Yes. Jesus endured betrayal, abandonment and injustice culminating in a false trial and sentence. He entered the darkest night as he approached physical death on a cross. He begged to be delivered. He wished there was some other way, yet surrendered to going through with it: "Father, if it be possible take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42). That surrender to death was the doorway to resurrection.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The speakers in this summit conversation wanted to make clear that the global dark night terminology does not imply that "God caused this". Rather, it is the outcome of human behaviour, selfishness and greed. One panelist called the global dark night "savage grace" as it burns away our illusions and reveals the consequences of aligning with darkness. Darkness is often more 'thrilling' and intriguing. It provides a place to hide. (Sadly, it is also more newsworthy.) Light exposes and reveals the truth with nowhere to hide. Living in the light requires repeatedly dying to the ego and our illusions of separateness and control. </p><p style="text-align: left;">But the dark night also invites us to recognise our creative capacity to co-operate in bringing about change. We have a part to play in <i><a href="http://birthnewearthsummit.com">Birthing the New Earth</a> - </i>that's what this summit is about. As Quantam physics constantly reminds us: we live in a world of possibilities. Not just "nice ideas" but actual change brought about immediately by our attitudes, actions and choices. (Remember <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Butterfly_Effect">the butterfly effect</a> from the previous post.) </p><p style="text-align: left;">One of my particular areas of interest is noticing how realities expressed in contemporary science are "hidden in plain sight" in spiritual texts. As a life-long Christian, of course I see this most clearly in the Bible. Jesus puts "loving your neighbour as yourself" right up there with loving God (Mark 12:30-31). More and more I have come to see that loving my neighbour "as myself" doesn't just mean "as much as I love myself" although that's not a bad start! In a very real sense my neighbour actually<i><b> is</b></i> "myself". What I do affects everyone else - directly or indirectly. The Buddhist image of <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/indras-jewel-net-449827">Indra's net</a> expresses this well. So does a spider web!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzfXRKhHcH_1mVnaxTGZikgf57GLnAwkyc7Gf_BHrVTM3ap7wgmPT3tskxzxsCcHwgAixKPcmOS4NEbrOqM5sAhINLkCxvF88VlqDv7Jyk1tuL06xL55-url-eNeMD7KBpdectBQysX5Lar4-NMqDrQyJQ_Ms5bv3WwgQYVfFi5KpFa0ryTb0XUyln=s260" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="260" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzfXRKhHcH_1mVnaxTGZikgf57GLnAwkyc7Gf_BHrVTM3ap7wgmPT3tskxzxsCcHwgAixKPcmOS4NEbrOqM5sAhINLkCxvF88VlqDv7Jyk1tuL06xL55-url-eNeMD7KBpdectBQysX5Lar4-NMqDrQyJQ_Ms5bv3WwgQYVfFi5KpFa0ryTb0XUyln" width="260" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div>So our part in <a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/">co-creating our future</a> is to own our influence and express our creative potential. If we externalise the crisis as something <i>happening to us</i> we are pretending to be separate from it, denying any responsibility for contributing to change. But each of us has potential to join in bringing about the light of a new era to follow this dark night.</div><div><br /></div><div>This summit conversation was fiery and impassioned I felt quite breathless by the end of it! The urgency for "sacred activism" was evident. The facilitator, asked each person to ground it in a final practical word to those listening. The responses:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What breaks your heart the most? Step up and do something about it - right now.</li><li>What was I born for? I need to make every day a day I honour the truth.</li><li>Words have power - watch how you speak. </li><li>The present moment is the portal for change.</li><li>Don't get caught in pessimism - that is self perpetuating. In every moment there are infinite possibilities.</li></ul><div>What strikes me in all of these responses is that they each bring the focus back to the present moment. It is easy to think it's all too big, too daunting, what could I possibly do that would change anything? There's the tempting escape route again! Both Jesus and quantam science say: "You can't get away with that. You <i><b>are</b></i> making a difference one way or another whether you are aware of it or not!" So even if we can't do "great things" let's make a habit of choosing to "do small things with great love" as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa">Mother Teresa</a> said not so long ago.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAj4brbaPqqfETf30cLwJIAm3obwsIiyxDEI5od9yuSmUcsL_iZDaSBTnkwKBqV-s57o0uhrJjMYVLj-Sk5gbmd1lNHxi8plkR5LV3jFFAWYZQq7M1H4ijWHkAP3XyPdRqzo4fj9pYDn3Ncxnt2vmyq-bzh4on24fYjTes5bGnEI4yNHGfdi6oOAO9=s318" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAj4brbaPqqfETf30cLwJIAm3obwsIiyxDEI5od9yuSmUcsL_iZDaSBTnkwKBqV-s57o0uhrJjMYVLj-Sk5gbmd1lNHxi8plkR5LV3jFFAWYZQq7M1H4ijWHkAP3XyPdRqzo4fj9pYDn3Ncxnt2vmyq-bzh4on24fYjTes5bGnEI4yNHGfdi6oOAO9" width="318" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">************************</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Panelists in this conversation</b>:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/">Catherine G Lucas</a>: Founder of Co-creating Our Future; Author; Birth the New Earth Host.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.myss.com/">Caroline Myss</a>: Five time NYT best selling author and Internationally Renowned Speaker.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.andrewharvey.net/">Andrew Harvey</a>: Internationally acclaimed Writer, Poet, Translator and Mystical Teacher</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Levy/e/B009SPTTT6%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" target="_blank">Paul Levy</a>: Author, Spiritual Emergence Pioneer and Birth the New Earth team member.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-26624900268691144412021-11-27T16:53:00.010+13:002021-12-18T09:10:25.472+13:00Awakening Through Crisis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I mentioned in my previous post I have been inspired by the <a href="https://www.birthnewearthsummit.com/">Birth the New Earth Summit</a> Over nine one-hour sessions, twenty experts and visionaries in various fields, share their wisdom and passion for doing just that. In the next few Posts I plan to share some highlights from each session. (I highly recommend you sign up and listen yourself if you can. What I share are some of the things that most inspired me and I certainly haven't covered everything!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb3giI-dnEd9nYrHmm79IploH2AOUGouCHwmod5gkh2UOhF-CiYpAOYI35rdBhrppxJyvWa-vHsjsU-Qm_WUi_Zfk4n4AUS_ec45lMzz0jiBzMbsGxgXU-9gS5GQi-tRfMm19LQ9QqKs/s1280/RebirthofPeopleandPlanetTitleSlide.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb3giI-dnEd9nYrHmm79IploH2AOUGouCHwmod5gkh2UOhF-CiYpAOYI35rdBhrppxJyvWa-vHsjsU-Qm_WUi_Zfk4n4AUS_ec45lMzz0jiBzMbsGxgXU-9gS5GQi-tRfMm19LQ9QqKs/s320/RebirthofPeopleandPlanetTitleSlide.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div> <span style="text-align: center;">The first episode <i>The Re-birth of People and Planet</i> focussed on awakening <i>through</i> crisis. Most of us would prefer to avoid crisis! But what if we thought of crisis as an opportunity to “wake up” and discover resources we never knew we had? What if crisis was a motivating gift to energise our power to be part of a re-birth?</span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXUR2vm79QiFgHpxqgjyYMA85BSu9Mhl4ZdgGdx2PHGsiasK7uIiPjSQQTrBx5RN8ZenBDeL8AeWccH5rcLBFoZQrqp4bRCpXXhTCm8C5naKJWbebFcnzJjdBJYt-pjUl69qxmx-1I9g/s282/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="282" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXUR2vm79QiFgHpxqgjyYMA85BSu9Mhl4ZdgGdx2PHGsiasK7uIiPjSQQTrBx5RN8ZenBDeL8AeWccH5rcLBFoZQrqp4bRCpXXhTCm8C5naKJWbebFcnzJjdBJYt-pjUl69qxmx-1I9g/s0/images.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>The Chinese characters for crisis mean danger and opportunity. How appropriate for the current time as we face climate crisis and a global pandemic. Victor Mair, professor of Chinese language, says the characters "represent an incipient moment; a crucial point when something begins or changes.” We have an opportunity to be part of this crucial turning point.<br /><br />Sometimes this opportunity begins with a personal/spiritual crisis. Each of the four people in this episode refer to what they called a spiritual emergency as a turning point in their lives which motivated what they are doing now. They name our current crises a <i>Global Spiritual Emergency</i>. The good news is that spiritual emergencies can lead to spiritual awakenings. One told of his spiritual emergency taking him to a place of awe and knowing the one-ness and holiness of all things. (This reminds me of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=thomas+merton+experience+on+walnut+and+fourth&oq=Thomas+Merton&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j69i59j46i512j0i512l3j46i512j0i512l3.30968j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">Thomas Merton's experience</a>- and the experiences of many other mystics.)<br /><br />I can see that many points of crisis in my own life stand out as significant positive turning points. As more of us learn to trust and integrate crisis a groundswell grows that can become a positive tipping point in our global crises.<br /> <br />Many years ago I learned about <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+butterfly+effect+meaning&oq=the+buterfly+effect&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j46i10j0i10l2j46i10j0i10j46i10j0i10j46i10j69i64.25649j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">the Butterfly Effect</a> (a very small change in one place can influence a much bigger change at a distance) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYfrd5-74zYvXtxwwbTfDM6ldyNIx7IBrhCaBoEXkyROyZIQWao951o9kbAfAKssO5OCSzdTfpQnGdivoGnhSHH6Ct3DVeI-sKavSWA8QImWVYdsHC2YloiInDgnNIrRNJb7l7WLkRxA/s2048/IMG_1281.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYfrd5-74zYvXtxwwbTfDM6ldyNIx7IBrhCaBoEXkyROyZIQWao951o9kbAfAKssO5OCSzdTfpQnGdivoGnhSHH6Ct3DVeI-sKavSWA8QImWVYdsHC2YloiInDgnNIrRNJb7l7WLkRxA/s320/IMG_1281.jpeg" width="240" /></a> </div><br />and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundredth_monkey_effect">Hundredth Monkey Effect</a> (when a critical number of people embrace a particular idea or behaviour it quickly becomes widespread). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJOHFKGwhadirDhOaTOpi3I5nb5FryGbZWoRhdT_f7m-nOt7UApOJSgp983Si5nV1z8bTCUmARM85pq63tlqwpEGTBrNizdti0m2tYdEXjJJlVUPQqToqFOJK1xzKJ1uQ4gPtmmNwC8k/s286/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="286" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJOHFKGwhadirDhOaTOpi3I5nb5FryGbZWoRhdT_f7m-nOt7UApOJSgp983Si5nV1z8bTCUmARM85pq63tlqwpEGTBrNizdti0m2tYdEXjJJlVUPQqToqFOJK1xzKJ1uQ4gPtmmNwC8k/s0/download.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I found both fascinating but at the time didn't seriously apply them to my own behaviour. Currently these realities are in sharp focus. The pandemic and the climate crisis demonstrate that even the smallest actions we take affect the whole planet, and its people - for good or ill. As another panelist said: "The future is uncertain and we are all creating it together." That is a challenging reality. <br /><br />One of the greatest challenges is to avoid being caught in the "mind-virus" of fear and pessimism. If that happens we become part of the problem. We are adding to a groundswell of anger, depression and helplessness. However, fear if faced and integrated can be a motivator to energise new action and creativity. If power is used unconsciously it is destructive and perpetuates the belief that we are separate from each other and from the earth. But we can choose to use the power within us to act creatively with love and compassion for each other and the planet - realising that we are all intricately connected.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many tiny seeds planted in bare earth become a beautiful garden. What seeds are you choosing to plant?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2EnAE0HdZELhAxFM9E3aWfCmv5MmIkTvxlZjcMNGJvif4wyEHgNfnJ0QTVEk7ZWFjgzUnPPUr-2i8djGyPdwidPhyBA5fBE1A6TK_yE7ZpMjN4xDtWJMPnmBMOJbo_J30eK47TQrbzw/s276/download-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="276" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2EnAE0HdZELhAxFM9E3aWfCmv5MmIkTvxlZjcMNGJvif4wyEHgNfnJ0QTVEk7ZWFjgzUnPPUr-2i8djGyPdwidPhyBA5fBE1A6TK_yE7ZpMjN4xDtWJMPnmBMOJbo_J30eK47TQrbzw/s0/download-1.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br /> </div><div><br />I am hopeful that before too long there will be a "hundredth monkey" tipping point in a positive direction. (And don't forget that butterflies emerge from a constrained chrysalis where everything looks like mush!)</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Re-birth of people and planet is possible - each of us has a role in bringing it about!</b></span></div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> *******************************</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Some links to the four panelists in this episode:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.co-creatingourfuture.world/">Catherine G Lucas</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kylie-Harris" target="_blank">Kylie Harris</a><br /><br /><a href="https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/searchAll/index/?search=Mick+Collins&pageSize=25&showAdvanced=false&allConcepts=true&inferConcepts=true&searchBy=PartOfNameOrTitle" target="_blank">Mick Collins</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Levy/e/B009SPTTT6%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" target="_blank">Paul Levy</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div></div>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-30041668025092536422021-11-15T14:41:00.002+13:002021-12-18T09:10:07.068+13:00Breathe new life - now!<p> <span>This feels like a new chapter in my Blog. I thought of starting a new Blog but decided it’s easier to continue this one. If I had started a new Blog the title of this post would have been the title of the new Blog.</span></p><p><span>I chose this title because it gives a feeling for what motivates me to write again. Some of the things I’ve been interested in for a long time seem to be coming together synchronistically recently. </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span>Quantam physics</span></li><li><span>Covid crisis</span></li><li><span>Climate crisis</span></li><li><span>Effects of colonialism</span></li><li><span>Indigenous wisdom </span></li><li><span>Science and spirituality </span></li></ul><p></p><p><span>My challenge is to distill the interconnectedness of these seemingly random issues into meaningful bites for myself and readers!</span></p><p><span>So where does breathing fit in? </span></p><p><span><b>Breathing is something we can only do right now</b>. We can’t breathe our previous breath again and we can’t breathe next minute’s breath before next minute arrives.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b>Breathing involves breathing in and breathing out. </b>As Covid shows us - every breath affects both me and those around me. (This is </span><span>obvious when sitting near someone smoking). It is also true in less obvious ways. The ideas I take in and absorb affect the things I will say. The attitudes I nurture in myself will affect the atmosphere around me even if I’m not speaking. (We can “feel” anger, joy, disdain, warmth etc).</span></div><p><span>It may be a surprise to consider that these two simple realities are expressions of quantam reality. </span></p><p><span><b>The only time we have is right now.</b> We can’t ‘re-do’ the past and the future isn’t here yet!</span></p><p><span><b>We live in a participatory universe.</b> In other words we are influencing the way life evolves whether we realise it or not!</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">So “breathe new life now” is an invitation to be aware of what we take in and what we put out. We are not separate beings who can watch from the sidelines of life.</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><p></p><p><span><b>Resources </b>that are directly or indirectly contributing to my current thinking are:</span></p><p><span><i><b>The Quantam Revelation: A Radical Synthesis of Science and Spirituality</b></i></span></p><p>Paul Levy (Select books, 2018) </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmDg-mjzTsVxfRfZP39mZJbm379iUBrIo7T32smFpOYwcHjo2w9Tt_7YoM12J7Jx1As3HaI_OIwqvmHVfyZstlQBY3A84qd8BYGLyyE3nTF1YVFrc8-Jf3TpjCktK0vayz7eaoGqNKtc/s499/61QlfkSkFyL._SX325_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmDg-mjzTsVxfRfZP39mZJbm379iUBrIo7T32smFpOYwcHjo2w9Tt_7YoM12J7Jx1As3HaI_OIwqvmHVfyZstlQBY3A84qd8BYGLyyE3nTF1YVFrc8-Jf3TpjCktK0vayz7eaoGqNKtc/s320/61QlfkSkFyL._SX325_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span><b><i>Birth the New Earth summit </i></b> </span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.birthnewearthsummit.com/?fbclid=IwAR08-VMz2PGp2fZwJj_ztNZs3td8O2x9K11X6l85IIhzHeDKZEzY9P7vnqs" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: white; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.birthnewearthsummit.com/</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8c3L32aWgW9f-c8MJ2Wb4q7yKm4ncZ5zM51KpPQ8gu9sR4iZ3JyaPjqdPzsFnuGlwjkm11TbrmFDTkkwwyk8jfrvTfmR1ZhULIXzE29pKBX7qAmv0ermKYA11vRmD7MFBGDrIBQRZJqY/s500/safe_image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8c3L32aWgW9f-c8MJ2Wb4q7yKm4ncZ5zM51KpPQ8gu9sR4iZ3JyaPjqdPzsFnuGlwjkm11TbrmFDTkkwwyk8jfrvTfmR1ZhULIXzE29pKBX7qAmv0ermKYA11vRmD7MFBGDrIBQRZJqY/s320/safe_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-51433224099976083252021-03-17T13:26:00.002+13:002021-03-17T13:26:56.881+13:00Here we are again!<div class="separator"><br /></div><p> "Here we are again" is a phrase we've used a lot over the past year in relation to COVID lockdowns. I'm using it here for another reason. After writing my <i>Caravan of Selves</i> Blog posts up to June last year it seems a pity to wait another two years before I'm old enough (!) to write the next episode. So "here we are again" or at least here I am again!</p><p>A Blog is a funny thing. It is halfway between private journal entries and very public FaceBook posts. I've missed Blogging, because for me it is a place to keep track of the most important things I want to remember. FaceBook is good for instant moments and photos but (for me at least) not for longer reflections on deeper things.</p>So I begin again by copying most of the Christmas letter I sent out at the end of 2020. I find Christmas letters a great way to remember the highlights of a year.<br /><br />2020 will be a year to remember… <br />The Covid 19 pandemic has influenced almost everyone on the planet in some way. It would be wonderful if love, joy and peace would spread as globally as the virus. Perhaps that is still possible. When we choose to nurture love, joy and peace within our own hearts it permeates in ways seen and unseen.<br /><br />We began the year with a wonderful cruise around NZ for seven days. The weather was perfect and the<br />cruise took us to some of the most beautiful places in our amazing country. Milford Sound, Akaroa and<br />the excellent Waitangi visitor centre were among our favourite places. Little did we know that all too<br />soon cruises would be off the agenda for some time. We look back with great gratitude.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOU2eqkyY9l0t085G8Y3yUdCpKAN7-1eFBUaQuCRYbiE0QOEULWr7Ob02f-Og9cIw0L6n7Kwwrji_4xNUPzqVa8WkbhxgGfA3hjU25ldFFJOq3i32XN6Hs-Cx7M-L-qVgb0wO9vcG-WU/s320/IMG_3240.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcomed onto the Marae at Waitangi</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOslYNWz5Tg1c0F6k0kxoC5IxWn4-bZn9BjKgQIRyqfiqgtq-E9U6czxCSwvwmTc8Pv1UtK-nWuTUPTget6zGwu5HRFyJ-3q0s1PhCJyP3eqzdR7K14BWvoYUWAekoNh4ObXgzTU8qw-M/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOslYNWz5Tg1c0F6k0kxoC5IxWn4-bZn9BjKgQIRyqfiqgtq-E9U6czxCSwvwmTc8Pv1UtK-nWuTUPTget6zGwu5HRFyJ-3q0s1PhCJyP3eqzdR7K14BWvoYUWAekoNh4ObXgzTU8qw-M/" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in Milford Sound at sunrise<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9brZHs3BGTqzdnWFb6didKsGryQ0GcopgO7QkcJaj5_6nekBfa-mf99Kh88X6s4vddC5f3sCNRz68BoZKct1mjL7f0uqBzv2c3irJcvhq41DZP_fpO7Do9YjMOZYyTmd9CGJdgTDsD4/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9brZHs3BGTqzdnWFb6didKsGryQ0GcopgO7QkcJaj5_6nekBfa-mf99Kh88X6s4vddC5f3sCNRz68BoZKct1mjL7f0uqBzv2c3irJcvhq41DZP_fpO7Do9YjMOZYyTmd9CGJdgTDsD4/" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Akaroa Harbour</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br />Since that carefree beginning this year has been dominated by unexpectedly selling our house and moving into Evelyn Page retirement village!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxn9iyydb_DCzYYF3OjnTx9M0kTxNR0ZbFkPvy9RMLO_TzQMiFWLIvd-H00NCezeBYxu5mdErot1OxjWPGZTLrjvEqqFsqPbYmEXTqvjlJX6lCFzxrT_1cuS-uXlL0b3okjpT0Hef590/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxn9iyydb_DCzYYF3OjnTx9M0kTxNR0ZbFkPvy9RMLO_TzQMiFWLIvd-H00NCezeBYxu5mdErot1OxjWPGZTLrjvEqqFsqPbYmEXTqvjlJX6lCFzxrT_1cuS-uXlL0b3okjpT0Hef590/" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />The timeline and circumstances of this are quite remarkable. For 18 months or so we had been<br />researching possible options for when the time was right to make a move. So one Saturday in February we went to an open day at Evelyn Page village. One of the show apartments was a sunny north-facing apartment with double aspect and both bedrooms opening onto a balcony. We thought it would be an ideal layout if one like that was available when we were ready to move. On Wednesday that week one of Anthea’s supervisees (K) mentioned her son, Andy, and wife and two children were looking to buy in Orewa. They wanted a house pretty much like ours. We explained that we weren’t ready to move just yet – partly because we would need to find an office space for our work. However if the family wanted to look through our place we were happy for them to come as long as they knew it wasn’t yet on the market. On Thursday K texted Anthea to say she and her husband would like to offer us an office space in their home near the beach in Orewa, if/when we did sell ours! On Friday Andy with his wife and children came to look and immediately said they loved the house and would like to buy it if they could!<br /><br />We were quite shocked but also aware that something amazing was happening. We made a quick return visit that day to the apartment we had seen a few days before to make sure we still thought it suited us. It did, so we put a hold on it. On Saturday we got an updated appraisal on our house from agents we had used a year before as part of our research. Then on Saturday evening we did all the price negotiating with Andy by text message!! We came to a very happy agreement. On Monday we did the paperwork for the sale of our house and the contract on the apartment.