Bishoprichard’s Blog
Just another WordPress.com weblogArchive for March, 2009
Postscript
Probably no-one reading this now its all over and I’ll be writing these short reflections to myself….
What did I learn on the journey? So much!
I learned that the world outside the church is so open to spiritual reflection. They are not closed to Christ – its just that they want to see a visible sign of authentic Christianity being lived out – not just hear about it!
I learned that when you remove the distractions all around and make life simpler and quieter, God’s voice becomes louder.
I learned that God teaches his greatest lessons when you follow his nudging and step outside your routines – and your comfort zone.
I learned how powerful the first words of John 9 are: ‘As Jesus was walking along….’ and how much I would miss if I stayed behind the desk and the computer!
I learned that in the spiritual battle the greatest enemy is within! The battle of the will and the ego……
I learned that this walk was not about me………..
And so much more….
Maybe I will write that book – but a couple of others have to come first.
Thankyou folks for joining me on the journey and especially for comments on the blog that have stengthened and encouraged me in ways you will never know.
With every blessing
+Richard
Day forty – I’m home…
Back to where it all started 40 days ago.
Hard to believe and I can’t really appreciate what I’ve actually done.
Cold night on Maungatapu last night. Hilary and I went to bed fully clothed – plus a woollen hat! Great company though – especially sitting around the campfire chatting as the sun went down. How far it is from financial meltdowns and global warming etc….
No television – had to be entertained by a couple of yellow breasted robins that would almost eat out of our hands.
Joined by more and more people as we jouneyed down the Nelson side of the Maungatapu track. Large welcome at the picnic and then the walk to the Cathedral.
Just felt I needed to take off my shoes and walk in barefoot. Not sure why – it just seemed the right thing to do.
Just before we reached the cathedral we passed the historic ‘Bishop’s School’ and outside it a plaque with pictures of the first Bishops who were the inspiration for this journey.
I simply hope and pray that I might be used by God during my time in the Diocese to His glory.
Thankyou for following this my friends.
Some photos attached.
If you can bear with me for one more day however I would like to reflect on some of my spiritual insights tomorrow – after I’ve had a good sleep.
God bless you all.
Picnic near the Finishing Line
Reminder (or first time notice) to readers living in or near to Nelson. On the final day of Bishop Richard’s Walk, Saturday 28th March, there will be a welcome home picnic at Branford Park, Maitai Road, Nelson from 12 noon (bring own food, drink, etc). Bishop Richard is expected sometime between 12 noon and 1 pm. Then, just before 2 pm those who wish to will walk with Bishop Richard the remaining 2 kms to the Cathedral Steps. (If wet, turn up at Branford Park in your raincoats at 1.45 pm).
It is unlikely that Bishop Richard will be able to post this evening, the thirtyninth day, as he will be on the Maungatapu Saddle, on the Maungatapu Track, an old route from Blenheim to Nelson, sleeping under canvas, sharing the experience with a group of men and women who will have found their way to be with him in that remote spot. Try not to have too much fun!!!!!!
Day thirtyeight – Somewhere north of Okaramio to Pelorus Bridge
Almost there!
1000 kms in 40 days!!!
What a stunning part of the world we live in.
Left this morning with sea fog in and around the valleys. Joined by the Vicar of Havelock, a parishioner from the Cathedral in Nelson and a parishioner from Nativity in Blenheim.
As we walked through Havelock the whole primary school came out to cheer us on. Lovely to be able to talk to them for a few moments.
Morning tea flat white before continuing. The fog lifted and we walked in probably the hottest day of the whole trip. Kept wishing I had my swimming shorts when we came to the beautifully clear water of the Pelorus. Made me really thirsty looking at it!!!
Welcomed at the Canvastown Marae for lunch by Ngati Kuia. Very special time together as they spoke of the history of the relationship between Anglican Church and Ngati Kuia – especially the mission school in the outer Sounds and the care that the Church extended to them during the tuberculosis epidemic when no one else wanted to know. Very moving.