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUn4cojD7Epx2nY7h2stXqyJKLK9Ce3TNCzuEtbcfuVfIYwpfebJTAx_XTCl1pgUiPgo1Bl49XIIU2Q2MUfVIO9P2tgKjOyJQpdcanqXnFoWV5rrFoUMvVXqQNYMZVuScDSMnrxTd6Z8/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUn4cojD7Epx2nY7h2stXqyJKLK9Ce3TNCzuEtbcfuVfIYwpfebJTAx_XTCl1pgUiPgo1Bl49XIIU2Q2MUfVIO9P2tgKjOyJQpdcanqXnFoWV5rrFoUMvVXqQNYMZVuScDSMnrxTd6Z8/" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our living area</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4pNh1AifDoFnRkGunc_fv4PFRVr2wpKIRJIM738cTQfQMtBiBvOWwQuNMJnG_LUQQ6gM49sv-Re2fqG2onveqY5UXVdR6o8oTEjot8pw2EtleeqYMffEhyphenhyphenSB7F5UsTx9-J_zEQRwHt4/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4pNh1AifDoFnRkGunc_fv4PFRVr2wpKIRJIM738cTQfQMtBiBvOWwQuNMJnG_LUQQ6gM49sv-Re2fqG2onveqY5UXVdR6o8oTEjot8pw2EtleeqYMffEhyphenhyphenSB7F5UsTx9-J_zEQRwHt4/w240-h320/IMG_3521.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balcony</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So within the space of a week we had sold our house, been offered an office space and put a contract on the apartment we are now living in! All along we had said “We’ll know when the time is right to move.”We certainly didn’t have any doubt! <br /><br />All of that happened just before Covid really hit NZ. In a few weeks NZ went into five weeks of total lockdown. This is not a great time to be packing up a whole house, getting rid of at least half our furniture and many books, linens, crockery and other things we couldn’t bring to a small apartment! Of course we couldn’t have anyone come to help with heavy lifting! Op Shops were closed and no-one could come to view or pick up things for sale. It was tough! I found it very stressful physically and emotionally. But we made it. Ponsonby Baptist Church is linked with CORT (Community of Refuge Trust) which houses over 400 people. CORT took all our excess furniture. Women’s Refuge were able to take all our excess linens. These were both classed as essential services. It was wonderful to know that what we couldn’t keep was going to people in real need.<br /><br />The settlement date for moving was 7th May. As the Covid situation continued we thought that date<br />would have to be extended. But amazingly moving house was possible when Lockdown went down to<br />Level 3. This happened ten days before settlement date! It’s almost a “too good to be true” story. But it<br />is definitely true and we have been living here now for seven months by the time most of you read this.<br /><br />Of course there are adjustments and settling in to be done with such a move. But we have found both<br />residents and staff here to be very warm and welcoming. In fact we feel quite spoiled! A great advantage<br />is that we are literally “just down the road” from where we lived previously. The environment, shops and<br />services are all familiar. We are very happy and grateful.<br /><br />The Election has been another major feature of this year. We are so blessed to live in New Zealand! Our<br />Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has become a world renowned figure in the way she has managed the<br />pandemic here. The landslide victory of the Labour Party in the election is, in part at least, due to this.<br />Throughout her whole 3 year term Jacinda has modelled, and called us, to be a culture of kindness, compassion and inclusiveness. There is much hope for “peace on earth and goodwill to all people” under such leadership. But it takes us all to make it happen. Jacinda repeatedly<br />called us “the team of five million”. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CEi_qEs5kwdEyN4TDJHozDwYfSz67oCTpcqU5GIt7vUCidvcurMjmLjuIRegsiRuIQIKJGquhXg_Jx0H6Bgi9zQRqTTqCVmrfvPGysfBqvizpxsLAHI2bayvUs2sx8QtFEAQU8LdNOY/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CEi_qEs5kwdEyN4TDJHozDwYfSz67oCTpcqU5GIt7vUCidvcurMjmLjuIRegsiRuIQIKJGquhXg_Jx0H6Bgi9zQRqTTqCVmrfvPGysfBqvizpxsLAHI2bayvUs2sx8QtFEAQU8LdNOY/w240-h320/IMG_3675.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing my bit in the "team of five million"!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><b>Family news</b> includes the joy of new birth and the challenges of aging.<br />My niece Lydia and husband Phil are the proud parents of an adorable son, Oscar!</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7x_T8suYDnhVHQNJszYauEKq-nOgFQULrX0L7yYkwszAXDXzOCe02i2hqTD2iFkQY_1T54eUP06C7XzEHC1gJxHOX5jYRSif3_DVKcXDx8SRu6LVwUHuaISAdG7llAMLOP3d6J0g5Eo/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7x_T8suYDnhVHQNJszYauEKq-nOgFQULrX0L7yYkwszAXDXzOCe02i2hqTD2iFkQY_1T54eUP06C7XzEHC1gJxHOX5jYRSif3_DVKcXDx8SRu6LVwUHuaISAdG7llAMLOP3d6J0g5Eo/w240-h320/IMG_3574.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar Andrew Miller</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Anthea and I between us have five siblings (plus spouses) between the ages of 75 and 84! Supporting<br />where we can and observing the reality of various levels of need, makes us very grateful we have been<br />able to move here before we have significant health or disability needs.<br /><br />Over the summer we plan a few days in Tauranga before Christmas to visit family members and four<br />days of retreat at the Tyburn Monastery on the outskirts of Auckland. Apart from that we will enjoy day<br />trips and “support local” – which is not difficult to do in this beautiful country!<br /><br />None of us know what 2021 will bring but hopefully we will all be ready to enjoy each day with gratitude,<br />trust and love.<div><p></p></div></div>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-71101535582836044382020-06-20T16:23:00.003+12:002021-12-18T09:08:33.733+13:00Caravan of Selves 11: 64-70 Years 2008-2015<br />
Now I'm in the era of digital photos it is harder than ever to keep these seven year segments brief!<br />
So photos and brief comments will have to do for this segment.<br />
<br />
2009<br />
Northland Holiday - what a beautiful part of our country. We were blessed with equally beautiful weather!<br />
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I took up Nordic Walking for exercise. It was well worth participating in a series of eight classes to get the correct technique.<br />
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After ten years in our house it was in need of some maintenance on the fascia and soffits (new vocabulary to learn!).<br />
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My work in spiritual direction and supervision continued. Ministry opportunities in Anglican training courses and SGM programmes were also a regular part of life in these years.<br />
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I enjoyed a newly established book club with people from our church. We read a book each month and met to discuss it. In November we choose books for the following year. It was a great time of in-depth discussion on books I might never have come across otherwise. I've always been an avid reader and this group also developed closer relationships with the other group members. It was my version of a nourishing "home group"!<br />
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The first retreat with Cynthia Bourgeault was also a very richly nourishing experience. This first retreat was based on her first book on Centering Prayer. Since then I have benefitted from all Cynthia's books and several more retreats.<br />
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Then another wonderful holiday with my friend of many years - Marg Schrader. We enjoyed a week on The Sunshine Coast of Queensland.</div>
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As I've got older I have become more and more passionate about issues of social justice and have tried to play a small part in organisations that support change. Attending peace walks or peaceful protests was not a part of my upbringing but joining marches is a physical reminder that my presence adds to the corporate message. It is a tangible way of "walking the talk".<br />
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<span lang="" style="font-size: 12pt;">In 2010 there were several significant birthdays. My friend Barb Hooper turned 60. Barb had a serious stroke many years earlier and has limited ability to speak. A wonderful party for her included a totally silent performance of drumming. We all participated with not a single word spoken by the stage group. </span><br />
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<span lang="" style="font-size: 12pt;">I turned 65. Gold Card age! I asked family and friends not to give me any presents but to buy a "Gift of Hope" or a "Good Gift" from one of the many organisations that promote this practice.</span><br />
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I was delighted to receive dozens of cards signifying such gifts. </div>
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Another friend, Aynsley, turned 70 the same year. She organised a Kayaking trip from Puhoi to Wenderholm and invited some of us to join her. It was a delightful way to share in showing that 70 isn't too old to enjoy a new physical adventure!<br />
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The final special birthday was Anthea's mother turning 100! A lovely afternoon tea was arranged at Cedar Manor rest home where she lived.<br />
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<span lang="">Also in 2010 I was able to attend another SDI conference. This time it was in San Francisco where I met one of my heroes in the faith, Brother David Steindl</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-Rast. After the SDI conference I joined some others of us for a retreat at The Mercy Centre retreat house in Burlingame </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Gate Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother David with his friend and 'minder' Anthony Chavez </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTpMacKzWysv0hp7SdP85PIADDUDcWh-9T_aJ0_GTFAAVxH5ioOrYQSXL56pIwZZ9H5p5aARLLj-UEqbRNR2Wfs6ugbxQcxJeua8uGwJedZYe8zg31Gn5kFKVKaTRdkx4d3DB68WhqWk/s1600/DSCF2049.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTpMacKzWysv0hp7SdP85PIADDUDcWh-9T_aJ0_GTFAAVxH5ioOrYQSXL56pIwZZ9H5p5aARLLj-UEqbRNR2Wfs6ugbxQcxJeua8uGwJedZYe8zg31Gn5kFKVKaTRdkx4d3DB68WhqWk/s320/DSCF2049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labyrinth at Mercy Centre</td></tr>
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<span lang="">2010 and 2011 Saw some tragic events in NZ. In November 2010 the <a href="https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/pike-river-mine-disaster">Pike River mine exploded</a> killing 29 men. Then in 2011 <a href="https://teara.govt.nz/en/historic-earthquakes/page-13#:~:text=On%20Tuesday%2022%20February%202011,of%20Christchurch's%20central%20business%20district.">a major earthquake</a> devastated Christchurch killing 185 people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">These events were a sobering reminder that we never know what any day will bring.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the</span></div>
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<span lang="">present time.” Romans 8:22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="">2011 was a year of overseas friends coming to visit.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth and Dawn from Brisbane</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jSzha7xY2l7VnEQkLWavC-XHkrIBnZRR4Io3ui61fssAbf2UeuggB9j7E0wTyb8uxlz1KJ9KBHPDgx21smhBYDeFi7yeK-zanPfp8Zb0cdF4sArtCKNHyGeter51NU6i02X-aOUnzrk/s1600/DSC02102.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jSzha7xY2l7VnEQkLWavC-XHkrIBnZRR4Io3ui61fssAbf2UeuggB9j7E0wTyb8uxlz1KJ9KBHPDgx21smhBYDeFi7yeK-zanPfp8Zb0cdF4sArtCKNHyGeter51NU6i02X-aOUnzrk/s320/DSC02102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Maureen and Sandra from England</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_vjfSpZXNgjMwB0ymyCeqo6xDPujnjUek04QJyvYkBx43jG-4CNkMwt3GF9M8t02C-GNreNjAEn4QSNlMUkCzMZinq3WrkKY2qgJZ5hyphenhyphen5xX8Sp4IWjLNlo0ooBug_-TYs6XY9XXMnZ8/s320/DSCF0315.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carla at our place for Christmas<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtieU0s9-U2Et3OZZP36Y3xKJfi7BlMambO9ZSqxF6pcwu_0vtNLzP-zD6cWr_0NYbko2pY3tFbAHRBFqCwOkRkifnMcNt8-mvnNDmq3DanVdkIM5aQFq-yRvi1PFhjRuxce7l7svxuRQ/s1600/DSCF0085.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtieU0s9-U2Et3OZZP36Y3xKJfi7BlMambO9ZSqxF6pcwu_0vtNLzP-zD6cWr_0NYbko2pY3tFbAHRBFqCwOkRkifnMcNt8-mvnNDmq3DanVdkIM5aQFq-yRvi1PFhjRuxce7l7svxuRQ/s320/DSCF0085.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthea at lookout on our Coromandel holiday.</td></tr>
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<span lang=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_vjfSpZXNgjMwB0ymyCeqo6xDPujnjUek04QJyvYkBx43jG-4CNkMwt3GF9M8t02C-GNreNjAEn4QSNlMUkCzMZinq3WrkKY2qgJZ5hyphenhyphen5xX8Sp4IWjLNlo0ooBug_-TYs6XY9XXMnZ8/s1600/DSCF0315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_vjfSpZXNgjMwB0ymyCeqo6xDPujnjUek04QJyvYkBx43jG-4CNkMwt3GF9M8t02C-GNreNjAEn4QSNlMUkCzMZinq3WrkKY2qgJZ5hyphenhyphen5xX8Sp4IWjLNlo0ooBug_-TYs6XY9XXMnZ8/s1600/DSCF0315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
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In June 2011 I began this Blog! Interesting now to look back at what I posted then.</div>
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<span lang="">2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">In June 2012 Anthea turned 60. We didn't do very well with many photos!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
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<span lang=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefTpo77Fn8MzMQeZ148JadwmViZyjn6fnqHNIcLyv_1apiwxQDAfaYIqrhUIWfgCii8CZ7BqFF3QzyapRHbbGAc28nFHBCpbluJlWcG0gCLlWoWc4HYxrtCdyTRqhdbGqvi3W0NnYM_U/s1600/Ant+and+Sheila.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefTpo77Fn8MzMQeZ148JadwmViZyjn6fnqHNIcLyv_1apiwxQDAfaYIqrhUIWfgCii8CZ7BqFF3QzyapRHbbGAc28nFHBCpbluJlWcG0gCLlWoWc4HYxrtCdyTRqhdbGqvi3W0NnYM_U/s320/Ant+and+Sheila.jpg" width="316" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span lang="">In November I spent three week in Chiang Mai, Thailand at Seven Fountains retreat centre. This was a wonderful time of reconnecting with David Townsend who had been my director on the 30 day retreat in Wales in 1988. He is now part of the team at Seven Fountains.</span><br />
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<span lang=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xyzvbVleNf5tPEnsuUUAxXZtevFFSqcwu15t-t2pTUK80Zr4SZAJaloHZs5O8sXGz4zPsDsO4bMg-sj3e3x1a6oudasgL5dYo3IvRRAKiJsC7rNLxSHjX7M9EkxD36KQnUjKqQ-JsZ8/s1600/DSCF0419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xyzvbVleNf5tPEnsuUUAxXZtevFFSqcwu15t-t2pTUK80Zr4SZAJaloHZs5O8sXGz4zPsDsO4bMg-sj3e3x1a6oudasgL5dYo3IvRRAKiJsC7rNLxSHjX7M9EkxD36KQnUjKqQ-JsZ8/s320/DSCF0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb3EF1z3TpYv5QDnkcZJX-Kb-auH9V7s59PEkAaJWX7fxHKvokqetMkMCorUylVRcHEcjOW9o4WLoFsM_sSh824xIcqtCzastsLov8A4VIKaVCmko8pd5LP3USqr3djyNjDyqogGmh2E/s1600/DSCF0441.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb3EF1z3TpYv5QDnkcZJX-Kb-auH9V7s59PEkAaJWX7fxHKvokqetMkMCorUylVRcHEcjOW9o4WLoFsM_sSh824xIcqtCzastsLov8A4VIKaVCmko8pd5LP3USqr3djyNjDyqogGmh2E/s320/DSCF0441.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Fr.David Townsend.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoptoriGWMvRqioaxwDPiiAX4BLF9Pkeu850ebI2J3xYwdNAvWvlXD2kdRfRtMEvA_Olt9528NF2fJf0kr4RO9MoVMyOAm3XyhVrHeUgOJkUF1gdHZvScqb30kaxIaCwxfMyjYxsYVn3I/s1600/DSCF0605.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoptoriGWMvRqioaxwDPiiAX4BLF9Pkeu850ebI2J3xYwdNAvWvlXD2kdRfRtMEvA_Olt9528NF2fJf0kr4RO9MoVMyOAm3XyhVrHeUgOJkUF1gdHZvScqb30kaxIaCwxfMyjYxsYVn3I/s320/DSCF0605.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being a tourist!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">2012 was also the year both my older siblings celebrated 50 years of marriage! A wonderful milestone and a tribute to the stable loving families they were brought up in and continue for their own children and grandchildren.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3FfPsHFNMR687_prE1qgoNN2mPa5iYVsytpwN7NukTRDrkPYXiI8Ge4m7SFxklLR5-ah9qs5vjKBybp7Qu9DwE3LlIbiMaOQStmClhjPMzWDu757iqkHi4NGnnN8Sptl7JddcxC-DiE/s1600/DSCF0398.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3FfPsHFNMR687_prE1qgoNN2mPa5iYVsytpwN7NukTRDrkPYXiI8Ge4m7SFxklLR5-ah9qs5vjKBybp7Qu9DwE3LlIbiMaOQStmClhjPMzWDu757iqkHi4NGnnN8Sptl7JddcxC-DiE/s320/DSCF0398.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Marty, Merrie, Sheila, Carla, Gwenyth,<br />Peter.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
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<span lang="">2013</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="">Writing a chapter on my faith journey for a book to be </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">published in May 2014. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I called my chapter: <i>Concentric Circles of Faith.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="">More holidays, more inspiring conferences and rich opportunities to deepen and expand my faith. What rich and privileged life I have lived. I've been re-reading my own <a href="http://sheilapritchard.blogspot.com/2013/">Blog posts for 2013</a>. There are 60 posts! </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang=""><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang=""> More holidays:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqMlPV8ju5SwQY48h9xrzOPsMeGqQi11mEJXQduDDlEQNJqNkMCZHSWBCtYlo_2ekOCocISYoS4-MBS6pFJBDqTWeS04zhuzgtFnhn5feQ86PtwPHvB2rG9j7kaZIDOh1RHoZR06tKws/s1600/DSCF0050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqMlPV8ju5SwQY48h9xrzOPsMeGqQi11mEJXQduDDlEQNJqNkMCZHSWBCtYlo_2ekOCocISYoS4-MBS6pFJBDqTWeS04zhuzgtFnhn5feQ86PtwPHvB2rG9j7kaZIDOh1RHoZR06tKws/s320/DSCF0050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Adelaide - holiday with Helena<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">Melbourne turned on rain every single day! A lot of time spent in the city!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzICVyPJZCBP_QZyTQlLK_9VJHHSVtSM2GFcSFVUVKSO0F6RJjACWkzxmt1YfnQT-0_Y9-lQ8wjTf_Vl6lA6kTdUSZ1JRypbbPg5A0iFMYmxqoRE8XVz-_xWJYs5OpPGt9ug69k3MpJE/s1600/DSCF0109.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzICVyPJZCBP_QZyTQlLK_9VJHHSVtSM2GFcSFVUVKSO0F6RJjACWkzxmt1YfnQT-0_Y9-lQ8wjTf_Vl6lA6kTdUSZ1JRypbbPg5A0iFMYmxqoRE8XVz-_xWJYs5OpPGt9ug69k3MpJE/s320/DSCF0109.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf-Y1qYefEXDtsEkOsGgdmZ5hk2Ca7hiojPOZpfFm2VHvSwtyi6n_FH9aoT8fANC3hoN_3QSUO4WSALP_aU3apBedYKRmsEv_-P3ZfiLC4ht6PN0_d2wv359Kw5JIqSeQ8Za2dhyhopg/s1600/DSCF0110.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="959" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf-Y1qYefEXDtsEkOsGgdmZ5hk2Ca7hiojPOZpfFm2VHvSwtyi6n_FH9aoT8fANC3hoN_3QSUO4WSALP_aU3apBedYKRmsEv_-P3ZfiLC4ht6PN0_d2wv359Kw5JIqSeQ8Za2dhyhopg/s320/DSCF0110.jpeg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The privilege of attending a conference in Auckland with Ilia Delio - an amazing scientist and theologian</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-HXtePLNmnoXOzxUhsv6hVAz_8xbBpRH5xCLAXIa_thg-wagomTVe_CHUCxyTo1CHrtjTN7Tm_CnDmm-UNvRHLZh54_DfPPce-4asvruo_j6NkrhYs4-75Vs5BIo8qwzJNlp3-V6zbQ/s182/Unknown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="137" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-HXtePLNmnoXOzxUhsv6hVAz_8xbBpRH5xCLAXIa_thg-wagomTVe_CHUCxyTo1CHrtjTN7Tm_CnDmm-UNvRHLZh54_DfPPce-4asvruo_j6NkrhYs4-75Vs5BIo8qwzJNlp3-V6zbQ/" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ilia Delio - an amazing scientist and theologian.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="" style="font-size: 16pt;">“God is … the future who holds open in the present moment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="" style="font-size: 16pt;">the radical possibilities of love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="" style="font-size: 14pt;">2014 - <a href="http://sheilapritchard.blogspot.com/2014">63 Posts </a>for this year! Probably the most significant event of the year was deciding to sell our house in Torbay. After five Open Homes and <b>not</b> selling at auction - we sold the following day to exactly the right couple. We had enjoyed15 very happy years in this house and location. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gmH5mJs-rKhP5RKL_rP8ZZHn8U2tO8ScXLD42JslY7Hcqdb7lVNNrGrtVBf23Rt9_ltHx41PayMdlFQ8qkZiUqM3w82H9uhi49D5qyPrBI4pLQj4hMiFJdKcxjwV0f5xkQNIv3mszYA/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gmH5mJs-rKhP5RKL_rP8ZZHn8U2tO8ScXLD42JslY7Hcqdb7lVNNrGrtVBf23Rt9_ltHx41PayMdlFQ8qkZiUqM3w82H9uhi49D5qyPrBI4pLQj4hMiFJdKcxjwV0f5xkQNIv3mszYA/s320/IMG_0046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end of October we moved to our next much loved house and location in Orewa.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmgoGX14QTMH97JnVU92jBNZjhIhmVDItyx3fsilL_8iFfLUHU4xbhp2rz_zpctkH_Pmp-U0srk1xus6URSUNn49wwigIueIY-S2psHP1Z7zg3ApuRrs-nHM9xdQ_ImvMLI4W2TAgjyY/s466/Photo+43+Chesterfield+Way%252C+Orewa.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmgoGX14QTMH97JnVU92jBNZjhIhmVDItyx3fsilL_8iFfLUHU4xbhp2rz_zpctkH_Pmp-U0srk1xus6URSUNn49wwigIueIY-S2psHP1Z7zg3ApuRrs-nHM9xdQ_ImvMLI4W2TAgjyY/s320/Photo+43+Chesterfield+Way%252C+Orewa.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">43 Chesterfield Way</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5pXQy-D1XKDZQannI1WxWtIgy8otnFi009X2VZBSJevwbYuEVFooR3QttYP4sXGueQBAjP9Ri5xh7MJP0IPpHLkd7zwX5fkTqk7a0xTUPOLHUDd_ibHLhIbGkd63t5XwBiX_vPAevYg/s480/Orewa+House+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5pXQy-D1XKDZQannI1WxWtIgy8otnFi009X2VZBSJevwbYuEVFooR3QttYP4sXGueQBAjP9Ri5xh7MJP0IPpHLkd7zwX5fkTqk7a0xTUPOLHUDd_ibHLhIbGkd63t5XwBiX_vPAevYg/s320/Orewa+House+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lake behind our house.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<span lang="" style="font-size: 14pt;">2015 - <a href="http://sheilapritchard.blogspot.com/2015/12/">75 Posts</a> for this year so I won't attempt a summary. I'll end this very long post with a short poem from my journal in February 2015:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<span lang=""><font size="5">peeling bark reveals<o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
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<span lang=""><font size="5">a smooth new surface ready<o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
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<span lang=""><font size="5">to be written on<o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
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<span lang=""><font size="5">allow bark to peel<o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
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<span lang=""><font size="5">from all the old life layers<o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
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<span lang=""><font size="5">smooth freshness awaits</font><o:p style="font-size: 12pt;"></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt; text-align: center;"><span lang=""><font size="5"><br /></font></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt; text-align: left;"><span lang="">That's appropriate not only for the transition to a new home and location but also to this particular Blog Post. In the <i>Caravan of Selves</i> episodes I now need to wait until I reach 77 years of age to write the next chapter. That will occur in in 2022. So watch this space! I may add other "normal" Posts between now and then - who knows!</span></div>
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Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comInland Road, Taoroa Junction 4794, New Zealand-39.719117 175.9390868-68.02935083617885 140.7828368 -11.408883163821152 -148.90466319999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-66194133562640610652020-01-12T11:26:00.001+13:002021-12-18T09:06:55.895+13:00Caravan of Selves 10: 57-63 Years 2001-2008<br />
I seem to have a case of writer's block in getting started with this post! There's so much in these seven years it's hard to know how to put it together. There are external events - lots of lovely holidays for example! But what strikes me in summarising these years is the internal journey. I notice that this doesn't slow down as the years go by. Rather, it increases in depth and breadth.<br />
The following Rilke poem and my journalling about it back then gives a feel for this chapter:<br />
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“I want to unfold.</div>
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Let no place in me hold itself closed,</div>
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for where I am closed I am false.</div>
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I want to stay clear in your sight.”</div>
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“I live my life in widening circles</div>
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that reach out across the world.</div>
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I may not complete this last one</div>
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but I give myself to it.</div>
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I circle around God, around the primordial tower.</div>
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I’ve been circling for thousands of years</div>
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and I still don’t know: am I a falcon,</div>
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a storm, or a great song?” Rilke</div>
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<i> “Reflecting on Rilke's poem I had a lovely sense in the quietness, of God as the strong centre and the infinite circumference of whatever circle I am living. I had a sense of being joyfully swung round and round from the centre pole - while still firmly attached to it – in wider and wider circles but never being beyond the span of God’s extent. There was a vibrant, exultant freedom and delight in knowing that no matter where I spun out to, I was still held firmly in God." Written in 2007</i></div>
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In 2002 I started writing my book <i>The Lost Art of Meditation</i>. This was initiated by Scripture Union UK for whom I had been writing daily notes for some years. They noticed a contemplative and meditative style in my writing and asked for a book. It was published in 2003 and eventually had three printings, was also translated into Norwegian and used in a special edition for SIACS (South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies) in India.<br />
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It is now out of print but still available as an e-book.<br />
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In 2004 we had two significant holidays. Early in the year Anthea and I walked the Abel Tasman track the "easy way" with bags taken on ahead to lodges where we had very comfortable accommodation and lovely food! The weather was good and the scenery magnificent.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheila and Anthea - committed trampers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not us - but we did kayak for one of the three days of our hike.</td></tr>
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Then from 30th August to 10th October we did our OE! <b>Singapore</b>, <b>Austria:</b> Salzburg, Schloss Mittersill (conference and study centre); <b>Italy:</b> Siena; <b>UK:</b> Sth Wales (Risca), North Wales (St Beuno's), England (Derbyshire, London, Hampton Lucy, Cotswolds), Back to <b>Singapore</b> then home! So here are a few(!) pages re-photographed from my album:<br />
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In this "chapter of life" I was aware of being in Erikson's "generativity" stage of life. I enjoyed watching others take on events and roles that had previously been mine. <br />
<i>“I sense something about not needing special insights, feelings, words. It is as if the Spirit is gently telling me that at this stage of my journey these things are not needed. Rather, I am being taken to a deep, deep place of knowing that does not rely on any external markers. In that place I am held, whether I know it or not, by love, grace and fellowship. I no longer have to be the one who holds or searches or marks the way with signposts. I am just to be. And even if that sometimes feels empty or mundane or boring, I simply believe that I am held. – Without trying, without insight, without emotion."</i><br />
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I turned 60 in 2005. Anthea took me on a mystery trip north to Parua Bay and a visit to <i>The Lion Man</i> at Zion Gardens. (Pity that the Zion Gardens enterprise eventually ended sadly.)</div>
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The day after my birthday I wrote:<i style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 3.3pt;">“Walking the beach this morning I had a feeling of my body being just a container for the Divine Life which fills the universe. It was one of those fleeting “mystical moments” that words can’t quite capture. It was as if I scooped up a jar full of sea water and said “In this jar is the sea.” True – but also so minutely representing what “the Sea” really is. My body is the human, fragile container – and when my body is no longer useful the contents will go back into the Ocean from whence they came. Mystery! Wonder!”</i></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 3.3pt;">I summarized the year as:</span><span style="text-indent: 3.3pt;"> </span><i style="text-indent: 3.3pt;">“Feeling more and more at home with mystery unlimited. Letting go of so much and simultaneously being connected to All. Hugely grateful for so many converging paths via books, CDs, Gangaji, movies, podcasts etc.” </i><span style="text-indent: 3.3pt;">I hesitate to include the names and authors of books because over the years I have read so many I may not get them attached to right eras. But Henri Nouwen, Barbara Brown Taylor, Richard Rohr, Brian McLaren, Diarmund O'Murchu, Cynthia Bourgeault,... and of course many of the mystics of earlier times... no it's no good I'd have to itemise my whole library!</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 3.3pt;">Over these years I am enjoying the freedom of "not knowing". Of being able to deconstruct some aspects of my theology without fear of losing anything essential. (<i>Concentric Circles</i> include <b>and</b> transcend what went before!) </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 3.3pt;"> “Knowledge always deceives.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It always limits truth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">every concept and image does.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">From cage to cage the caravan moves,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">but I give thanks for at each divine juncture</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">my wings expand and I touch him more intimately.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">- Meister Eckhart</span></div>
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I'm interested in how this quote picks up the "caravan of selves" title of this memoir - a lovely synchronicity!</div>
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Two more lovely holidays in 2006. I almost feel guilty at having so many wonderful holidays in this "chapter". But looking back it was a space of less structured commitments and good health and energy. </div>
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In NZ: Southland:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXbFHCdPWxeN772HDX4-YU9X07NIknDe0E1u4aseKp77DSbHcvpQXfcs-g97CuZGuZ6YT_e0_8qMuaW8tYYApfzmh7WZTeaewW6KO9w_R3nrnHJG2yem3hgDNBUmF0qlxVRSXCLFjhJ0/s1600/DSCF0466.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXbFHCdPWxeN772HDX4-YU9X07NIknDe0E1u4aseKp77DSbHcvpQXfcs-g97CuZGuZ6YT_e0_8qMuaW8tYYApfzmh7WZTeaewW6KO9w_R3nrnHJG2yem3hgDNBUmF0qlxVRSXCLFjhJ0/s400/DSCF0466.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larnoch Castle Dunedin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petrified wood Catlins coast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much unspoilt beauty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitre Peak Milford Sound</td></tr>
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In Australia: The Red Centre<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGu78499fQJhL5FtHtSdr7qigW8uC5Tu6ljNpMSnlLkA6cqcdECJwR9HBiDAWCEZBG0TKbJ8vxNFUTy4nIOANmzwvGQuDeL7WlG4uGc3Ka6SkCbSxybXphdtRWFDQYbMAz6458OW7sek/s1600/DSCF0638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1024" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGu78499fQJhL5FtHtSdr7qigW8uC5Tu6ljNpMSnlLkA6cqcdECJwR9HBiDAWCEZBG0TKbJ8vxNFUTy4nIOANmzwvGQuDeL7WlG4uGc3Ka6SkCbSxybXphdtRWFDQYbMAz6458OW7sek/s400/DSCF0638.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went with my friend Dawn from Brisbane (Note hat with fly protection!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture perfect! But it is the real thing not a painting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9WyphDvCSamIJQK4DQGpmzQs7rsasraZwf7byDLyBaRVvSiXK_V8kbA8K3oTVcZGHYvteLnV-FtK9tLwFJQNQev5m_qXaVMmR6iMXK4M4WDLC5ccea7YdMhby4AZHGGnxpw4PmCGnt0/s1600/DSCF0652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9WyphDvCSamIJQK4DQGpmzQs7rsasraZwf7byDLyBaRVvSiXK_V8kbA8K3oTVcZGHYvteLnV-FtK9tLwFJQNQev5m_qXaVMmR6iMXK4M4WDLC5ccea7YdMhby4AZHGGnxpw4PmCGnt0/s400/DSCF0652.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking round King's Canyon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise helicopter ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uluru at sunrise from helicopter</td></tr>
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2007 was a significant year as I went to the <i>Spiritual Directors' International</i> conference in Vancouver where the speaker was<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Swimme"> Dr. Brian Swimme</a>. This was an exhilarating and wonderful marker point in my expanding concentric circles. Brian Swimme used his <i>Ten Powers of the Universe </i>to communicate with passion his cosmology and spirituality.<br />
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The whole conference was wonderful in many ways - the international mix of people, the workshops, the way it was run. It put my own journey here in "little NZ" within a broader family of like-minded people.</div>
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After the conference I went with Irene Alexander (who had invited me to go with her to the conference) to a beautiful retreat centre on Vancouver Island where she had friends.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The journey to Vancouver Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The retreat centre</td></tr>
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When I wasn't away on all these holidays I was continuing my private practice of spiritual direction and supervision and involved in the SGM programme, running some retreats and speaking a couple of conferences. It wasn't all holiday!!</div>
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However, having said that, 2008 saw me off again to visit Dawn and her friend Ruth in Tasmania.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pYo8X4HxKZBdHgNZ0IlwSk182Wt8yagYb-jDso8n87EVKHf9GVER2I4rVvVqIrdZvAUf2G7SN63XHIR4_swIIGQweCugoGf0OsxFoyYh8FysrqyTkyEjyiXJf5iSYUBh6I85GRoOj90/s1600/IMG_0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pYo8X4HxKZBdHgNZ0IlwSk182Wt8yagYb-jDso8n87EVKHf9GVER2I4rVvVqIrdZvAUf2G7SN63XHIR4_swIIGQweCugoGf0OsxFoyYh8FysrqyTkyEjyiXJf5iSYUBh6I85GRoOj90/s400/IMG_0263.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ha ha! We chose the front row on the ferry before the bikes were loaded.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfu3hVjz1gMyBZKM76FvMi6d0lcBHwmfZ9S4CztSaBHTVYhTYWu48B7r1RvMZD3xJlnaYz351KIWSUQGL5o74nSvOil_yYHhbMTDQeHBYowhlRmE9wPWlwN0lALytNhHX70zEHj6Y9Ds/s1600/DSCF1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfu3hVjz1gMyBZKM76FvMi6d0lcBHwmfZ9S4CztSaBHTVYhTYWu48B7r1RvMZD3xJlnaYz351KIWSUQGL5o74nSvOil_yYHhbMTDQeHBYowhlRmE9wPWlwN0lALytNhHX70zEHj6Y9Ds/s400/DSCF1225.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cradle mountain - many walking tracks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The much maligned Tasmanian devil</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeaZakGeThdG40Vs2zCpRBt0wa5lH4V5RJ8tfp1go2j-P6s2s8NsKpzJbcSOl-H8xMGoPckciN3_qH0q05YbtRuRWRHkoybDTfRHQ2O_o1wffETBRsbFGF-0xyA48jzGVzHBHPnMR6Ec/s1600/DSCF1276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeaZakGeThdG40Vs2zCpRBt0wa5lH4V5RJ8tfp1go2j-P6s2s8NsKpzJbcSOl-H8xMGoPckciN3_qH0q05YbtRuRWRHkoybDTfRHQ2O_o1wffETBRsbFGF-0xyA48jzGVzHBHPnMR6Ec/s400/DSCF1276.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friendly wombat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting coastline</td></tr>
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Sadly 2008 included the deaths of my Aunty Kath (in her 90's - see photos earlier in his post). and my niece Michelle at just 40 .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-3FFXYVSC0s3UtcDhH49fbAU_yRVBcl_ahmjWVYuQP0oiQW6W-s8cpQTU3tt1mKQyASy_HCBqUnFaHCjwkaYp9CoqSl3Vapo023cZ9VZ2tVzEvyBZfcShDq5cwfyr0Qw-Iwi_f3zVK0/s1600/Michelle%2527s+casket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-3FFXYVSC0s3UtcDhH49fbAU_yRVBcl_ahmjWVYuQP0oiQW6W-s8cpQTU3tt1mKQyASy_HCBqUnFaHCjwkaYp9CoqSl3Vapo023cZ9VZ2tVzEvyBZfcShDq5cwfyr0Qw-Iwi_f3zVK0/s400/Michelle%2527s+casket.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll end this chapter with a reflection I wrote in 2002 after reading this story from the 4th century Desert Fathers and Mothers:<br />
<i>Then Abba Lot went to see Abba Joseph and said to him, “Abba as far as I can I say my little office, I fast a little, I pray and meditate, I live in peace and as far as I can, I purify my thoughts. What else can I do?” then the old man stood up and stretched his hands towards heaven. His fingers became like ten lamps of fire and he said to him, “If you will, you can become all flame.” </i></div>
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My poem also relates to the book of Revelation 8:1-5 and writing it now (January 2020) it is sobering in light of the catastrophic fires in Australia.</div>
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Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-53047361460661534622019-11-20T06:53:00.001+13:002021-12-18T09:06:35.396+13:00Caravan of Selves 9: 49-56 Years 1994-2001<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thomas Merton talking about John of the Cross says:</div>
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"We are open to God and his mercy in the inscrutable future </div>
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and our trust is entirely on his grace </div>
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which will support our liberty in the emptiness </div>
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where we will confront unforeseen decisions."</div>
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This quote is a good indicator of what this seven year period would hold.</div>
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I was still fully involved in the spiritual formation courses at BCNZ and continuing to write regularly for <i>Reality</i> magazine and for <i>Scripture Union</i> materials.<br />
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The spiritual formation department was growing and at some point (can't remember the exact year) my friend and colleague David Crawley began to share the teaching of these classes. Many photos from this time show lots of happy times with friends, picnics, holidays... And in 1995 I turned 50! At one birthday gathering I asked everyone to come dressed as something beginning with S (for Sheila).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjHFPPPoUWDEYH4cAiDWDe63aqxukaDskZp8VjiPWgwbiiBkvdyfxJwa2ibR9efaOXWQTvGrkq1TdrjUayV1McX9vnm19tt1mvbfisipkA6m7wnKxnyzieGAeW12tt90KZrq7RgIgY8w/s1600/My+50th+b%2527day.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="438" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjHFPPPoUWDEYH4cAiDWDe63aqxukaDskZp8VjiPWgwbiiBkvdyfxJwa2ibR9efaOXWQTvGrkq1TdrjUayV1McX9vnm19tt1mvbfisipkA6m7wnKxnyzieGAeW12tt90KZrq7RgIgY8w/s320/My+50th+b%2527day.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me as Spanish dancer, Marie as Santa, Bev, Margaret and Barb...?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee as Sheriff </td></tr>
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Behind the scenes I was feeling a a lot of self doubt about where I was heading, a kind of "dark night" of "unknowing". I wrote in my journal that I sensed that "the pillar of fire had moved" but I wasn't sure where it was leading me. Certainly it felt like "an inscrutable future".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDY2_BrHA7fN20Dp02K6dPF80BKNwanxzNroN1ovcyavLNGAKFIcWiStW3GNcN4iVakf-v06Zihee10BrPRQVN2gBb9I6G6mP5LvJFQgD_g3x1zPw_jxGtlhtRA_6hYQmH9gS7vYNVOw/s1600/A+reflective+moment.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="436" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDY2_BrHA7fN20Dp02K6dPF80BKNwanxzNroN1ovcyavLNGAKFIcWiStW3GNcN4iVakf-v06Zihee10BrPRQVN2gBb9I6G6mP5LvJFQgD_g3x1zPw_jxGtlhtRA_6hYQmH9gS7vYNVOw/s320/A+reflective+moment.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me standing on the edge of an unknown future.</td></tr>
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Chris and David (colleagues on the BCNZ faculty) were close friends - along with their wives and children. We met once a month for support and sharing of our journeys. I sometimes looked after their children. Such special, deep friendship is a wonderful gift - and continues to this day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwvcoYRJ-5HnM_0NEVclpUkKsNfaa_7DI1rRiCc_FbgVcBYjj3FnzeOBs6YByT6DdKBedxPANImMSgBzMAg-OvQfElQdl0rNRA_vP3mCBF-N2kVKFGcsEIhnLIhQPCLYaj-UFKB3OZe4/s1600/Marchalls%252C+Crawleys+and+us+1994.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="440" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwvcoYRJ-5HnM_0NEVclpUkKsNfaa_7DI1rRiCc_FbgVcBYjj3FnzeOBs6YByT6DdKBedxPANImMSgBzMAg-OvQfElQdl0rNRA_vP3mCBF-N2kVKFGcsEIhnLIhQPCLYaj-UFKB3OZe4/s400/Marchalls%252C+Crawleys+and+us+1994.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthea, Chris, Sheila, David, Julie, Margaret one Christmas at my Waimumu Rd house.</td></tr>
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Anthea and I were tossing around the idea of pooling resources and setting up some kind of small retreat place where we would live onsite and offer spiritual direction and retreats. We used to meet each Wednesday evening for prayer and some focus for sharing. On June 12th our discussion/exercise had been: "What would you like people to say at your funeral?" I still have what I wrote. The next day I collapsed at BCNZ with a brain aneurysm. The funeral could have been sooner than we expected!<br />
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I was in hospital for three weeks and the aneurysm was successfully "clipped" which was the best outcome. But the uncertain ten days before it was decided if surgery was possible, were testing. It was a time to "trust entirely on his grace". The Bible College community, the Ponsonby Baptist community and dozens of other friends and acquaintances prayed and sent cards and messages of support. I was overwhelmed with love and prayer and mostly felt quite calm. The night before surgery was the time I felt most vulnerable as I looked straight at the reality that I might not survive the surgery or could come out with a stroke or other brain damage. I remember feeling I was staring down a totally black tunnel with no sense of any light at the end. Wonderfully (as of November 2019) I have lived 23 years since then with no ongoing after effects.<br />
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With rather amazing timing I was due for three months study leave over the next academic term so I could recover at home with no disruption to my BCNZ classes as that had already been arranged.<br />
During those three months I wrote two TEE (Theological Education by Extension) courses on spiritual formation. <br />
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The highlight of Christmas 1996 was that I could start driving again! Six months without driving after my surgery was a lesson in itself. I saw women with young children struggling onto buses, older people carrying bags of groceries a long way home. I had to learn to carry my own groceries home on the bus! I saw my privileged life with new eyes. (And of course I had several friends who drove me to places I needed to go!)<br />
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In 1997 I began working only 50% at BCNZ to allow my spiritual direction and retreat work to grow. Most people (understandably) thought this was because of my aneurysm but actually it was a decision based on my gradual transition away from working full-time at the college to see if I could sustain self-employment.<br />
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In 1998 and 1999 I completed two years of Psychosynthesis training. This was very helpful personally and professionally. Ongoing personal therapy was required as part of the training and this was very helpful as my "dark night" continued. My spiritual director at the time was "just right" for me too. I was, and am, grateful for a lot of support and help during these quite difficult years.<br />
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Anthea and I had continued to explore the joint retreat centre idea but so far with no success. We had several disappointments in terms of both possible financial support and finding a suitable property. We moderated our vision to simply look for a house with a flat where we could accommodate one person on retreat at a time. But even that was harder than we expected. I put my Waimumu Rd house on the market while we were house hunting. The market seemed very slow and there were many weeks of not much interest. My stress levels were high! Eventually I sold it <i>below the GV</i> to the only person who put in an offer.<br />
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After months of looking for a property in West Auckland we decided to try the North Shore although we expected that to be out of our range. The house we bought in Torbay had no flat and didn't "tick all the boxes" for our vision. But somehow it felt amazingly "right" and we moved in in June 1999.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">42a Toroa St, Torbay. "The Lighthouse"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthea on a street below our house. Ours is the grey house above the green roof.</td></tr>
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At the end of 1999 I finally left my faculty role at BCNZ. One farewell from students and another from faculty and staff marked the completion of 20 very significant years for me - and for the college. I left the Spiritual Formation department in the capable hands of David Crawley!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge card with many wonderful messages written inside. <br />
(Where did they get all those photos!)</td></tr>
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So 2000 - a new millennium, a new house, my first time owning and sharing a house with someone, my first year fully self-employed. There was much joy and many challenges. My spiritual direction and supervision work grew. I offered retreats and programmes via the Spiritual Growth Ministry programme. Our house had a suitable downstairs room where I could see clients and walking distance away was Arjay House, a small retreat centre we could use! So God's "mercy in the inscrutable future" was evident. Anthea had her own private practice in a separate location and we were (and are) very grateful for our compatibility and shared sense of God as the "Divine Third" in our relationship and in our home. (A quote from the little book <i>God Calling</i>: "...when those who visit you will know that I am the Divine Third in your friendship".)<br />
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2001 was, of course, the year of the Twin Towers destruction. It happened while I was at the Spiritual Directors' Conference in Waikanae. We all stared in unbelieving horror as did so many people around the world. Together at the conference we prayed for those directly affected and for wisdom in whatever part we individually and collectively might play in the world that seemed to change that day.<br />
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My own journey continued with a lot of reading and exploring an increasingly more inclusive framework than the "conservative evangelical" one I had been brought up in. I'm not sure when I began using the term <i>Concentric Circles</i> as a very helpful paradigm. If you click "About this Blog" the top of this post you will see why I chose this name. I am grateful for every part of my upbringing and my Christian development. I don't reject or dismiss any of it. The Ken Wilber phrase "include and transcend" continues to express my evolving journey.<br />
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This quote from my journal on 31st December 2001 is not only my summary of that year but could stand as a summary of these seven years:<br />
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</style>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-22453443326877093372019-10-25T09:58:00.005+13:002022-05-09T13:24:07.161+12:00Caravan of Selves 8: 43-49 Years 1989 -1994 When I arrived back from my Sabbatical there was no hint of the awkwardness of the time before I left. Soon after my return I was invited by the new Principal (Dr John Hitchen) to consider setting up a department in Spiritual Formation! This was a complete surprise and a wonderful opportunity. I felt totally inadequate but as John Hitchen said, "You are more equipped to do this than anyone else!"<br />
<br />
So I began with a small initial class called <i>Personal Spirituality</i>. The following year I added a second course <i>Spirituality for Ministry</i> and in the third year <i>Contemporary Trends in Spirituality.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZxBvuaIWtB8rseU-wMEWBc0NV2FDiuHESfNVsomGwQw-iXvHg6Fj9sZKkV3cEFidK0PhrtGVIbeasvt131D3LeWV5cxT8X5ndy6s7EY_zkjJxiCxTOPY6r1JR34depkxM7so132dDwA/s1600/1993+Contemp.+Trends+class+jpeg+Rilma%252C+Liz%252C+Shaz%252C+Sheila%252C+Gail%252C+Kathryn%252C+Dawn%252C+Soo+Hoong.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="437" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZxBvuaIWtB8rseU-wMEWBc0NV2FDiuHESfNVsomGwQw-iXvHg6Fj9sZKkV3cEFidK0PhrtGVIbeasvt131D3LeWV5cxT8X5ndy6s7EY_zkjJxiCxTOPY6r1JR34depkxM7so132dDwA/s400/1993+Contemp.+Trends+class+jpeg+Rilma%252C+Liz%252C+Shaz%252C+Sheila%252C+Gail%252C+Kathryn%252C+Dawn%252C+Soo+Hoong.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third year class (who were the first group to do all three years)<br />
L-R Rilma, Liz, Shaz, Sheila, Gail, Kathryn, Dawn (on study leave from Australia), Soo Hoong</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
The <i>Personal Spirituality</i> course quickly became very popular and class sizes were soon up to 50 students which I felt was really too big for the kind of teaching I most wanted to do. But it was encouraging all the same! I introduced a silent retreat for the third years. This was a five day retreat with daily spiritual direction, held at Mercy Spiritual Life Centre. Over the years David Crawley and Margaret Marshall helped me run these retreats and offer spiritual direction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5kfE7EXmwQPXPXpop4P3Hdkc8GsJv3O_zZpcAUbKCUrQfnn0xffgYNKyO01hfLiEfV5WC-qzPJYiNEKbrwGRFnlITdChYXm1yNFKSIWXTDY18KvbXMbN5ONkLUy0TeaR7iUHqjuLR6c/s1600/Another+class+retreat.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="437" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5kfE7EXmwQPXPXpop4P3Hdkc8GsJv3O_zZpcAUbKCUrQfnn0xffgYNKyO01hfLiEfV5WC-qzPJYiNEKbrwGRFnlITdChYXm1yNFKSIWXTDY18KvbXMbN5ONkLUy0TeaR7iUHqjuLR6c/s400/Another+class+retreat.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class retreat about 1994 I think</td></tr>
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I also began running weekend <i>Creative Prayer Retreats</i> at Arjay House in Torbay. These were open to any students. After a few years I encouraged third year students to experience running these retreats themselves with my guidance. They did a wonderful job and I learned a lot from them!<br />
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<br /></div>
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I was gradually able to shift my teaching load more specifically into the Spiritual Formation department as those classes developed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jht6j9-XT65GU6Zya4qYjclr8o0vnwgOlIglk8MFKv5br1JJ_C0Ft7iQNBunLz6z1AECUde47NqlSdINjMuBFQ4KTXDKuaRcPMS4HibIXAXkTUyIWTeGTbTu5_GksZUJ0VKdkPASpaA/s1600/Faculty+Retreat.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="441" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jht6j9-XT65GU6Zya4qYjclr8o0vnwgOlIglk8MFKv5br1JJ_C0Ft7iQNBunLz6z1AECUde47NqlSdINjMuBFQ4KTXDKuaRcPMS4HibIXAXkTUyIWTeGTbTu5_GksZUJ0VKdkPASpaA/s400/Faculty+Retreat.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faculty retreat 1994 I think</td></tr>
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At the same time as this wonderful opportunity was developing Mum's health was declining through another stroke and a broken hip. It was a long road to her death in 1992. She had moved through all the stages of care at <i>Parkwood Retirement Village</i> in Waikanae and died in the hospital there.</div>
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In spite of the deep satisfaction and enjoyment I had in these years of developing the spiritual formation department I was still grappling with the stressful atmosphere of constant "busyness" in the academic environment. Once again I found my self wondering if I could stay long term at BCNZ. I had wonderful friends in the faculty and the college was in good heart. It was my own inner sense of something not being quite right for who I was becoming. A series of taped talks by Richard Rohr on <i>The Spirituality of Subtraction </i>made a significant impact.<i> </i></div>
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I am quite prone to melancholy and in 1993 I wondered to myself if this was depression or maybe even burnout. I wrote: "I often feel weary and a kind of restless boredom. Weariness is not from overwork or lack of sleep. More a kind of repression of both joy and pain." I don't think at the time I had heard something the poet David Whyte quoted in a talk about his own burnout: </div>
“You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest? … The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.” In retrospect I think this fitted my experience.<br />
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I sought out a counsellor: Anthea Harper at Christian Care Centre. Two friends of each of us had independently said they thought we would get on well together so it seemed a way to find out! The two months of counselling were very helpful especially the question: "What sort of woman do you want to become?" One sentence of my longer response to this question was: "A woman who has the courage to do and say less in order for what is said and done to mean more."<br />
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After the counselling relationship finished Anthea wanted to interview me about the similarities and differences between counselling and spiritual direction. This was the subject of her Masters in Counselling dissertation. So this time she came to my office at BCNZ. After these encounters with each other we decided our friends were right - we certainly had a lot in common and soon became good friends.<br />
Here we are on Barry Tetley's Yacht on the Waitemata Harbour. (Barry was a faculty member at BCNZ and he, with his wife Christine, took us out sailing a couple of times.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtblAYcx8ZhQ-H6I_lMKmgKULlEC5UbKl_XQ_gxVfb4f0_TUVG4h6RsPGyevKyYtuqlec6ZoUK_72tzNnHz7j4kOGzMfFb_JxujnyVCGO_VTxh5wGlHg8Ql1uSzBCMsSTssie7JSN_Vgg/s1600/pjimage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtblAYcx8ZhQ-H6I_lMKmgKULlEC5UbKl_XQ_gxVfb4f0_TUVG4h6RsPGyevKyYtuqlec6ZoUK_72tzNnHz7j4kOGzMfFb_JxujnyVCGO_VTxh5wGlHg8Ql1uSzBCMsSTssie7JSN_Vgg/s320/pjimage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">In 1994 I asked if I could reduce my BCNZ work to four days a week in order to give more time to my growing spiritual direction practice. This was agreed to and was a significant step towards claiming my "wholeheartedness". It was a complete surprise in December of that year to be asked if I would consider taking on the role of Associate Principal of BCNZ. Writing this now it still seems unbelievable - but I still have the official letter asking me to consider this.</span></div>
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So in the seven years 1988-1994 things had moved from wondering if I was even acceptable at BCNZ to being asked to consider an associate principal role. It may sound a bit of an anti-climax to say that I declined the invitation! But clearly my heart was set on "doing less, not more".<br />
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<b>A very significant PS</b>: On my return from Sabbatical one of the things I did was "try out" a church I had heard about which I sensed would support and encourage my evolving spirituality: Ponsonby Baptist Church. I am still a very committed and grateful part of that community thirty years later! I will no doubt write more about that in coming posts.</div>
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</div>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-66557922950296953282019-10-01T13:48:00.003+13:002021-12-18T09:05:59.025+13:00Caravan of Selves 7: Oasis 1988 (43)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes a caravan stops at an Oasis. For me 1988 was an Oasis so I feel it deserves a whole Post - not just a brief mention in the next group of seven! Although I'm calling it an Oasis it wasn't all calm, peaceful and restorative! In fact two of the three major Sabbatical sections were anything but, as you will see!</div>
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The first leg of the journey was to Melbourne to visit <i>The Community of the Transfiguration. </i>This is a Baptist Monastic community in Geelong. (I came back to this community later in the year - which I had not planned.) On my first visit of several weeks I was impressed by this "modern day" monastic community of about 20 people - married and single who lived together in a variety of dwellings. A beautiful brick chapel had been built by hand from an unused Church which they had personally dismantled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyU7yiKLMRY45zcsdVioh4hYE6_7b-MSWjP2vHxaY7-zcWx_k_pp7LguqroF_ByqY3DJ0bmxslSWn_HESYltmVw2D80HGvoiMODkb2fisE5Shty9_ftxyWWYPzpmCethr_z4sFDmVKks/s1600/Outside+Chapel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="422" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyU7yiKLMRY45zcsdVioh4hYE6_7b-MSWjP2vHxaY7-zcWx_k_pp7LguqroF_ByqY3DJ0bmxslSWn_HESYltmVw2D80HGvoiMODkb2fisE5Shty9_ftxyWWYPzpmCethr_z4sFDmVKks/s320/Outside+Chapel.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Chapel in the garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KjZ58ZZYqNq2EnnAZ4hPma41ju7DTb0P0PTfPuoXI6F7YkP-HQ8MbUJmhw4ue8VYpu6FLqktZ3GOJQsMNyUltEFQw11_2kLVnVNLph0A85ZDmL5b5VDPcEtuBwchPC_PeHU_m_nko0Y/s1600/Scan+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="438" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KjZ58ZZYqNq2EnnAZ4hPma41ju7DTb0P0PTfPuoXI6F7YkP-HQ8MbUJmhw4ue8VYpu6FLqktZ3GOJQsMNyUltEFQw11_2kLVnVNLph0A85ZDmL5b5VDPcEtuBwchPC_PeHU_m_nko0Y/s320/Scan+1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday services were held in this part of the Chapel. Note the open Baptistry.</td></tr>
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The hours of prayer were celebrated in the Oratory with beautiful sung liturgy. Everyone in the community welcomed me warmly and I joined in the physical work in the main house and in the garden. One or two of the community went out to work to earn money for running the property.<br />
Most of the community were single but there was one married couple and their school age daughter. Friends came to Sunday services and often joined us on picnics and other events.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="438" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFqiHXkEtBzvsJwZYc-YdCXFrshCzLWMlgOcEt8D3fVpM3pd2e5N-r-_iT0TF8KN7gs_dDJmpBGon87bfJ38Br42_EEwXDPzSypKcu81TUKiQtT7ROpTKWnMkfhq78uIOfU2P1eBFdqI/s320/Scan.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a big garden!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KSeeieHFCB_et3-T1RcqWryy9Y45ApbfKXQIsV6YZZUbj9mutyEls7BWmiKdYTeMP9mc4NSpHL_cpYD0cD_espzLuM8pmC0CAmxwcTMA1YeiM31uJrnAOESrVKJrnVd3ytzXNxoHsS4/s1600/Scan+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="426" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KSeeieHFCB_et3-T1RcqWryy9Y45ApbfKXQIsV6YZZUbj9mutyEls7BWmiKdYTeMP9mc4NSpHL_cpYD0cD_espzLuM8pmC0CAmxwcTMA1YeiM31uJrnAOESrVKJrnVd3ytzXNxoHsS4/s320/Scan+1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Cheryl, Doug, Neil, Heather (in white blouse), Oz, Steve, Glenys,<br />
central front: Betty, Marg and Di behind her, Graeme (Prior) and Terry behind them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9e0YX7D4UGIUG0W7aeNV0MtjDyvLXy2kOhB4T3lQcFF6Fy6yZKZEtWUOMLNK6OqSaEJPISn0qmSoL0NG1_Uuyl1teoAiAg5xTy5JOd8ao_3ohsE2kUnYjzoa00OwC8kExCCUD2SKEbA/s1600/Scan+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="432" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9e0YX7D4UGIUG0W7aeNV0MtjDyvLXy2kOhB4T3lQcFF6Fy6yZKZEtWUOMLNK6OqSaEJPISn0qmSoL0NG1_Uuyl1teoAiAg5xTy5JOd8ao_3ohsE2kUnYjzoa00OwC8kExCCUD2SKEbA/s320/Scan+3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic with friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDnW-5Ag0xm_KXdyNQLGasmaiNkfH6M_3TKKc1WQ3h_MAjizpulFgXRYI2AkTBVJjHh5YXzGkZYSNXMojuN_ni7Ujm2XIoFERmhemBey_DblpYG0sAQHIyjcW3MJXNQj7CAt7pIwywvs/s1600/Scan+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="431" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDnW-5Ag0xm_KXdyNQLGasmaiNkfH6M_3TKKc1WQ3h_MAjizpulFgXRYI2AkTBVJjHh5YXzGkZYSNXMojuN_ni7Ujm2XIoFERmhemBey_DblpYG0sAQHIyjcW3MJXNQj7CAt7pIwywvs/s320/Scan+4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me riding pillion behind Neil with Steve on the other bike.<br />
Leaving for a wonderful, bracing ride along the Great Ocean Road!</td></tr>
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So while there was a lot that was very good about my experience in the community, some quite deep problems became evident especially on my return there later in the year. More about that below!<br />
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<b>The next stop - England and Wales.</b><br />
When I was in Nigeria I became good friends with Maureen Stringer as we both taught at Hillcrest School and lived in the same apartment building. Maureen lives in England and she was a wonderful friend to me when I got there. I stayed with her and she took me to many of the places I needed or wanted to go. A highlight is our weekend on Iona:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvC6I3PUA2EZG7BLvwRguVmsR01BFnkzxmt9N7IUCfLNdC_A4hSufb1swEyI0GjvSNyrHwjz90DuBUnx1MGI0aj9vBKlZeowlAPH26Wjdafx1n6gaT8-fXDhgbQqA9Wblt_tnr50favk/s1600/Arriving+in+the+ferry+from+Mull.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="429" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvC6I3PUA2EZG7BLvwRguVmsR01BFnkzxmt9N7IUCfLNdC_A4hSufb1swEyI0GjvSNyrHwjz90DuBUnx1MGI0aj9vBKlZeowlAPH26Wjdafx1n6gaT8-fXDhgbQqA9Wblt_tnr50favk/s320/Arriving+in+the+ferry+from+Mull.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving on the ferry from Mull</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3gD2oYFjAMCUpynHItWQ8Y3zflYZEIVPUQAPHbdPtPAZbTE1FTCB5NUR2mOx1GmYZxg1CuWvkxqw97poK7zc67gTPHkm1HAWqXLRZfJoEuPaXXlJ8abIcTXkHavyAhXfwhU3E4KIl8Q/s1600/440px-Abbey_on_the_Isle_of_Iona_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1459438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="440" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3gD2oYFjAMCUpynHItWQ8Y3zflYZEIVPUQAPHbdPtPAZbTE1FTCB5NUR2mOx1GmYZxg1CuWvkxqw97poK7zc67gTPHkm1HAWqXLRZfJoEuPaXXlJ8abIcTXkHavyAhXfwhU3E4KIl8Q/s320/440px-Abbey_on_the_Isle_of_Iona_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1459438.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Abbey (thanks to Iona website for this photo!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v-0Lb8AhbAovBv187juWYSTh2dfH4hAIQiJVs_cPTR1Kbtn0E-uRRzGeBN0R1lm7rqUtVzJGpuRXo2WB1GIY40eHga2Obwjhm_zwvvzB5FDqkgs9mWQXgq6fQFXj6exSGbHEsma1CzQ/s1600/Iona.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="431" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v-0Lb8AhbAovBv187juWYSTh2dfH4hAIQiJVs_cPTR1Kbtn0E-uRRzGeBN0R1lm7rqUtVzJGpuRXo2WB1GIY40eHga2Obwjhm_zwvvzB5FDqkgs9mWQXgq6fQFXj6exSGbHEsma1CzQ/s320/Iona.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Abbey, The McLeod Centre and accommodation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WS_xEVl_csIZ8-C7OD4JKdKjzBbEaFJcAP9SgvT25AdT5amArm19XywAkeBQNvj0oa2s3igBvzN02VbdUG6xuR4c_s0z_jn0-ayAWk8FIhX5twLm8wFmLgy1IXMJHJ9Nr4kZEUqQD14/s1600/Me+at+St+Columba+bay+Iona.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="430" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WS_xEVl_csIZ8-C7OD4JKdKjzBbEaFJcAP9SgvT25AdT5amArm19XywAkeBQNvj0oa2s3igBvzN02VbdUG6xuR4c_s0z_jn0-ayAWk8FIhX5twLm8wFmLgy1IXMJHJ9Nr4kZEUqQD14/s320/Me+at+St+Columba+bay+Iona.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the beach where St Columba is said to have arrived in his coracle.<br />
He founded the Abbey in 563.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9uvAJiexQxhVjfPuT3WJIvR0kXdnnWGFV9B2Bk0lumB8yTpbeythexrW4yft_cKCKKT_uWPNtppUzvBNzGIaUvTnwNxhnl9fcVwI0maTzs1pnGxnzVGdbsEX8HIAgTCmsc30PbgwK0E/s1600/Scan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="339" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9uvAJiexQxhVjfPuT3WJIvR0kXdnnWGFV9B2Bk0lumB8yTpbeythexrW4yft_cKCKKT_uWPNtppUzvBNzGIaUvTnwNxhnl9fcVwI0maTzs1pnGxnzVGdbsEX8HIAgTCmsc30PbgwK0E/s320/Scan.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many Celtic Crosses on the Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgTTzaOYvkdCQVoPF8vwaJhrOkDQ6gVW8wLSwmfwA1f6CjGUjhxCA-HNVSVtTW4BoZot_LEt2kVvYZlsW6WatzSRTYS7qZwU0-r1_IaNL4CZABpWeXki7Oz-I6_6xaEoKV-yfHwvWq6c/s1600/Maureen+at+mine+site+Iona.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="427" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgTTzaOYvkdCQVoPF8vwaJhrOkDQ6gVW8wLSwmfwA1f6CjGUjhxCA-HNVSVtTW4BoZot_LEt2kVvYZlsW6WatzSRTYS7qZwU0-r1_IaNL4CZABpWeXki7Oz-I6_6xaEoKV-yfHwvWq6c/s320/Maureen+at+mine+site+Iona.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Maureen at the marble quarry site on far side of the Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJYXhpkxyW_xDwjK0NcWeIbQij_xGsg_d8yGQ-tqOaSdP0mNIaSJTJgRwUoDfncJ-TEE5qX6kOqKve86gcYk3nSXvG8R2-Pi9z3xY4uwzIQ-RBE2U8XEWSlxN7-g1fwfllApa_iX78Uo/s1600/Abandoned+nunnery+Iona.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="427" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJYXhpkxyW_xDwjK0NcWeIbQij_xGsg_d8yGQ-tqOaSdP0mNIaSJTJgRwUoDfncJ-TEE5qX6kOqKve86gcYk3nSXvG8R2-Pi9z3xY4uwzIQ-RBE2U8XEWSlxN7-g1fwfllApa_iX78Uo/s320/Abandoned+nunnery+Iona.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The abandoned Nunnery</td></tr>
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I also visited my Aunty Kath (Dad's only sister) in South Wales...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjeaTT5F9u2Sa7orsz7-Yuq_CqmRX9kcNcDpB3T5SmaTvhcVko893hzdLaOYtbzEpCrrbWS59xkxC-majncbQYS9183bWyY-AaoovdRUHqgiFbVqFRCA4BV2EAHPP2JK4onJf0bgS5qs/s1600/Aunty+Kath+26+Mill+St+Sunday+best%2521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjeaTT5F9u2Sa7orsz7-Yuq_CqmRX9kcNcDpB3T5SmaTvhcVko893hzdLaOYtbzEpCrrbWS59xkxC-majncbQYS9183bWyY-AaoovdRUHqgiFbVqFRCA4BV2EAHPP2JK4onJf0bgS5qs/s320/Aunty+Kath+26+Mill+St+Sunday+best%2521.jpeg" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunty Kath dressed for Chapel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQcCTxUElQEVTDIIYisYzu81Ce3kXKlvhVfXb5_KFkYCk0TcDM8a0hHoW7uYXKf7mfiNVDHvUVHyyol-cS1Op8XgmSQbp2sdZ0TL16-ItGqlApqgO10SCuwwovI-qnze5PIPCvBLhkDw/s1600/Aunty+Kath+relaxed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="430" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQcCTxUElQEVTDIIYisYzu81Ce3kXKlvhVfXb5_KFkYCk0TcDM8a0hHoW7uYXKf7mfiNVDHvUVHyyol-cS1Op8XgmSQbp2sdZ0TL16-ItGqlApqgO10SCuwwovI-qnze5PIPCvBLhkDw/s320/Aunty+Kath+relaxed.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunty Kath at one of her favourite places.</td></tr>
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...and my Aunty Sheila in London. I don't think I was particularly named after her. She was Mum's brother's wife.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLV1SdSTuaGAfGqbZBqewBm-WzqLbWKcPO1cLAdGKdK4Jccj88lh_pAyIgVFbDfY5QKkanN75ZLRbZcMqx18XQGX1LMoZ00x3TJ6sDkbhrT8Q5frPfvNP3yteg05kPfuVthqX4sac45Y/s1600/Aunty+Sheila+and+Elizabeth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="433" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLV1SdSTuaGAfGqbZBqewBm-WzqLbWKcPO1cLAdGKdK4Jccj88lh_pAyIgVFbDfY5QKkanN75ZLRbZcMqx18XQGX1LMoZ00x3TJ6sDkbhrT8Q5frPfvNP3yteg05kPfuVthqX4sac45Y/s320/Aunty+Sheila+and+Elizabeth.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunty Sheila and cousin Elizabeth (who was anorexic)</td></tr>
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<b>St Beuno's Jesuit Spirituality Centre</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPtZ4g8IoS_o9QB41tFUsILw4EVlwWiFnh_KXdzXgF45mG7lIGD9xOD0dEotzxrAqkSDjSL78xiASrsK2I-HQlvcFMlll6yaClSkFccMTJvNHvqkDl_fm7_bK2Vkgz0RJWbtW8ezKkqw/s1600/Exteriorview1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPtZ4g8IoS_o9QB41tFUsILw4EVlwWiFnh_KXdzXgF45mG7lIGD9xOD0dEotzxrAqkSDjSL78xiASrsK2I-HQlvcFMlll6yaClSkFccMTJvNHvqkDl_fm7_bK2Vkgz0RJWbtW8ezKkqw/s1600/Exteriorview1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My room was the left of the two white dormer windows at roof level.<br />
Up four flights of stairs - no lifts then.</td></tr>
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My three months at St Beuno's was the heart of my Sabbatical year. I'm writing this 31 years later and these three months still stand out as life changing.The three month spiritual directors' training programme included a thirty day retreat. The month either side of that involved skills training and supervised practice, all in the context of daily Eucharist in the atmosphere of the Ignatian community.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV_1bag65Bw9e_Ok3JbjUBvK7dq723bAHLhkbhYQOByyWKeFE5x0USjNwIeUZMQ45oXPC9Zj-MFGy61VP1pEwfJfEWZpUE0kXEkDc4JvzaUOB-y9EIHWo5-llLoiT_5A4L6cJw7f5puo/s1600/Chapel+inside.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="433" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV_1bag65Bw9e_Ok3JbjUBvK7dq723bAHLhkbhYQOByyWKeFE5x0USjNwIeUZMQ45oXPC9Zj-MFGy61VP1pEwfJfEWZpUE0kXEkDc4JvzaUOB-y9EIHWo5-llLoiT_5A4L6cJw7f5puo/s320/Chapel+inside.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the main chapel</td></tr>
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When I applied for the course I asked if I would be able to take communion at the Eucharist. I knew if the answer was 'no' I would have to re-consider as I would find it too painful to be excluded. I was delighted when I was assured I was welcome to participate fully. There were two of us who were not Catholics in our group of 36. The other was a High Church Anglican priest.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYygfYW56D0rkpJebGqZnBdX1Tm3wY8yV3RssR_BPR84RVgSX27MnVHPnyb9Rl89yZhU-KWferV_qY5gDzP7npv3EDwIMK8bUEyHmakhfcPDxky4oCGtFxGAzdEKv1zbPCCaBfLRQ9CY/s1600/Our+whole+group.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="433" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYygfYW56D0rkpJebGqZnBdX1Tm3wY8yV3RssR_BPR84RVgSX27MnVHPnyb9Rl89yZhU-KWferV_qY5gDzP7npv3EDwIMK8bUEyHmakhfcPDxky4oCGtFxGAzdEKv1zbPCCaBfLRQ9CY/s400/Our+whole+group.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our whole group</td></tr>
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I had to smile at the hesitations of the Bible College hierarchy about me going "beyond the pale". The entire 30day retreat is based on praying one's way through the Gospels from the birth of Jesus to the resurrection and ascension. It is more Biblical and 'evangelical' than anything I've done before or since! The retreat is silent - apart from a daily conversation with a spiritual director who guides the process of the four "weeks" of meditations. I was linked with Fr David Townsend with whom I keep in touch to this day. (His mother was a Baptist - so I guess that's why he was 'given' me!!) He was exactly the right person.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yos1-XPOLPWqG3CAqKPlmRN6GnuLB9cEttVfhG8XITm24nbwVtUaLLgXAXEUBOWUnZCERSNTiDj0VwxOivZRt2H296hDY81rNPr1ofUctT5NvMeTKGiT7F-AD6qQk140EdUdgPKzQ2Y/s1600/My+room.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="433" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yos1-XPOLPWqG3CAqKPlmRN6GnuLB9cEttVfhG8XITm24nbwVtUaLLgXAXEUBOWUnZCERSNTiDj0VwxOivZRt2H296hDY81rNPr1ofUctT5NvMeTKGiT7F-AD6qQk140EdUdgPKzQ2Y/s320/My+room.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">My room on the top floor. No lifts so up four flights of stairs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The "young ones" were on this floor I think.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNtIpnpnEZZVi4IcGCJ4iW5i_3MyTmuB9I_vMFit_t6iii4_PDWaHD8Gzkis7z5CiCM0B-onw90Eyeueqo12U8Qjt1BgqoL3Om3-j_AWhV-mR-ohGjEziqk1JufJXzzrNbtbfCzh0OSc/s1600/David%2521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="433" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNtIpnpnEZZVi4IcGCJ4iW5i_3MyTmuB9I_vMFit_t6iii4_PDWaHD8Gzkis7z5CiCM0B-onw90Eyeueqo12U8Qjt1BgqoL3Om3-j_AWhV-mR-ohGjEziqk1JufJXzzrNbtbfCzh0OSc/s320/David%2521.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fr David Townsend my director - in a mischievous mood!<br />
(Not during the retreat!)</td></tr>
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One of the loveliest places to go during the silence of the retreat was the Rock Chapel:</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEice-VfltHTU-AmnWyGrVK7uRYxwaGno60dpIbga-kBP4qhl5vd9czey_q71McA3mzK55169CQAre_5Jg7g5yZtHVaq5VUHKgMGThH9Xs4C6_CeE0AggWvNPOMn3C5EZPT8NuHuwm1sXDU/s1600/Rock+Chapel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEice-VfltHTU-AmnWyGrVK7uRYxwaGno60dpIbga-kBP4qhl5vd9czey_q71McA3mzK55169CQAre_5Jg7g5yZtHVaq5VUHKgMGThH9Xs4C6_CeE0AggWvNPOMn3C5EZPT8NuHuwm1sXDU/s320/Rock+Chapel.jpeg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rock Chapel - a bit of a climb but well worth it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDPcJM2BjQk0KtOCoWiUILxS3f9pGeNPLlhRvLh1a42qFPuDBvQakNPCYVv4FJCJa7kR4qwmNvqanvf_uZdmsnWlm0DylGtYYYGJuJ-s4Rf5MMLEOJBjw7vVRtEdkYJV6P3L_HJhDZpU/s1600/Rock+Chapel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDPcJM2BjQk0KtOCoWiUILxS3f9pGeNPLlhRvLh1a42qFPuDBvQakNPCYVv4FJCJa7kR4qwmNvqanvf_uZdmsnWlm0DylGtYYYGJuJ-s4Rf5MMLEOJBjw7vVRtEdkYJV6P3L_HJhDZpU/s320/Rock+Chapel+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rock Chapel (St Beuno's website photo)</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjGjSIP8UF_T37gzX7VAyTq-h7GyhmHReeaqxhujORM91iH7xDRf4Qd-cGtjHFBOhkcFZihHgRXaS15V2DorLUziu-WV95BrbDSlbEioAJQKiulRI3eAFfqkhRwB7FsjfamAhFgq7Bzk/s1600/Picnic+in+woodland.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="433" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjGjSIP8UF_T37gzX7VAyTq-h7GyhmHReeaqxhujORM91iH7xDRf4Qd-cGtjHFBOhkcFZihHgRXaS15V2DorLUziu-WV95BrbDSlbEioAJQKiulRI3eAFfqkhRwB7FsjfamAhFgq7Bzk/s320/Picnic+in+woodland.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">When not in retreat we often walked and picnicked together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpm6P-J20DoP-G6uUcl_phZKRXqUBxsWPr-GSZJyfeBK7N24wFGMfbJj87VuVYctKbremiqtUQCwjuIi7EmBf0BJvfeg_ELnkrOhcsmELCCDl0U5ZicxjBmhlHWFdOzOXlDazRPc0Gino/s1600/Eating+at+the+pub.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="433" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpm6P-J20DoP-G6uUcl_phZKRXqUBxsWPr-GSZJyfeBK7N24wFGMfbJj87VuVYctKbremiqtUQCwjuIi7EmBf0BJvfeg_ELnkrOhcsmELCCDl0U5ZicxjBmhlHWFdOzOXlDazRPc0Gino/s320/Eating+at+the+pub.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating in the cosy village Pub was sometimes a treat -<br />
though all the excellent meals were provided at St Beuno's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG2gTj9eS00r1UJ7T1f9pwhtxZY1xA80OdSXQ-P8IC-N39ibKU1B8icw2Iih6ogT_Fbr-pnC52IKMNiuGIKTSZjeUKA7ouXgSMnLRzqDFKivIIHTdVnqHXEWHuSqWXJHZkCY0b_qdEjg/s1600/Me+climbing+stile.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="433" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG2gTj9eS00r1UJ7T1f9pwhtxZY1xA80OdSXQ-P8IC-N39ibKU1B8icw2Iih6ogT_Fbr-pnC52IKMNiuGIKTSZjeUKA7ouXgSMnLRzqDFKivIIHTdVnqHXEWHuSqWXJHZkCY0b_qdEjg/s320/Me+climbing+stile.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many miles of beautiful North Wales countryside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigquxgF11T00xorWHABA3fvTZCqOrQbi5WuPitLHJB52Fd7SHl-RiCJDjQ9NEcybsR9lzAFMROWAJK9SUYTS5oPcvPP8odzTVfa-CxRPE9JbtGVMlg5V2vL0A1gnZdDYkzwOV3UpwGV5E/s1600/Daffodil+close+up.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="436" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigquxgF11T00xorWHABA3fvTZCqOrQbi5WuPitLHJB52Fd7SHl-RiCJDjQ9NEcybsR9lzAFMROWAJK9SUYTS5oPcvPP8odzTVfa-CxRPE9JbtGVMlg5V2vL0A1gnZdDYkzwOV3UpwGV5E/s320/Daffodil+close+up.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffodils everywhere in the grounds as Spring arrived.</td></tr>
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The countryside added a great deal to the contemplative atmosphere of these three months. It felt quite safe to wander alone for miles along country lanes, beside beautiful small cottages and over hillsides "where sheep may safely graze". One of those hills had a cross at the top. I was fortunate that my retreat coincided with Easter. So at sunrise on Easter Sunday I climbed to the cross.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTaC599P08UzsC2ypbYz82hcpDQotpg1T7gtrnrOrkGOH6R9e_Q5BvbyWO8UiTiqhomgYTPdKlQbdWhAthaahPuUuGjRvMei-1tK8jY5tXhTLmSRomTzR1-DkEVPJsh0K2LBEFFtYC00/s1600/Cross+on+hill.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="433" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTaC599P08UzsC2ypbYz82hcpDQotpg1T7gtrnrOrkGOH6R9e_Q5BvbyWO8UiTiqhomgYTPdKlQbdWhAthaahPuUuGjRvMei-1tK8jY5tXhTLmSRomTzR1-DkEVPJsh0K2LBEFFtYC00/s320/Cross+on+hill.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A major part of an Ignatian retreat is focussed on discernment. I had arrived knowing that my discernment issue was whether or not to return to BCNZ. I assumed that I would decide not to! That certainly was not "indifference" which is the basis for a true discernment. My director wisely told me not to decide too soon but let the whole retreat run its course. In the end it was clear that it was right for me to return and see how things developed. So in that light I left this life changing three month experience.<br />
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<b>More time with friends.</b></div>
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<div>
It was surprisingly difficult to make the transition from St Beuno's. It felt like a genuine grief to leave there. But it was good to have some more time with friends before setting off on the third offical section of my Sabbatical time.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSooJ3OFT_Vu9CiFnyiJWHnD4k0AAPs2OQBpfF6gXiSnd1jLoCdI274MC3UdLwDO6Uik1VmSvED1lKtmk8oSywBuHuonnt4IWaEqM4npCyoUOls5I4X6YQq_-pKDZEt4gapY4GzURmrw/s1600/Heather+Boers+Cotswolds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="428" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSooJ3OFT_Vu9CiFnyiJWHnD4k0AAPs2OQBpfF6gXiSnd1jLoCdI274MC3UdLwDO6Uik1VmSvED1lKtmk8oSywBuHuonnt4IWaEqM4npCyoUOls5I4X6YQq_-pKDZEt4gapY4GzURmrw/s320/Heather+Boers+Cotswolds.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather Broers in the Cotswolds countryside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Heather and I have been pen-friends since we were about 12. We still keep in touch regularly - by email these days! At the time of writing - that's about sixty-two years of friendship! It was to Heather's place that I went after St Beuno's. She lives not far from Stratford-on-Avon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXSqbFN5HAMI0aa3j8QaOJaRqGXtdl_Ey2vWouiaJgygbmL1TXwksSHNAWC1d2xGHsTXDqR48XK-Pl8haZ7wuR-0mqKH8Ls-HIZsm-W11KR70uKSJWefaijFdN_eC0BEe9i9TfOxQBbA/s1600/Heather+Broer+beside+Avon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="429" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXSqbFN5HAMI0aa3j8QaOJaRqGXtdl_Ey2vWouiaJgygbmL1TXwksSHNAWC1d2xGHsTXDqR48XK-Pl8haZ7wuR-0mqKH8Ls-HIZsm-W11KR70uKSJWefaijFdN_eC0BEe9i9TfOxQBbA/s320/Heather+Broer+beside+Avon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather beside the Avon</td></tr>
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<div>
Then there were friends in Devon who ran a small Methodist retreat house called Burstone Manor. Howard has died now but (another) Heather still lives there and keeps in touch with Christmas letters.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtR9dDu5Lkg6ocrx4eRfjEIQFLO6lfpP7UXW1pgCBRQhme4TMbHWLuoRkLn1z8REmIrmjx4UUmR2Plxf2rIKfX496bJBxdDN5UvCq5NogC98T47Dc9o28pXxf3VjszjSSBq3HZewa4hM/s1600/Howard+and+Heather+Castle+Sally+and+Jos.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="430" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtR9dDu5Lkg6ocrx4eRfjEIQFLO6lfpP7UXW1pgCBRQhme4TMbHWLuoRkLn1z8REmIrmjx4UUmR2Plxf2rIKfX496bJBxdDN5UvCq5NogC98T47Dc9o28pXxf3VjszjSSBq3HZewa4hM/s320/Howard+and+Heather+Castle+Sally+and+Jos.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Howard and Heather with Sally and Jos at Burstone Manor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN3D8SVcf37ho5Sl29NdJ_QCznUdkcRoRGbsDLetaM5xzRqxCTPudiyMUsFNZSqo28hKsqHwdPj0K5c6Zg8bnwFib14La0TSBbgkN02e-uwijBYUo__pVAqXw0jFl3qCsSx-vNzP6pKA/s1600/Me+at+Burstone+Manor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN3D8SVcf37ho5Sl29NdJ_QCznUdkcRoRGbsDLetaM5xzRqxCTPudiyMUsFNZSqo28hKsqHwdPj0K5c6Zg8bnwFib14La0TSBbgkN02e-uwijBYUo__pVAqXw0jFl3qCsSx-vNzP6pKA/s320/Me+at+Burstone+Manor.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div>
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As a good Methodist, Heather took me to visit a cottage where "John Wesley preached and rested."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjFJDLiHysT2p-g5Alchigh9UmhiWQBIFzWYgl6abQRTzGBixujVrXsqpqZ5xPAYb5Ygkk2TmJ4Lsbi46wDZcsucbfEs0Ni1QyHdnQ24ODmkZvhKvE5pBOzZAVnOnhWM3QGm9yaWT6QY/s1600/John+Wesley+Cottage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="290" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjFJDLiHysT2p-g5Alchigh9UmhiWQBIFzWYgl6abQRTzGBixujVrXsqpqZ5xPAYb5Ygkk2TmJ4Lsbi46wDZcsucbfEs0Ni1QyHdnQ24ODmkZvhKvE5pBOzZAVnOnhWM3QGm9yaWT6QY/s400/John+Wesley+Cottage.jpeg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt0F1S7-COKCWKjHfSZ_A7u9S23cyZNjykRUqttOeyi472berX8q7r1t11CesvqGW-Qw94ubdTZDH5cb-wRpOTxx-9eE2n0yeVHJ-dzUKU9cwZ1ReBRJU4QuIPX1SuHUtXAHM4KJ9fzk/s1600/Me+inside+John+Wesley+Cottage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="293" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt0F1S7-COKCWKjHfSZ_A7u9S23cyZNjykRUqttOeyi472berX8q7r1t11CesvqGW-Qw94ubdTZDH5cb-wRpOTxx-9eE2n0yeVHJ-dzUKU9cwZ1ReBRJU4QuIPX1SuHUtXAHM4KJ9fzk/s400/Me+inside+John+Wesley+Cottage.jpeg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me inside John Wesley's cottage</td></tr>
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Then more time with Maureen and Joan, a friend from Nigeria days. The three of us had been good friends for the years we overlapped as SIM missionaries all teaching at Hillcrest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJPc1cdEcyjaqthW0nw6K_9muzET348LsDNAZBTtlTMAHbtqnLNLpGNE5hNz431Jd9lazCkmidRwakuO9FQG4jz2sH4kztRVdJX5AZuW4JZEqQCenk7mnI9dPCWs84lt1jqzNdORoMmc/s1600/Joan+and+Maureen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="433" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJPc1cdEcyjaqthW0nw6K_9muzET348LsDNAZBTtlTMAHbtqnLNLpGNE5hNz431Jd9lazCkmidRwakuO9FQG4jz2sH4kztRVdJX5AZuW4JZEqQCenk7mnI9dPCWs84lt1jqzNdORoMmc/s320/Joan+and+Maureen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Canada and Regent College</b></div>
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The third leg of my Sabbatical journey was to do some study in the history of spirituality at Regent College, Vancouver under the direction and supervision of Dr James Houston. I had met Dr Houston when he visited BCNZ and subsequently arranged this study period with him by email. He had agreed to supervise me and said that accommodation would be available at a student hostel. His book <i>The Transforming Friendship</i> had been significant for me and I looked forward to this time to round off my Sabbatical. </div>
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I had friends in North America - USA and Canada. Looking back at photos I can't remember exactly how I fitted in all these visits before heading off to Vancouver! But here are few to remember:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd37dENyq9Q8zY7O5Pg2AjybxboweDSc-_5Zomhm5FPl3ODN014ffvLrX4imryQ-0ncS6P9Vq9mA4rklGOCcRJLGL8R-eVpu_93AZCuHVyvgI-IzPB4an8CmursgusFNQPV9mHLHFuyJk/s1600/Ines+at+home+Toronto.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="417" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd37dENyq9Q8zY7O5Pg2AjybxboweDSc-_5Zomhm5FPl3ODN014ffvLrX4imryQ-0ncS6P9Vq9mA4rklGOCcRJLGL8R-eVpu_93AZCuHVyvgI-IzPB4an8CmursgusFNQPV9mHLHFuyJk/s320/Ines+at+home+Toronto.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ines, a dear friend from Nigeria, who has MS <br />
and was in retirement in Toronto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiSnybyT7sfIptigEzUCpUEPeyGLQ18SVkzubIOGljQWoOYvbCpQDTYuAAyQ_e3i_FFs8dsuaeh4YpJ6u27xhwL2HohbSGU99MB2W8V6Yeo0LeOVeaRFXmy9tM1q4GJ1VrWOvN1WNbtE/s1600/Living+out+of+a+suitcase%2521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="440" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiSnybyT7sfIptigEzUCpUEPeyGLQ18SVkzubIOGljQWoOYvbCpQDTYuAAyQ_e3i_FFs8dsuaeh4YpJ6u27xhwL2HohbSGU99MB2W8V6Yeo0LeOVeaRFXmy9tM1q4GJ1VrWOvN1WNbtE/s320/Living+out+of+a+suitcase%2521.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living out of a suitcase!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1K1xGgz9C-EznK4yfPw-hhYOI-wg21IbluCdsvDEvb_yg9drvW0_-jiuvIUfoE-moMAoZ4EaedrdkQqrlVbUgh7wlg6HBX__QqBYGuKtYZrpxkq58Jo3kaBqy8yRX_4avTZqCOQvhGgI/s1600/Niagara+Falls.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="438" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1K1xGgz9C-EznK4yfPw-hhYOI-wg21IbluCdsvDEvb_yg9drvW0_-jiuvIUfoE-moMAoZ4EaedrdkQqrlVbUgh7wlg6HBX__QqBYGuKtYZrpxkq58Jo3kaBqy8yRX_4avTZqCOQvhGgI/s320/Niagara+Falls.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Niagara Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzup9GZZZu6Adt2aBn1MlPULNhZZBzBODj8RhOPuDUcryeJpPZ3zqyjr1vmlvbHpPq2v01cvx1nFDxv2rkjGCGPbhnAVL4sn66b_k8RpUMYQxwKAtpXLSd-YagJjZsPB_-urU745HL7Zw/s1600/Ready+to+walk+in+behind+the+falls..jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="288" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzup9GZZZu6Adt2aBn1MlPULNhZZBzBODj8RhOPuDUcryeJpPZ3zqyjr1vmlvbHpPq2v01cvx1nFDxv2rkjGCGPbhnAVL4sn66b_k8RpUMYQxwKAtpXLSd-YagJjZsPB_-urU745HL7Zw/s320/Ready+to+walk+in+behind+the+falls..jpeg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to walk in behind the falls</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BZ84mEej5HdLE2-sPv1x_EfQB8ByBnSaRTy6-DBatrH0Yxt9Z6Sp3tRv9IIpvhsTdyH5WUZ6mHTVBOboDWx3Zk_X95u_62BsXI7BpOCDmr8pInZFlJWsW8Asc2hsON7WywdaMr2FQy8/s1600/Rhoda+with+her+brother+and+his+wife+Michigan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="442" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BZ84mEej5HdLE2-sPv1x_EfQB8ByBnSaRTy6-DBatrH0Yxt9Z6Sp3tRv9IIpvhsTdyH5WUZ6mHTVBOboDWx3Zk_X95u_62BsXI7BpOCDmr8pInZFlJWsW8Asc2hsON7WywdaMr2FQy8/s320/Rhoda+with+her+brother+and+his+wife+Michigan.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhoda with her brother and his wife in Michigan. <br />
Rhoda was the school counsellor at Hillcrest for a short time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLo0sYgXQsegrtUulqLmJAaOoxD1BdIKVhyphenhyphenCBs6cWker-q071MI5QgtRI0DRBxsc5b3nyTbJX8l4yrHKwvWFHnO5PcDlQNPTmkdWVorU5t5BzVa3S1C9dPxwfh2cyFXzQ78DEtJob-gA/s1600/Helen%252C+Gordon+and+Karla+Stanley+Nth+Carolina.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="253" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLo0sYgXQsegrtUulqLmJAaOoxD1BdIKVhyphenhyphenCBs6cWker-q071MI5QgtRI0DRBxsc5b3nyTbJX8l4yrHKwvWFHnO5PcDlQNPTmkdWVorU5t5BzVa3S1C9dPxwfh2cyFXzQ78DEtJob-gA/s320/Helen%252C+Gordon+and+Karla+Stanley+Nth+Carolina.jpeg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen and Gordon Stanley with Karla North Carolina. <br />
Helen and Gordon welcomed me to Nigeria when I first arrived.</td></tr>
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I decided to travel from Toronto to Vancouver on the train! I was lucky to get a ticket for a sleeping compartment at quite short notice. I love train travel and the solitude of a couple of days before the next main part of my Sabbatical was enticing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3rrvkkKkTazW_so84QH-IGTV1Mppr5WkKLtdxizEbz89sVh28Fh1KyHLqBl4Va3ruqv47qPk0hgwQIgZrQMthYOMZs-XUDywB5eOwdEv5n_zixgWQTJZ-oPE1o_gdKTyUKFnYmvYVho/s1600/Scan+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="384" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3rrvkkKkTazW_so84QH-IGTV1Mppr5WkKLtdxizEbz89sVh28Fh1KyHLqBl4Va3ruqv47qPk0hgwQIgZrQMthYOMZs-XUDywB5eOwdEv5n_zixgWQTJZ-oPE1o_gdKTyUKFnYmvYVho/s320/Scan+1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing a logging area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6RPgESqmtAW4nmQOsEercmPYHEuG6u3KiBCct3JNZ4YTswO8ZiAmlC76VGY74F9DYhj_Vr-gD_SkM-s7Uu4wu-kdbGgZjQ82hexhZ5ovjSQrFR0Jk3nA0iQuyhK6nUSifEKvaYpchV8/s1600/Scan+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="384" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6RPgESqmtAW4nmQOsEercmPYHEuG6u3KiBCct3JNZ4YTswO8ZiAmlC76VGY74F9DYhj_Vr-gD_SkM-s7Uu4wu-kdbGgZjQ82hexhZ5ovjSQrFR0Jk3nA0iQuyhK6nUSifEKvaYpchV8/s320/Scan+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing the Rockies from the Dome lounge</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuHVOvDiXo0z3_5PpsRzX-tMCZ-GeiVHWJgqxyYm73Q7mPAmYRX2dGVtoLmphx2noMZaOh3QJB-G27rIlXNJkHxk8w4blaUfelsNe6hI_Xe4yB_Iy4z8asJZJykuzclQHZmk01h9INBE/s1600/Scan+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="382" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuHVOvDiXo0z3_5PpsRzX-tMCZ-GeiVHWJgqxyYm73Q7mPAmYRX2dGVtoLmphx2noMZaOh3QJB-G27rIlXNJkHxk8w4blaUfelsNe6hI_Xe4yB_Iy4z8asJZJykuzclQHZmk01h9INBE/s320/Scan+3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A short stop at Banff</td></tr>
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I thoroughly enjoyed the train trip and the varied landscapes across the whole continent. I wish I had been a better photographer. No editing possible weeks later when I got the film developed!<br />
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When I finally arrived in Vancouver Dr Houston met me at the train and took me to their home. Mrs Huston was a gracious hostess. There was one other woman staying there too. After showing me round Regent College the next day it began to dawn on me that the plans for supervised study and accommodation seemed to have been totally forgotten. To this day I have no idea what happened and I was too overwhelmed and shy to confront this directly. I was told I could use the library and stay at their home for a couple of weeks while I sorted out other accommodation.</div>
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The main things I remember now are being a rather lonely tourist in this beautiful city - and playing several games of Scrabble with Dr and Mrs Houston who played every day. It was all quite bizarre!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXNrVUHvpqWyRdrO_1KkW1ZLRqPkvC5HFVGVH2m6kSp7WIy9Vf5_AaY-zFDmCqNNkpKB6xnTGh9AedzRudnhVhZxjdXZkGVvKswRrHxvicedWM6-zkKo5kRHtur2QqI8QgqycZkxS3wk/s1600/Cycling+round+Stanley+Park.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="365" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXNrVUHvpqWyRdrO_1KkW1ZLRqPkvC5HFVGVH2m6kSp7WIy9Vf5_AaY-zFDmCqNNkpKB6xnTGh9AedzRudnhVhZxjdXZkGVvKswRrHxvicedWM6-zkKo5kRHtur2QqI8QgqycZkxS3wk/s320/Cycling+round+Stanley+Park.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycling round Stanley Park on a hired bike</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZ8TbzxAh1EhxUA61qTu_3b9nO5VHTkZGwn58zY37izaWEcAbIsAT3HE_3y-7lAIoSR4DIjElx8yEueKH8aZ_3UeYE7sMEEYEhvtdAw4ot2wSmyNOq2BRa3vwp2xcXinz4to-4YK-8CQ/s1600/Scan+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="370" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZ8TbzxAh1EhxUA61qTu_3b9nO5VHTkZGwn58zY37izaWEcAbIsAT3HE_3y-7lAIoSR4DIjElx8yEueKH8aZ_3UeYE7sMEEYEhvtdAw4ot2wSmyNOq2BRa3vwp2xcXinz4to-4YK-8CQ/s320/Scan+4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Empress Hotel where "English" afternoon tea is beautifully served!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJOFb4L6ttN7Ym7pxpMmndWGADizICgXg7k_iqNtOshy6xqjqqwRwU4rNGVLxq6CeqZoBVuih0dm4F75-55NHmaAgMgW5xIjYLUIcXIxga8xm2ubMndGnCU65647Gb6C9P32hgWXAEw0/s1600/Scrabble+with+Houstons.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="356" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJOFb4L6ttN7Ym7pxpMmndWGADizICgXg7k_iqNtOshy6xqjqqwRwU4rNGVLxq6CeqZoBVuih0dm4F75-55NHmaAgMgW5xIjYLUIcXIxga8xm2ubMndGnCU65647Gb6C9P32hgWXAEw0/s320/Scrabble+with+Houstons.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Scrabble with Dr and Mrs Houston</td></tr>
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What made it somewhat better was a conversation with the other person staying there who said she had had a similar experience of arriving to find plans she thought were definite not eventuating. At least I didn't feel quite so crazy. I stayed for about ten days I think while I worked out what to do. I certainly didn't want to look for accommodation and embark on study by myself for the next couple of months under these circumstances. Mrs Houston was very nice and took me to a few places during that time. Somehow I never plucked up the courage to say to her how puzzled I was with what had happened. It all felt extremely awkward.</div>
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I arranged to stay for awhile with the daughter of a friend of Mum's who lived in Vancouver and whom I was planning to visit while I was there. That was a lovely friendly, relaxed time. One highlight was a visit to Buchart Gardens.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyGCpZhsEeu_sRl67Fyix_xb4gVY0Yrs7San2vyHAQz6nmbZM5yEAv5rHS58YX5sWhJwSvM2d-7Kfo-wJJ_uL61Ra6igw9RtNONWKwiZZMsazegVyUUZ1egNkpotdzy_27e_BcRj-rTk/s1600/Scan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="432" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyGCpZhsEeu_sRl67Fyix_xb4gVY0Yrs7San2vyHAQz6nmbZM5yEAv5rHS58YX5sWhJwSvM2d-7Kfo-wJJ_uL61Ra6igw9RtNONWKwiZZMsazegVyUUZ1egNkpotdzy_27e_BcRj-rTk/s320/Scan.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jill, Nell (mum's friend) and Rachel</td></tr>
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I had also contacted the Geelong community and they had warmly invited me to go back there for as long as I wanted. First I returned to England for more time with Maureen and some other family visits. While there I wanted to visit Norwich and the church where Mother Julian had her tiny cell.</div>
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I went on a double decker bus from London and as it was arriving at the Guest House where I was going to stay I looked out the window and saw Graeme, the Prior of the Geelong community, along with Janelle, the youngest member of the community! I had no idea what they were doing in England but I must have told the community I was visiting Norwich for a few days. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtqFccZsDlSuW0YJSywcqIF-ckcsguKP9aFWy20uitrdeFQJJHJUu7zWsZ-CTkBHC6Fvb93uMmJ3Bh8z_m6v0JcnuxES4i0qUukXVHU8ys6_Fk91VkSW9V0yJroVPwbkG1l6blAw416c/s1600/Church+with+Mother+Julian+cell.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="380" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtqFccZsDlSuW0YJSywcqIF-ckcsguKP9aFWy20uitrdeFQJJHJUu7zWsZ-CTkBHC6Fvb93uMmJ3Bh8z_m6v0JcnuxES4i0qUukXVHU8ys6_Fk91VkSW9V0yJroVPwbkG1l6blAw416c/s320/Church+with+Mother+Julian+cell.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Anglican Church in Norwich which has Julian's cell at the side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOhlkwBWdDPcerIKGqWCxYLRti7X4EedM2dgHC256QSeGOe4LOyyGoZJUZEK_Qr2JWkbz8VOnefcu7nsGwt-3L2urCc5vDKEPopKcPxlaSoMDXUsuUpyfjzKubS_KXnwcc4hbCXLbPn0/s1600/Graeme+and+Janelle+outside+Julian+cell.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="432" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOhlkwBWdDPcerIKGqWCxYLRti7X4EedM2dgHC256QSeGOe4LOyyGoZJUZEK_Qr2JWkbz8VOnefcu7nsGwt-3L2urCc5vDKEPopKcPxlaSoMDXUsuUpyfjzKubS_KXnwcc4hbCXLbPn0/s320/Graeme+and+Janelle+outside+Julian+cell.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graeme and Janelle outside the Church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUNPsauRFkkK2DOkwTie8Woj3taOjqJfCEDdWaQ4AtfrVIUQrcJbMiXXYXPcb9pgb1ro5o_oyyhRqpBSYgYz7nk0BWxLHga8O3WhgQKwYMJ9UEVsmjtixRIHRj920vJ8SR7RwGyFsBd8/s1600/Inside+Julian%2527s+cell.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="289" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUNPsauRFkkK2DOkwTie8Woj3taOjqJfCEDdWaQ4AtfrVIUQrcJbMiXXYXPcb9pgb1ro5o_oyyhRqpBSYgYz7nk0BWxLHga8O3WhgQKwYMJ9UEVsmjtixRIHRj920vJ8SR7RwGyFsBd8/s320/Inside+Julian%2527s+cell.jpeg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Julian's cell.</td></tr>
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It all seemed rather surreal but it was nice to see them. Apparently Graeme thought it was a good time to give Janelle a bit of an overseas trip and organised it to meet up with me along the way. Very strange looking back now but somehow at the time, though unexpected, it all seemed fine. (And in case you are wondering I don't think there was anything amiss about this. Janelle's parents, members of the community, had obviously OK'd it.)<br />
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So a few weeks later I returned to Australia and was once again very warmly welcomed by the <i>Community of the Transfiguration</i>. This time I was invited to be a full part of community meetings, not just a visitor. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE4Qih5kk8fUEGFuuh3qFhuiweFq-zWr6BXvhBYLXEn-r-RRj96VUtnnboFblDn_4Wjh4BZZhLC9idtwf-nzUkNI0STHUPHF8lXPUflqzmoD6SPkhotxU4ZPYgM8zT6IPWOkCdvqedkk/s1600/Scan+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="434" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE4Qih5kk8fUEGFuuh3qFhuiweFq-zWr6BXvhBYLXEn-r-RRj96VUtnnboFblDn_4Wjh4BZZhLC9idtwf-nzUkNI0STHUPHF8lXPUflqzmoD6SPkhotxU4ZPYgM8zT6IPWOkCdvqedkk/s400/Scan+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Inside main house - special dinner for my 43rd birthday!</td></tr>
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Although there was much that I appreciated and learned in the context of this community, I began to be concerned about some aspects of the dynamics that were becoming very stressful for everyone. I suppose all communities have to work through underlying issues that become apparent over time.</div>
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It was a long time ago now so I won't go into details but it was an insight for me about being trusted enough to see below the surface. It showed quite starkly the influence of a leader for <i>both good and ill</i> <i>simultaneously</i>. This was not a sexual abuse issue, it was more about power dynamics and emotional wellbeing. I was very stressed and quite shaken by the fact that it fell to me to talk with two of the Guardians (external 'board members') as those in the community found it hard to reveal some of the issues. Fortunately the Guardians were excellent and action was taken after I left.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQtVKgbmnhaDypLG2L68yJCEWh3jgdLx2ExOxz8-KB64WOSViJpF_stU-29K87zudO3-taTZV0KIn-QOBLBtLNs6-ypYJTBRznn1qXbaGMJvsLUlUMwviOnrg4UEUiKFHpmBg8cheTfw/s1600/Scan+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="289" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQtVKgbmnhaDypLG2L68yJCEWh3jgdLx2ExOxz8-KB64WOSViJpF_stU-29K87zudO3-taTZV0KIn-QOBLBtLNs6-ypYJTBRznn1qXbaGMJvsLUlUMwviOnrg4UEUiKFHpmBg8cheTfw/s320/Scan+3.jpeg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rae and Des Darrer. Rae was a Guardian.</td></tr>
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I did leave earlier than I had expected because the stress was something I didn't need once I had taken the action that was mine to take. I stayed with Rae (a Guardian) and Des for a week or two I think and then arranged to go on retreat to the RSCJ (Religious of the Sacred Heart) community not far away in Braybrook. I already knew one of the sisters there: Faith McMurtrie, who had started out as a Baptist minister in NZ! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBQetO_iHdfxy5Wt9KPwy3ltYdq_rukHyBAUVXuh835aeswbwet4lFn7BRc66P6feMsMDuQjaFDsyvmLt0pxNgnetD4SWvUYBI7ILPLe6ZnksNQUmMRzmmrZBME7s-TByY9k6Alq9JKo/s1600/Scan+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="430" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBQetO_iHdfxy5Wt9KPwy3ltYdq_rukHyBAUVXuh835aeswbwet4lFn7BRc66P6feMsMDuQjaFDsyvmLt0pxNgnetD4SWvUYBI7ILPLe6ZnksNQUmMRzmmrZBME7s-TByY9k6Alq9JKo/s320/Scan+5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith in the kitchen at Braybrook RSCJ</td></tr>
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Before heading back to NZ I also spent time with two more friends: Helena Stretton who was the Dean of Women at BCNZ but was in Australia visiting her mother; and Lee McKay a good friend from NZ who was visiting her sister.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZQHze3wOYP6CO6HCf1HwQDCn7NBRjyUs148xlbF-FjKw-UlNKEilrcoxsYl_3RZxbcoPtVMuXOy2Nt8XVdLp73wJCFVm8LdYG4MsTDu7TBeEDafIQ_oBJRpOqlgBBPYNquPZ5SUTzR4/s1600/Scan+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="364" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZQHze3wOYP6CO6HCf1HwQDCn7NBRjyUs148xlbF-FjKw-UlNKEilrcoxsYl_3RZxbcoPtVMuXOy2Nt8XVdLp73wJCFVm8LdYG4MsTDu7TBeEDafIQ_oBJRpOqlgBBPYNquPZ5SUTzR4/s320/Scan+6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helena, her mum and a friend of Helena's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEXGVIv33rjktjFVhUA-PJLczfkkdOJ2VMqwAl0IySxLr65pL99giES9lo78CyI7sF7o_v2hZsrNjEBUKaCkQmKLRDHkWD40P7nhwqKhsxYo5ho-HEmhzJ3FroiAU0JKjx5h4i641CVI/s1600/Scan+7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="289" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEXGVIv33rjktjFVhUA-PJLczfkkdOJ2VMqwAl0IySxLr65pL99giES9lo78CyI7sF7o_v2hZsrNjEBUKaCkQmKLRDHkWD40P7nhwqKhsxYo5ho-HEmhzJ3FroiAU0JKjx5h4i641CVI/s320/Scan+7.jpeg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee in picnic mode!</td></tr>
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So the months I had expected to spend at Regent College were filled in unexpected ways but I was grateful I was never "left in the lurch" without somewhere to go.</div>
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At the beginning of this year my journal reveals that I had prayed: "Reveal myself to me." perhaps a strange prayer - not "Reveal <i>yourself</i> to me." But then - and now - it makes sense. I learned a great deal about myself in that year. After the trauma of even being "allowed" to go St Beuno's as part of my Sabbatical, it was ironic that those three months were the only part of the year that went smoothly without stress or disruption! I learned that I was quite naive in some ways - also reluctant to ask for what I needed or be assertive. I was often lonely at the times of particular stress and difficulty. But I suppose it is also true that in spite of all that I navigated some pretty challenging situations. Most importantly, I was deeply affirmed in my direction in life. My passion for spiritual growth - my own and that of others - had deepened. Graeme (Geelong) said he thought I'd make a good novice mistress!! I thought that was quite funny - especially as he was a Baptist. But I did know what he meant in the context of my involvement with members of the community. My spiritual director (St Beuno's) said he thought I had a gift for the ministry of spiritual direction and hoped I would be able to pursue that.</div>
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So I set off back to NZ and Bible College not having any idea how I would be received!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOxP4kXlcB-da5eCf6gT1R0CRJxH-tm_kkcZYWBCiTdUjclNq1yzF5O6tTns3iWMctT9ZoZcj_FzNZmhVZGMpoH-HViYeYp9hTCkMQ9cAB6L3ASoolyU6zKu9jk9wGePginfbZygeTjM/s1600/Scan+8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="289" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOxP4kXlcB-da5eCf6gT1R0CRJxH-tm_kkcZYWBCiTdUjclNq1yzF5O6tTns3iWMctT9ZoZcj_FzNZmhVZGMpoH-HViYeYp9hTCkMQ9cAB6L3ASoolyU6zKu9jk9wGePginfbZygeTjM/s320/Scan+8.jpeg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of my Sabbatical year - farewelled by Kath <br />
a friend of the Geelong community.</td></tr>
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Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-92023913161267752932019-09-10T14:07:00.001+12:002021-12-18T09:05:24.850+13:00Caravan of Selves 6: 36-42 years 1980-1987<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>1981-1982 MTh study</b><br />
At the end of 1980 I had to decide whether to continue to do an MTh in the next two years.<br />
It was a big decision and felt daunting especially alongside the teaching load I continued to carry. I chose a "thesis only" MTh which meant no preliminary papers with exams. My Thesis topic was: <i>An Appraisal of Some Rogerian principles of Education in Light of Their Application to the Christian Education of Young Adults.</i><br />
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Although Carl Rogers is best known for his <i>Person Centred Counselling</i> work he also wrote several books on education from a similar "person centred" approach. His book <i>Freedom to Learn</i> (1969) had connected with my own explorations in my second year at teachers' college so this was a chance to delve deeper into my own educational philosophy.<br />
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I wrote to Rogers enquiring as to whether he saw a spiritual dimension to "educating the whole person" . He did reply - somewhat to my surprise. At the age of 82 and almost blind the letter was dictated but it was a thoughtful response. While not being comfortable with the language of "spirituality" he acknowledged that "... sometimes an intense personal relationship does seem to achieve a transcendent quality."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Title page of my MTh thesis and letter from Carl Rogers</td></tr>
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Note that my thesis was typewritten! No computers yet so any editing required re-typing the relevant page(s)! One of the secretaries at BCNZ did the typing for me from my handwritten draft. Those who now use computers for this level of work don't know how lucky they are!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally MTh awarded 1982</td></tr>
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<b>1983 Appointed to the faculty of BCNZ. </b><br />
At the end of 1982 I was offered a full time lecturing role at Bible College to teach Pastoral Care - along with other classes I had already been teaching at diploma level - <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Doctrine, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">NT, Communications, Christian Education. I was also a fieldwork supervisor, faculty advisor and counsellor!</span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->It's no wonder I wrote in my journal: "Contemplative prayer and creative spirituality are what I keep longing for but I feel everyone wants a piece of me."<br />
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I really did enjoy teaching adults and I know it did it well. However, my journal often expressed the conflict I felt: "... <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">I don't believe in a lecture style of teaching. I am in a system that focuses heavily on head knowledge and gives grades/exams etc. Yet my philosophy is opposed to that. I am in a system which gives me classes of 50 - 100 students with pastoral care responsibilities as well and therefore frustrates my desire to teach and pastor in an in-depth individual way."</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faculty retreat</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">During this year Mum developed breast cancer. That was a great shock of course. She was 73. She had a mastectomy and recovered without the need for chemotherapy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><b>1984 -1985 </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">Looking back I think these were years of both "mid-life crisis" and "faith stage crisis". I moved into a staff flat and settled into my faculty role and lecturing with outward success and genuine enjoyment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">I was also invited to speak at various conferences and spent three weeks in Melbourne speaking to various groups of women of different cultures. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNtmIRRR3weSX57L0scy23F1YhMrptCN_tcAVusN1m-4SQkNYuyTVH4RjLiCsE3nVw4FRDpj5gsbwY4GaLC8Z2l-8PD7ctA1UzNiZJPq07_Mz0-an_1IJaz31DlOC9rFPoV_FQ8BVCdg/s1600/Scan+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="507" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNtmIRRR3weSX57L0scy23F1YhMrptCN_tcAVusN1m-4SQkNYuyTVH4RjLiCsE3nVw4FRDpj5gsbwY4GaLC8Z2l-8PD7ctA1UzNiZJPq07_Mz0-an_1IJaz31DlOC9rFPoV_FQ8BVCdg/s320/Scan+4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New settler women's ministry</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">Speaking with interpreters was a new - and difficult experience! I had one meeting with two interpreters. Very hard to keep a cohesive train of thought with every sentence repeated in two languages! I love this letter from a 10 year old who must have been at a meeting in NZ before I left. The P.S. is delightful: "I wish you luck and courage and strength to face them!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuKEvoaqlob8IWfFkl0A5ARG7ACs8HYvLqimZ48XZ98IC3MXzgG8OePPgnvhCOpIcmLMma1bldKZtOvrik7xH5FqsL6lMp0esIDfaMQVn3xvNA1Tns3EDIcVQzMWaW_dUCIChgBd0dgI/s1600/Latter.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuKEvoaqlob8IWfFkl0A5ARG7ACs8HYvLqimZ48XZ98IC3MXzgG8OePPgnvhCOpIcmLMma1bldKZtOvrik7xH5FqsL6lMp0esIDfaMQVn3xvNA1Tns3EDIcVQzMWaW_dUCIChgBd0dgI/s320/Latter.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">As well as all that was good and fruitful in these years, my journal revealed a lot of loneliness at the deepest level and times of underlying depression. I had some counselling which was helpful but the real "shift" for me was hearing about spiritual direction and retreats. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">I had already been deeply enriched by reading books by (mostly Catholic) writers which opened up a whole arena of a more contemplative way of living and praying. Then in 1985 I connected with a spiritual director for myself. Clare O'Connor was (and is) a Cenacle sister and her companionship enabled me to explore and embrace more fully the core contemplative self that was part of me from my childhood. (see Chapter 2 of this <i>Caravan of Selves</i> series.) My journal also notes that I was beginning to question whether Christianity was "the only way". I don't think I expressed that thought to anyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">In August 1985 I went on my first seven day silent retreat at Marcellin Hall (which has since been demolished and turned into park land). It was one of the early Spiritual Growth Ministry retreats. I remember feeling that I had "come home" in this atmosphere of silence and contemplative space with daily communion and daily spiritual direction. Anne Hadfield was my director on this retreat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><b>12th September 1985</b> was my 40th birthday. I spite of the mid-life/faith stage shifts going on I wrote that I was grateful and happy and felt life was opening up in a positive way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">I wrote: "</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">For all that has been thanks! </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">For all that's to come Yes!" <span style="font-size: x-small;">Dag Hammarskjold </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> Song of Songs 2:10-13"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">And: </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">"A goal emerges: I want to invest my life in the lives of others promoting their growth through counselling/spiritual direction/supervision.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><b>1986 - 1987 Turbulent times</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">This began as a more settled time of teaching, speaking at various events and living in the community of single women in "staff flats" - or "petticoat lane" as we called it! Now I was earning a salary I began wondering about buying my own home but that still felt well out of reach.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">During this time I was invited to be on the team running SGM retreats. I felt privileged to be invited since I had no specific spiritual direction training. However, it seemed a natural extension of my other training and experience. I loved this work! It felt somehow "what I was made for".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">My dis-ease about an over-busy workload and an academic lecture-style of teaching continued to rumble beneath the surface. In July 1987 I wrote a resignation letter and delivered it to the Principal David Stewart. I also verbally told most faculty members. I don't remember the details of what followed but I was persuaded instead to take study leave in 1988 and discern then whether to return or leave. I had in fact been teaching at BCNZ for 9 years by now (four of which had been combined with my BTh and MTh studies) so some study leave was due!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">Also in 1987 Mum had her first stroke. I was very grateful for my sister and brother and spouses who lived close by and took very good care of her - as did the lovely people at Woodlands retirement village in Waikanae where she had sensibly chosen to move in 1986.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXyhQ7An8Wy1H9OfaNXv2IQOHmMkhzzRFdFynVEY88DYCk8nMooosROkWOy97uRWhiMPGQswwPEKT5KQ3TMt2bdeb-Tez7jjS2w-enUDzvzPraJ55bWOVadg7CKyV4ZeICQGskiq_IFo/s1600/Scan+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="434" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXyhQ7An8Wy1H9OfaNXv2IQOHmMkhzzRFdFynVEY88DYCk8nMooosROkWOy97uRWhiMPGQswwPEKT5KQ3TMt2bdeb-Tez7jjS2w-enUDzvzPraJ55bWOVadg7CKyV4ZeICQGskiq_IFo/s320/Scan+6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 Robin Place, Woodands. Merrie and Gwenyth outside Mum's apartment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gwenyth, Merrie and Mum on her first day at Woodlands.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">I gratefully accepted the study leave option for 1988 (9 months paid leave which covered the academic year.) As I thought, prayed and planned how to use the time I proposed three elements:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">visiting a Baptist </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">monastic</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">(yes!) community in Geelong, Melbourne; then some time studying the history of spiritual streams under the supervision of Jim Houston at Regent College Vancouver and finally a three month training in spiritual direction at St Beuno's Jesuit spirituality centre in North Wales. This included a thirty day silent Ignatian retreat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The Jesuit spirituality centre piece really set the cat among the pigeons among the faculty at BCNZ. Several thought I had lost the plot or gone "beyond the pale" - in other words I was now outside the boundaries of the conservative evangelical theology that BCNZ stood for. One representative of faculty was sent to convey this to me! I was utterly devastated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I knew at the deepest part of myself that this was the next step for me but to have my colleagues doubting the heart of my faith was excruciating. I spent three days crying and unable to work. There were two or three faculty who stood by me even if they didn't fully understand. To be honest I didn't fully understand either! It was just one of those "I know I have to do this whatever the consequences" times. So after another very awkward meeting with the faculty I was free to follow my plan with the proviso that during that time I would decide if I really "belonged" in the BCNZ ethos.</span><br />
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</style>Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-70671822811188054542019-08-20T15:14:00.002+12:002021-12-18T09:05:06.561+13:00Caravan of Selves 5: 29-35 years 1973-1980 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>1973-76 Hillcrest School, Jos, Nigeria.</b><br />
I have a jumble of memories about these first three years in Nigeria: homesickness, culture shock, new friends, teaching from an American curriculum (with textbooks even for the younger grades!)<br />
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Hillcrest is school for missionaries children and other children whose parents want them to have an American education. It covers all the grades from 1-13. Many of the children live in hostels run by the ten missionary societies who also share the staffing of the school. (At least that's how it used to be. The <a href="http://www.hillcrestschool.net/">current school website</a> suggests only two hostels now.) Although I have dozens of photos I'm disappointed that most of them are poor quality. Over the years they have faded and don't scan well. This was before era of digital photography!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th Grade class. My first year at Hillcrest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course we had to learn about NZ!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle school building where I taught 8th Grade for next few years.</td></tr>
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Once I settled in to new routines and got over the culture shock (both of Nigerian and American culture!) I had wonderful years in Nigeria. I made many new friends - both school staff and SIM women in the apartment block I eventually moved into. We often went on picnics together and celebrated each others special occasions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In my apartment. A birthday dinner for Diane my next door neighbour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing rock formations in surrounding countryside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martha Underwood (Principal) and Fluffy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping for morning tea en route to...?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgA4siXaUWNzufAq7BHgi9-aOvFKnqrIijoczapCw1-dMS926LuLvz6UcDDdaJtvpReWMoCyhd0r069f9GkveztrLLUVidA6i-ax677eR45qoczePkDauWwKGcP1TbOmCRf7OF1PC7zo/s1600/Me+at+Reservoir+Nigeria..jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="346" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgA4siXaUWNzufAq7BHgi9-aOvFKnqrIijoczapCw1-dMS926LuLvz6UcDDdaJtvpReWMoCyhd0r069f9GkveztrLLUVidA6i-ax677eR45qoczePkDauWwKGcP1TbOmCRf7OF1PC7zo/s320/Me+at+Reservoir+Nigeria..jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jos had a large water reservoir that was a great place for walks and enjoying water views.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8th Grade Bible Class girls round for a games evening</td></tr>
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In 1974 Mum and Dad came for a visit. Dad was on the SIM Council in NZ so a trip to SIM stations in Nigeria was arranged. It was wonderful to show them where I lived and worked. They saw more of the whole country of Nigeria on their trip than I ever did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43GBvT5xrlHWJGu0TTMx34yKv5y2LtKl4MVt3EpchfDNxFhzbsqylUarmuGX5UCmYi-Fw13D9qLd3faZkNAetV6Xc1G16CowLlRfMdRzN8Mfi9riBx5miXqONNe5aT9HUKjL3oibS6NA/s1600/Me+and+Mum+outside+my+apt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1024" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43GBvT5xrlHWJGu0TTMx34yKv5y2LtKl4MVt3EpchfDNxFhzbsqylUarmuGX5UCmYi-Fw13D9qLd3faZkNAetV6Xc1G16CowLlRfMdRzN8Mfi9riBx5miXqONNe5aT9HUKjL3oibS6NA/s320/Me+and+Mum+outside+my+apt.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum and me outside my upstairs apartment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad with Pastors at one of his speaking engagements.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting John and Ladi at their home. John was my "house boy".</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A village pottery.<br />
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During one of his meetings in Jos, Dad had what seemed like a TIA (small stroke) in the middle of his address to SIM leaders. It was terrifying to see him unable to continue. One of the men had to go and help him from the stage. Fortunately there was a good mission hospital in Jos where he was well looked after for several days until pronounced OK to continue his trip around the rest of the country. It must have been very scary for Mum wondering if it would happen again.<br />
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<b>1976. Furlough and Dad's death</b><br />
I was due for furlough in 1976 and arrived home on 21st June (mid-winter!!). Mum and Dad had retired to Waikanae while I was away but came to Auckland to welcome me home.<br />
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That evening there was an SIM council meeting. I encouraged Dad to go as I was jet lagged and wouldn't be much company for the evening. Mum, Dad and I were staying in a bach near my brother Peter's manse in Whangaparaoa. I woke in the middle of the night to discover Mum anxiously saying Dad had not come home. I put clothes over my pyjamas and went out looking for a phone box to ring Peter. He came and took us back to their place. We called the police. Gwenyth looked after Mum while Peter and I were told to drive slowly the route Dad would have taken. The Police would start at the Baptist Tabernacle where the meeting had been held and meet us if anything was found. They pulled us over in Takapuna and told us Dad had been found dead in his car in the Tab car park. We were then taken to the mortuary to identify his body. That was a horrible experience.<br />
We got back to Whangaparoa in the early hours of the morning.<br />
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Apparently Dad had prayed the closing prayer at the SIM meeting and gone out to the car and died (presumably of a major heart attack) before starting the engine. He was only 67. It was a very fitting way for Dad to die but a pretty hard way for me to spend my first night home!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02cnMwsA2YHc28kYxhT65_2K96zAnz-JwHgVVqvBYqtQ_1waNDm1XgZoHc7_bMMzfIA0BbLUMYJgdKe9V8BzsKeVBVCOmak1NnLfahvZPIWqAu-WWAMlz49IfWGZ-DfYUcgEdADvzkgQ/s1600/Dad+and+Mum+Easter+1976.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02cnMwsA2YHc28kYxhT65_2K96zAnz-JwHgVVqvBYqtQ_1waNDm1XgZoHc7_bMMzfIA0BbLUMYJgdKe9V8BzsKeVBVCOmak1NnLfahvZPIWqAu-WWAMlz49IfWGZ-DfYUcgEdADvzkgQ/s1600/Dad+and+Mum+Easter+1976.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last photo I have of Mum and Dad together. Taken at Easter 1976 by a friend of mine.</td></tr>
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The funeral was held in the Baptist Tabernacle where Dad had been minister for 8 years when we first came to NZ. So although it was all terribly shocking we were grateful that his funeral could be there and many of the Tab and Bible College friends were able to come.<br />
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Going back to their 'new' home in Waikanae with Mum was very hard for both of us. I had never been there and Mum had left with Dad and the expectation that three of us would return. They had turned Dad's study into a bedroom for me...<br />
<br />
During my 6 month furlough I had to decide whether to return to Nigeria or stay in NZ to support Mum. It was a pretty tough few months. I was in a new environment in Waikanae with no networks of supportive friends as I would have had in Auckland. After a couple of months of just surviving Mum was keen for me to go and stay in Auckland for a while - which was very generous of her. She was also keen for me to return to Nigeria as planned. That's the kind of person Mum was. No subtle hints that she hoped I would stay. I'm sure it was best for both of us that I did go back but it was not an easy decision. It was a great blessing that my sister Merrie and brother Andrew also lived in the area with their families so I knew Mum would be well cared for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur84lwnL48JGIzCgzNk73kOMzwuj8u2oF1-BJTbaLH0GxQtQV-gx9cX479iILOKF2v-7MGSHSQZgfsu7RTTWmUX4BzNwSX4COApD-UWSJ1aFkKV9CNL5EWfumj9VC-WRXtAwITMwQlPg/s1600/Family+farewelling+me+back+to+Nigeria+1977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="357" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur84lwnL48JGIzCgzNk73kOMzwuj8u2oF1-BJTbaLH0GxQtQV-gx9cX479iILOKF2v-7MGSHSQZgfsu7RTTWmUX4BzNwSX4COApD-UWSJ1aFkKV9CNL5EWfumj9VC-WRXtAwITMwQlPg/s320/Family+farewelling+me+back+to+Nigeria+1977.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family farewelling me back to Nigeria.</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>1977-79 Back to Nigeria</b><br />
It was good to get back to the familiar territory of Nigeria and Hillcrest School. I have trouble now separating these two and a half years from the earlier years there. That probably doesn't matter. I continued to teach in the middle school (Grades 7 and 8). I had my own home room class but also taught English, Health and Bible to other middle school classes. Friendships with staff, Nigerian friends and other SIM missionaries were rich and broadening of my perspectives - theologically and culturally.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWDos0zvl2js8a2wGn8AWfkvOYRURfLqsVIEY9nAsGDD-Jg9OlaFcUwXkUPi0UV5iJj9f7m4z3kjnuenyQQt4vGNfzxgWXki1kX6g8fCJIWGUfW9SiEoURFrLY2yjpxMgeDvvjLBnoic/s1600/Ines+Penny+and+local+women.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWDos0zvl2js8a2wGn8AWfkvOYRURfLqsVIEY9nAsGDD-Jg9OlaFcUwXkUPi0UV5iJj9f7m4z3kjnuenyQQt4vGNfzxgWXki1kX6g8fCJIWGUfW9SiEoURFrLY2yjpxMgeDvvjLBnoic/s320/Ines+Penny+and+local+women.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ines Penny with local women</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoyWvXrIYSWlvwD3eBvgQENKPruVlM1kTDMJNl5dCROCwC3uk9-QUzEzojS-8VY1bXVbwTHHufpGgHw3xTNl3EOlnDd0T3DVDcG8Ni2pZoeDrfYtgYOn3rv_uXHcXqFm6snRR-J13nNE/s1600/Me%252C+Lois+and+Martha+at+8th+Grade+Ball.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="376" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoyWvXrIYSWlvwD3eBvgQENKPruVlM1kTDMJNl5dCROCwC3uk9-QUzEzojS-8VY1bXVbwTHHufpGgHw3xTNl3EOlnDd0T3DVDcG8Ni2pZoeDrfYtgYOn3rv_uXHcXqFm6snRR-J13nNE/s320/Me%252C+Lois+and+Martha+at+8th+Grade+Ball.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Martha and Lois at 8th Grade ball!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKGN-BDURRKvpTWtXvT00itnKRW6dDL2lCVto8SajQL5sEog6wP9mFzo63_TxQKNK8gzTl5L5VsgEnwR1maw6wkgvfQZb-3BuFF_34updh0nDqHpvlgehiDbI6miz_TaKSMBXK45IH70/s1600/My+lovely+yellow+Bug%2521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="377" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKGN-BDURRKvpTWtXvT00itnKRW6dDL2lCVto8SajQL5sEog6wP9mFzo63_TxQKNK8gzTl5L5VsgEnwR1maw6wkgvfQZb-3BuFF_34updh0nDqHpvlgehiDbI6miz_TaKSMBXK45IH70/s320/My+lovely+yellow+Bug%2521.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lovely yellow Bug! Borrowed from furloughing missionaries</td></tr>
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<br />
In those days being a career missionary meant that you would probably stay "on the field" until you retired. But during these years I began to feel that that wouldn't be my story. It was as if my roots were being loosened but I had no idea what for. I know I sometimes thought "I'd love to teach adults".<br />
<br />
Then totally out of the blue I received a letter from David Stewart - Principal of BCNZ. He prayed for all "his" graduates and said he was aware that when I did my training there had been no Theological degree available. So he was writing to ask me to prayerfully consider returning to BCNZ to do my BTh and MTh studies. Would I consider teaching in the Diploma classes and thus paying no fees? Writing this now it does seem amazing that this invitation came exactly when I was feeling "my roots being loosened".<br />
<br />
It was in some ways not an easy decision. It felt a bit like deserting the role I had been committed to. But in the end it really was very clear that God was in this. So in 1979 I bid farewell to Hillcrest and the many friends in Nigeria and headed back to NZ. I had no savings or household equipment. When I left for Nigeria my basic supplies were shipped from NZ in two or three 44 gallon drums. Furniture and other essentials had been accumulated from missionaries going on furlough or retiring. I seem to remember I came back with just two suitcases.<br />
<br />
<b>1979-80 Transition back to NZ</b><br />
These were transition years back into NZ. At first I was accommodated in a room in the single women's quarters at BCNZ. That was good given that I had no furniture or household items. I felt homesick for Nigeria and my own flat and my friends. But to some extent BCNZ was a familiar place and I did have some support networks in Auckland.<br />
<br />
In 1979 and 80 I completed my BTh studies. (I had been given one year credit from my earlier diploma study.) To my surprise I was awarded the Felix Arnott prize for heading the First Class Honours list and the David Garnsey Scholarship for advanced theological study. This was an unexpected blessing in helping me financially for the next two years of study.<br />
<br />
During this time I was also teaching diploma classes in Christian Education, Christian Doctrine and New Testament. It was often strange to be sitting in a lecture as a student and then getting up to be the lecturer of the next class. I was never quite sure if I was thought of as student or staff. I do remember students often seeking me out as "not quite staff" to listen, empathise and pray. The benefit of being accommodated with them and having had missionary experience was a plus.<br />
<br />
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</div>
Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-69932569356812140622019-07-27T09:47:00.001+12:002021-12-18T09:04:47.769+13:00Caravan of Selves 4: 22-28 years 1966-1973<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After my PA year I continued to teach at Henderson Intermediate for two more years 1967-1968. This time I had Form 2 classes of mixed ability - 43 students in each class! That was normal, it seems. They were often challenging children but I loved them and loved teaching so I was happy. I do remember coming home some afternoons feeling totally exhausted and sure I couldn't do another day - but of course I always did. Every year I read CS Lewis's Narnia books to the children at the end of most days. I enjoyed that as much as they did!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS1WZGhCiaHMXJXVeje6tSvGFsfKdDgE7yNf3QXNSwtnOflGaOH4htjzB0zMdx0T4KLKc2eFVR90K2KkZ-9lODF1jrhbqrh7P5IyxZp6KvYT2GCFccNYPPyQ57N-M32NdUXNGcT3fNvw/s1600/1967+Hsn+Intermediate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS1WZGhCiaHMXJXVeje6tSvGFsfKdDgE7yNf3QXNSwtnOflGaOH4htjzB0zMdx0T4KLKc2eFVR90K2KkZ-9lODF1jrhbqrh7P5IyxZp6KvYT2GCFccNYPPyQ57N-M32NdUXNGcT3fNvw/s400/1967+Hsn+Intermediate.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Form 2 1967</td></tr>
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<br />
In 1969 I taught a standard 4 class at Ranui Primary school. With these younger children I could branch out a bit more into some of the creative approaches to teaching that my final year at TColl had allowed me to explore. Very satisfying! One memory is of making the children's creative writing into a book - laboriously copied on the Banda machine and stapled together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9CHjmdaFLw0_JnWKI0T0vlKwvgRH00KLZ3v1q5JEQKxpo0_peDs-zwRRsXSl-v0Vw7XOTwkyEX4MYvUmz8oJOzuRDtLC9HZ-6UXnvCsBNKc4nGWNHKTeboS9NpN5rWxKjInx4Ai4Bds/s1600/1969+Ranui+Primary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9CHjmdaFLw0_JnWKI0T0vlKwvgRH00KLZ3v1q5JEQKxpo0_peDs-zwRRsXSl-v0Vw7XOTwkyEX4MYvUmz8oJOzuRDtLC9HZ-6UXnvCsBNKc4nGWNHKTeboS9NpN5rWxKjInx4Ai4Bds/s400/1969+Ranui+Primary.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard 4 1969</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWf8xxXnyMmiLjvOltbRo2CNGPtFgr1yYRCcP3h7nw2yD0_Qhx_yR3IlD_KzmoFNrmIV3SmwCIyHzBTerPl42tSZUt6zBGWiZyMofp-y-ThyB3BhyphenhyphencUlbYa4aGmcEkYT07SQ1MPNbzmA/s1600/1969+Ranui+Primary+inside+and+out_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWf8xxXnyMmiLjvOltbRo2CNGPtFgr1yYRCcP3h7nw2yD0_Qhx_yR3IlD_KzmoFNrmIV3SmwCIyHzBTerPl42tSZUt6zBGWiZyMofp-y-ThyB3BhyphenhyphencUlbYa4aGmcEkYT07SQ1MPNbzmA/s320/1969+Ranui+Primary+inside+and+out_0001.jpg" width="310" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOW9g9Ulh9M-kAD35to3_Vw9DA_DANwmRM4JikXpqnjdq9iSAuXiDdhbQo6akmcDPIEvNKWivtlXhFZrDlVnTHOCuyS2RSZvzryHoGUKXmw42diqEZTh9PrQGEWV7X5U5tALVWSJZkVw/s1600/1969+Ranui+Primary+inside+and+out_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="988" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOW9g9Ulh9M-kAD35to3_Vw9DA_DANwmRM4JikXpqnjdq9iSAuXiDdhbQo6akmcDPIEvNKWivtlXhFZrDlVnTHOCuyS2RSZvzryHoGUKXmw42diqEZTh9PrQGEWV7X5U5tALVWSJZkVw/s320/1969+Ranui+Primary+inside+and+out_0002.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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<br />
One Easter during these years Dad was speaking at an Easter Camp at Ngaruawahia. In his love of walking he went out exploring one afternoon and got lost in the bush. When he did not return for the next meeting search parties went looking for him. The police were called in when he was not found by nightfall. He was out for two nights and the police warned the searchers they may no longer be looking for a live person. But amazingly he walked out - on the other side of the ridge he had climbed. A farmer noticed him and alerted the rescuers. They said his hand knitted thick wool jersey helped him to survive the cold winter nights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGBF97uOwQkvQNFLnltqKXbCCF79h51HFpKxbZhvS11Pzv_5z7wfIOJyKDFRsPGYDtPi9vyyldwSUTcJ_l8Zyz6v8h7I5q5TYNi6Gcpo0l11RVJYdyzhOwoYN-7Syw1MbOCiuesaK-FM/s1600/Scan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="426" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGBF97uOwQkvQNFLnltqKXbCCF79h51HFpKxbZhvS11Pzv_5z7wfIOJyKDFRsPGYDtPi9vyyldwSUTcJ_l8Zyz6v8h7I5q5TYNi6Gcpo0l11RVJYdyzhOwoYN-7Syw1MbOCiuesaK-FM/s400/Scan.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family celebrating Dad's return. He is wearing the jersey Mum had knitted!</td></tr>
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During 1969 I started thinking about doing theological training. Bible College of NZ was the obvious choice as Dad was a lecturer there. I think in my family preparing for some form of "Christian service" was a given. Not that it was in any way expected - it just seemed natural.<br />
So I applied and was accepted for the following year.<br />
<br />
Over the next two years I completed a Dip Theol and a Dip RE (religious education). No degrees were available at that time - which became significant later. I enjoyed the study and made many good friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8THqpTjcKUiL7tzHzRnbQMoZIoSDVk-VIgACIZMMRFBidGUTwgYlFBja9sIJkbKT0ZpUwyKd2nr_9xjwwtAViWi6mCNkqwNC9YoUbxYCGNZ1cHck_LCOqJ4AZ60i_NqkVrq4t2a2dZ2w/s1600/Scan+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="468" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8THqpTjcKUiL7tzHzRnbQMoZIoSDVk-VIgACIZMMRFBidGUTwgYlFBja9sIJkbKT0ZpUwyKd2nr_9xjwwtAViWi6mCNkqwNC9YoUbxYCGNZ1cHck_LCOqJ4AZ60i_NqkVrq4t2a2dZ2w/s400/Scan+1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Student leadership team</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymiKgHLWJSKk52q9kiTSG7aN-YJTcdFn_9KjlA3h94k3e_Gat65cSbLwEFlWtxAe590yiNxagVBsXY01f_Fl3BsPeIO0deSqw7Dj7Vj4LSH5g0mCGQrC9gAztAabw3bktECJgDnVHuQI/s1600/Scan+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="240" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymiKgHLWJSKk52q9kiTSG7aN-YJTcdFn_9KjlA3h94k3e_Gat65cSbLwEFlWtxAe590yiNxagVBsXY01f_Fl3BsPeIO0deSqw7Dj7Vj4LSH5g0mCGQrC9gAztAabw3bktECJgDnVHuQI/s320/Scan+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As women's president I had a larger room with a telephone - note its antiquity!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u61mFq_ARqDhoXqN1m1wZLiZ4a5wfYGpjvDSMIbIA9n4mWCKix38EOUvxCe_DPjN_lDicJaad9haanyuxeeTnvURMPy8k2moK6Lwkz3li_hb9HJShvde1MljBfZR2pYqtptSGblksXo/s1600/Scan+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="237" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u61mFq_ARqDhoXqN1m1wZLiZ4a5wfYGpjvDSMIbIA9n4mWCKix38EOUvxCe_DPjN_lDicJaad9haanyuxeeTnvURMPy8k2moK6Lwkz3li_hb9HJShvde1MljBfZR2pYqtptSGblksXo/s320/Scan+3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously it was not all hard work!</td></tr>
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One of the things I was most concerned about was that God would call me to be a missionary! I couldn't imagine how hard it would be to "go to darkest Africa" (or anywhere else) as a single woman. I prayed a lot - telling God I was willing to serve him anywhere in NZ but please don't send me overseas. But... in a series of ways that are too long to elaborate here, I knew that "going to darkest Africa" was indeed what God had in mind for me. Now I can see that facing my greatest fear was the very best thing to free me for many other challenges in the years to come. But at the time it just felt terrifying.<br />
<br />
I applied to SIM hoping to be placed in a school for missionaries children in Nigeria. However, the need was greater in the Education Department to work on curricula and other educational resources. So that was where I was expecting to work. Shortly before I was to leave a NZ teacher (Anne Power) in the mission school had to resign as she gave birth to twins, one of whom died. That very sad occurrence meant that in the end it was to a school for missionaries children that I went! I can't remember who said "God's guidance is usually easier to see in hindsight"!<br />
<br />
Before my farewell in Glen Eden Baptist Church I had jokingly said, "They'd better not sing that awful hymn: 'So send I you, to labour unrewarded...'" But you guessed it - there it was on the<br />
programme. It really is a terrible hymn!! Here's the first verse and there are four more equally dire verses! <a href="https://musicservices.org/license/song/detail/54588">Click here</a> if you can bear to read them!<br />
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So send I you to labour unrewarded<br />
To serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown<br />
To bear rebuke, to suffer scorn and scoffing<br />
So send I you to toil for Me alone<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSq5DWfwjigFctNOq44SlVH7lh0tGPRXhEQgpt486ZLNB8A4RkvO7bO-AykbEMeS4pNREVfB6TFGnNpDP3vFCsaUkaXvI4nCP9hgDfkH650w_vu2gBLAW_I1safei7qNqY7q3i6kYWrA/s1600/Prayer+card+Nigeria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1600" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSq5DWfwjigFctNOq44SlVH7lh0tGPRXhEQgpt486ZLNB8A4RkvO7bO-AykbEMeS4pNREVfB6TFGnNpDP3vFCsaUkaXvI4nCP9hgDfkH650w_vu2gBLAW_I1safei7qNqY7q3i6kYWrA/s400/Prayer+card+Nigeria.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So in 1972 I set off in much fear and trepidation. I was warmly welcomed by fellow NZers Helen and Gordon Stanley who were based in Jos where I was to live. Here is my first accommodation - a flat in the Guest House. I lived there for some months until an apartment was available.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first home in Jos, Nigeria</td></tr>
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I remember huge cockroaches and trying to work out how to use the bucket shower and the small gas stove. But I was kindly looked after during the early months of culture shock.<br />
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<br />Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-35638111909529287522019-07-16T13:29:00.001+12:002021-12-18T09:04:27.213+13:00Caravan of Selves 3: 15-21 years 1959-1966<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am realising that every seven year period covers so many major events! Not surprising of course, but a salutary reminder to make the most of every year... every day.<br />
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<b>The wedding that nearly wasn't!</b><br />
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1962 was a particularly momentous year. In April my sister Merrie got married - just! She developed viral meningitis the day before her wedding! She was able to get out of bed, put on her wedding dress and she and Marty Heaslip said their vows in our lounge with close family present before she went back to bed. Marty bravely went to the reception on his own. There was no time to cancel anything.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merrie and Marty walking into our lounge. Bridesmaid Miriam behind.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal party and close family. I am middle bridesmaid. Andrew with folded arms on right!</td></tr>
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<b>Adventure or Nightmare?</b><br />
A week later Mum, Dad, Andrew (12) and I (16) set off for what was to be a wonderful world trip to accompany Dad as he spoke at various mission events in India and Africa. Then on to England and Wales to visit family. A whole book could be written about this trip - but not for the expected reasons. I endured agonising pain in my ears on the first two legs of the journey and ended up with a hospital appointment in Singapore where a specialist decreed that I shouldn't travel by air because my ear drums may rupture. (Hadn't they invented grommets by then???) Apparently I have extremely narrow eustachian tubes.<br />
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My poor Dad and Mum!<br />
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The whole trip upended and hard decisions to be made. I'm including their photos as a tribute to the wonderful parents they were. Sadly I have no photos at all of the trip itself.<br />
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Dad continued the trip as planned as he had important speaking engagements. Mum, Andrew and I stayed in Singapore (mostly accommodated with missionaries I think) until a cargo ship was available to take a few passengers to England. The boat obviously wasn't designed for the entertainment of passengers - only twelve of us on board. But it was adequate. The very first night en route the ship collided with another cargo ship and had to return to Singapore for major repairs! We were accommodated in the Railway Hotel (pretty basic) and given a set amount of money for each day's food. My wonderful mother made it a game to see if we could eat for less than that amount and save some for doing other things. We didn't know how long it would take for repairs to the ship to be completed. It ended up being close to a month!<!--EndFragment--><br />
Finally we were back on board and on our way. We were told there would be no stops until Hamburg where cargo was to be unloaded. I can't remember how long that took but we were glad to have a day to go ashore and wander round. However, it was a cold wet day! When we got back to the wharf where a taxi boat would take us to the cargo ship we looked across and saw smoke billowing out of the boat!! <b>Yes, our boat was on fire!</b> Apparently some of the cargo had caught fire (crew smoking in the hold?) We had to stay at the wharf for some time until we were told the cabins were not affected and it was safe to go back on board to pack up and retrieve our belongings. They assured us the company would <b><i>fly</i></b> us to England!<br />
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Another very hard decision for Mum. She tried to get us on a ferry but it was school holidays and no immediate spaces were available. In the end we had to fly and with great prayer and nervousness I agreed to get on a plane and hope I survived the pain. Thankfully I did - and my ear drums stayed intact. In all of this I don't remember ever being made to feel it was "all my fault". Of course technically it wasn't - but looking back I'm so grateful I didn't carry the weight of it all.<br />
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Strangely I have very little memory of our time in England and Wales. I know we visited Dad's parents and Mum's Dad and Aunty Freda who lived with him and looked after him.<br />
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We got back to NZ in time for my older brother, Peter's wedding to Gwenyth Conway in December. That wedding went as planned!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter and Gwenyth 15th Dec 1962</td></tr>
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In 1963 I went back to Epsom Girls for my 6th form year. It was a bit strange being with a class of people I had not gone through school with but it was fine and to my surprise I was made a prefect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prefects EGGS 1963. Me centre back.</td></tr>
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<b>Beginning My Teaching Career</b><br />
1963-1964 I was at Auckland Teachers' Training College. I had always wanted to be a teacher. No other job had ever appealed to me. So those years were wonderful. In the second year about a dozen of us were offered the opportunity to be in an experimental group with one lecturer (Mr Slane) to oversee our chosen study. It was quite adventurous for the college to do this, I think. We could each choose which lectures to go to, what special areas we would research and how many "sections" (weeks out in a school classroom) we would do.<br />
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I've never been a "hoarder" so I have no record now of the research projects I did although I know they were around the philosophy of a creative/alternative way of teaching. AN Whitehead and Carl Rogers writings were significant. I was awarded a cup at the end of my TColl years - I honestly don't remember why! I know the big cup had to be returned after a year and I was given a small "tinny" looking replica - which eventually got thrown away - so I can't even look to see what it was for. I was obviously not interested in fame!<br />
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1965: My P.A. (first) year teaching was at Henderson Intermediate. Here are my lovely children! I relished every bit of that first year. No doubt the children were chosen as well behaved and co-operative - which they were.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Form 1 at Henderson Intermediate 1966</td></tr>
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<br />Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-55278444455387868412019-06-29T20:59:00.001+12:002021-12-18T09:03:52.249+13:00Caravan of Selves 2: 8-14 years 1952-1959A lot happens in seven years! As I reflect on this chapter some things stand out: changing from Primary School to Intermediate School to High School. That's a lot of transitions. I was fortunate that I enjoyed school and seemed to always have friends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ten years old. Front row 3rd from left.</td></tr>
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This photo shows I had two boys and one girl I "didn't like" (crosses drawn on faces)!! I also notice I wasn't wearing glasses yet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twelve years old. Middle row third from left.</td></tr>
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We had a very nice teacher (whose name I forget) for both Form 1 and 2. I loved Intermediate school except that my parents didn't allow me to learn dancing (!) so I had to sit and watch as the others learned ballroom dancing in readiness for the Form 2 ball.<br />
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I was baptised by Dad at the Baptist Tabernacle the day after my 13th birthday. I still have the Daily Light my sister Merry gave me on that occasion.<br />
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During these childhood/adolescent years a major highlight was our annual holidays on Ponui Island where Dad was chaplain at the Crusader Camps. Mum and Andrew and I (and sometimes Merry and Peter) camped out in the wool shed. The wool shed was in a paddock that often had a bull in it!! I'm very sad I don't have more photos of Ponui as it was a pivotal place in my life. Ponui is privately owned by the Chamberlain family. There are no roads, no cars, no shops and no "stranger danger" so I was free to wander in solitude without fear and soak up the incredible beauty of bush and beach. It nurtured the inherent contemplative part of me - long before I knew the word!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting from the launch to shore. Me in prow hanging on to a friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colleen and me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on left, Andrew the smallest boy. </td></tr>
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I'm pretty sure this was taken at Ponui. Peter, Dad, Merry, Mum, me, Andrew.</div>
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The next two photos (from Google) are well remembered aspects of the island.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free roaming donkeys - a real feature of Ponui!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The peaceful mix of farm and beach</td></tr>
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And then to High School - Epsom Girls Grammar School - EGGS for short. At first I rode my bike to school but when we moved to Glen Eden I caught the train every day. We "train girls" were allowed to pack our school bags and put on our hats and gloves just before the bell rang so we could run to the station and catch the train!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I turned 14 in my third form year. Second row from back second in from left.</td></tr>
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I was in Form 3AL - L for Latin A for top stream. I don't remember anything much about Latin now!<br />
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Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-20095627467451429162019-06-21T16:58:00.001+12:002021-12-18T09:03:26.633+13:00Caravan of Selves 1: 0-7 years 1945-1952<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1QxW3S1L5Z9N7T4BeEJWLxBhyphenhyphentcPuBhyphenhyphenydsWtA45D1hyphenhyphenPtbwy6ksCbv-7dHvm8bcFVzVWIsj9yz5tHR21PSnpzUrg18KhpnJacMa1weiNj5ZN5bio-7dn9pdBCyvtdIj7Js1kTjwPXU/s1600/Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1QxW3S1L5Z9N7T4BeEJWLxBhyphenhyphentcPuBhyphenhyphenydsWtA45D1hyphenhyphenPtbwy6ksCbv-7dHvm8bcFVzVWIsj9yz5tHR21PSnpzUrg18KhpnJacMa1weiNj5ZN5bio-7dn9pdBCyvtdIj7Js1kTjwPXU/s320/Baby.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby - born 1945 in England</td></tr>
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Grateful for a happy secure childhood in a loving family. Born at the end of the war I escaped the traumas of air-raid drills, gas masks and being being evacuated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFwpZ_ziRnTLIDCuSw0YaS436n45070J55eKGCgRP2vorKoACNspTZd0E1Ol9mRtY1OnpH_8ZvcgGxNjwmyAXtUJxkFIRmWHb8FkQDESHw_57IPXqcDKVZ_IKIqjRfIYIK4nwC5XSKpw/s1600/About+5+yrs%253F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFwpZ_ziRnTLIDCuSw0YaS436n45070J55eKGCgRP2vorKoACNspTZd0E1Ol9mRtY1OnpH_8ZvcgGxNjwmyAXtUJxkFIRmWHb8FkQDESHw_57IPXqcDKVZ_IKIqjRfIYIK4nwC5XSKpw/s320/About+5+yrs%253F.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 5 years old</td></tr>
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From 2 years old (after I had whooping cough) I remember constant attacks of bronchitis. Mum taught me to knit. I'm proud of this jumper which I knitted (with some help) - red with white fairisle pattern!<br />
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I started school in England but don't really remember anything about it. This photo shows my school blazer - Leighcliff School.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxf9HU76AZN_Gv4Erwf4OySRE5a-o-eY8Wju5RsNbYOhIuMTzuggyWQRkmnDIKgMq1EMvN-T5Pm6ODZwYu0RAVdLT07tEyMTdA5OVFUzgPJ1y7IwRjx-t4jwF5FOyK2KFJa18WV1kPS4/s1600/Andrew+and+me+Father+Christmas.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="241" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxf9HU76AZN_Gv4Erwf4OySRE5a-o-eY8Wju5RsNbYOhIuMTzuggyWQRkmnDIKgMq1EMvN-T5Pm6ODZwYu0RAVdLT07tEyMTdA5OVFUzgPJ1y7IwRjx-t4jwF5FOyK2KFJa18WV1kPS4/s320/Andrew+and+me+Father+Christmas.jpeg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew and Sheila Christmas before leaving England</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiN8W2G9OrUECcWFZORDvqfew9jyIip42XLCgWXCTE4u8NDEoPSR6ltKZLq2Um-0rR_NbJSVUVRwi0-AzmHGNnbU1ZtatvyMTwksf9hAMltRV5eDhvJLKdlFElstprCdn-dww2ZHzXec/s1600/35+Leighcliff+Rd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="436" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiN8W2G9OrUECcWFZORDvqfew9jyIip42XLCgWXCTE4u8NDEoPSR6ltKZLq2Um-0rR_NbJSVUVRwi0-AzmHGNnbU1ZtatvyMTwksf9hAMltRV5eDhvJLKdlFElstprCdn-dww2ZHzXec/s320/35+Leighcliff+Rd.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">35 Leighcliff Rd where we lived before coming to NZ. (Photo taken on a trip back to England.)</td></tr>
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I remember open fires - roasting chestnuts on the fire at Christmas, -being in bed a lot with bronchitis and Mum or Dad staying with me during the night as I was afraid I couldn't breathe if I went to sleep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKdJxM5KsKAJdppZAdVrwZ-IhuRISyz4NAX9ZfytB8fxIcj-zv4DHi6VgYDsVN2GKmPwm_pLfpb7WfiMSqLlQ8l-GYPplp2Ln2mowGj8Qs2NU3-D6S1qEthO2uBxdR7JpU0DiPIx9oP8/s1600/On+board+Strathaird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="996" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKdJxM5KsKAJdppZAdVrwZ-IhuRISyz4NAX9ZfytB8fxIcj-zv4DHi6VgYDsVN2GKmPwm_pLfpb7WfiMSqLlQ8l-GYPplp2Ln2mowGj8Qs2NU3-D6S1qEthO2uBxdR7JpU0DiPIx9oP8/s320/On+board+Strathaird.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1952 On board the P&O Strathaird to set off for NZ.<br />
L-R Grandad, Grandma, Merrie, Peter, me with ? behind me, Dad with Andrew, Mum</td></tr>
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I appreciate now, more than ever, the courage of my Mum bringing four children aged 16, 14, 6 and 2 across the world away from all family, friends and contacts. Dad too, of course, but for him it was an exciting call to a new ministry.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family photo for welcome to Auckland Baptist Tabernacle<br />
Sheila, Mum (Kate), Meriel, Andrew, Dad (John), Peter.</td></tr>
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The years at the Tab were happy for me. We lived in the Manse at 15 Henley Rd, Mt Eden.<br />
This is the only (very poor) photo I have of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSniBnedt0n4wMJpbQLqJ7-cd3udWVrFqEcU_ps4lZqItrl01kKc6f_MD8v0GrfT-0LvwKipy333v2Dw2RvxpOO89ObAwnw9Hj5adwsPHupkS0RbLxWNLqbbsz-OPDUL0YYt6KJrf27c/s1600/15+Henley+Rd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="373" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSniBnedt0n4wMJpbQLqJ7-cd3udWVrFqEcU_ps4lZqItrl01kKc6f_MD8v0GrfT-0LvwKipy333v2Dw2RvxpOO89ObAwnw9Hj5adwsPHupkS0RbLxWNLqbbsz-OPDUL0YYt6KJrf27c/s320/15+Henley+Rd.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 Henley Rd, Mt Eden (Andrew outside)</td></tr>
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Still lots of bronchitis and time away from school but I read books constantly and my schooling didn't seem to suffer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1953 Mt Eden Normal Primary.<br />
I'm second row from back, fifth in from left.</td></tr>
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Seven years old and in Mr Martin's class. He was my favourite teacher and is still someone I remember with warmth.<br />
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Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-7515326615197794792019-06-20T21:12:00.004+12:002021-12-18T09:02:37.696+13:00A Caravan of Selves: Introduction<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who would deduce the dragonfly from the lava, </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">the iris from the bud,</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the lawyer from the infant? </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">... We are all shape-shifters and magical re-inventors.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Life is really a plural noun, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">a caravan of selves.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>- Diane Ackerman</b></span><br />
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<br />I came across this quote recently and it was yet another nudge to do something I've been thinking of doing for quite a while - creating a kind of "photo-biography" of my life to date. 'A caravan of selves' is an interesting image; each evolving and connected stage essential for the whole journey.<br /><br />In the book <i>From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Revolutionary Approach to Growing Older.</i> by Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shaolmi and Ronald S Miller it is suggested that our age and aging process can be divided into seven year segments with each segment being like a month in the year of life.<br /><br />In <i>The Grace in Living,</i> Kathleen Dowling Singh suggests that our life journey can be seen in “Quarters” with the following themes:<br />The First Quarter: From Tasting to Hunger<br />The Second Quarter: From Seeking to the End of Seeking<br />The Third Quarter: Healing into Maturity<br />The Fourth Quarter: Ripening</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think these two paradigms interlock quite easily:<br /><br />January Birth -7rs 1945-1952<br />February 8-14 1952-1959</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">March 15-21 1959-1966</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-------------------------- <br />April 22-28 1966-1973</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">May 29-35 1973-1980<br />June 36-42 1980-1987<br />--------------------------- <br />July 43-49 1987-1994<br />August 50-56 1994-2001</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">September 57-63 2001-2008<br />--------------------------- <br />October 64-70 2008-2015<br />November 71-77 2015-2022<br />December 78-84 2022-2079<br /><br />I like the idea of using seven year periods to give a framework for my 'caravan of selves' so here goes! Although I'm doing this primarily for myself, I'm posting it on my Blog to give myself a bit of accountability. Even though I don't allow comments on the Blog itself I know some regular readers will expect the next chapter to show up! So if you are one of those readers who has my email or messenger contact, feel free to give me a nudge if you think I need it! (But be patient too - I'm not pressuring myself to a set schedule. There are a lot of years to cover!) <br /><br /> </span><br />
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Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764589203154861880.post-79777470298403535602019-06-17T08:56:00.000+12:002019-06-17T08:56:27.947+12:00The Art of StillnessI've just finished a six week contemplative photography course mentioned in my last post.<br />
In a nice synchronicity I have also just finished reading a small book -<br />
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- which includes wonderful photos by an Icelandic/Canadian photographer Eydis S. Luna Einarsdottir. (Glad I don't have to pronounce her name!) In her Artist's statement at the end of the book she writes:<br />
"As soon as I take out my camera I find that stillness within, that deep sense of peace that I crave every day. I get lost in such a beautiful way that it's hard to describe; it's as though I find a piece of me that I had lost without really knowing that I had lost it. As I sit quietly looking through the viewfinder, my senses become heightened. The smell of the earth makes me feel grounded; the sound of the waves crashing or grass rustling in the wind or the bleating of a lone sheep in the distance makes me feel so alive; and the vastness of what I see makes me feel expansive. This is what it is like to be in the Now, which is really just to be still in mind and body. My photographs come from a place of emotion. They are not an attempt to capture the perfect image, but to capture the feeling I experience as I witness the things in front of me."<br />
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Pico Iyer has a TED talk and has written books about his travels but in this book he explores the very different benefits of going nowhere! I recommend him as a person worth listening to. This is a deceptively small and simple book and the photos match that. I'm really Blogging about it primarily because of that wonderful quoted piece from the photographer. She certainly expresses what S<i>eeing with the Eyes of the Heart </i>is about.<br />
<br />Sheila Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997215125689268305noreply@blogger.com