Could we get to Pelorus Bridge by 3.30? No pressure – but we did. Right on the dot. So we treated ourselves to another flat white – and an ice-cream. Felt I had stepped out of the moccasins of those first pilgrims!
So what have I learned?
Heaps – but that will wait ’til my final blog.
Maybe one thing – when it comes to spiritual warfare the greatest enemy is within!
Rest on that my friends.
May not have a signal tomorrow so final blog may be on the final day.
Day thirtyseven – north of Okaramio
Hey my guest editor is on the ball.
Okaramio is a little community that once had a thriving school etc. Only the pub still runs – a little country pub that is an interesting place to visit!!! Just up the road is a little community church with one of the most amazing pedal organs I am told. Wish I had had time to try it out. I’ll put that on the ‘must do follow-up’ list.
Walked into the Marlborough Nor-Wester today. Wasn’t a strong one – but it does sap the energy.
Am on the ‘vodem’ tonight which is too slow to post photos.
Had a large contingent walk out of Blenheim – including the Mayor of Marlborough. Joined by a lady on the outskirts who had found a little book in a secondhand shop which she presented to me. It was ‘A method for prayer’ by Matthew Henry and was given to Archdeacon Butt in 1883 who used it on his journeys around the Marlborough region. I am going to treasure this book!
Each day there is something new, like this, that just bowls me away.
Am reminded of the verse from Lamentations: ‘the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.’
I really have discovered the truth of that.
Two more sleeps until home.
North of Okaramio
A quick post in case Bishop Richard is literally ‘north of Okaramio’ according to his schedule. If that is where he is then the internet is not there. For those with their maps out because they do not know the Blenheim to Nelson road – some readers will know it so well they can walk with the Bishop in their imagination around each bend and along each straight – Bishop Richard is likely to be settled in for the night about halfway between Renwick and Havelock. Those two towns should be on a map. Okaramio probably will not be!
Days thirtyfive and thirtysix – Into Blenhem
After 15 years as the Vicar of Blenheim there was a sense that I was coming home as I walked down the Weld Pass.
I was seen out of the Awatere (to the top of the Weld) by parishioners from the Awatere and met at the bottom of the pass by folk from Blenheim, Blenheim South and Spring Creek including an elderly parishioner from Blenheim South who’s great grandfather had been an assistant to the first Bishop and who wanted to walk 100 mtrs of the journey to feel a part of it.
I have mentioned the campervan on several occasions. Hilary has driven this van around the whole journey providing cups of tea and coffee (and lunches) for those walking – as well as being a fantastic encouragement and support. This van was organised by three friends here in Blenheim and paid for by members of the community. Thankyou my friends. it would have been a very different journey without it.
The Marlborough Express carried another front page article on the walk last night which is incredibly humbling. It has made me so aware that this walk is not about me but has been used by God to touch me and others. Its amazing what God can do when he nudges you out of your routine (and comfort-zone).
Tomorrow – journey home to Nelson. Hope that the cat still remembers us….
Day thirtyfour – Ward to Seddon
Nearly home – and I’m tired tonight.
Been a wonderful day. Packed church at Ward with huge number of young people – a large crowd came out from Nativity kids and youth to join with the Awatere folk (see photo). The kids all then walked the 3 kms to the main road. Great occasion but slow walking. Meant that we didn’t hit the main road proper until after lunch – or get into Seddon until closer to 5.30.
Freezing cold southerly wind and I’m so wind-burnt today – another ‘first’ for the journey.
Been geat support from Awatere people; particularly Miriam and Malcolm, Dawn and Sana.
Shared devotions tonight with the Vanuatu guys who head home in a couple of weeks.
Long day, but lovely day.
Met our friendly cop today patrolling the Coast road – certainly didn’t get us for speeding!!!
Ready to crash – struggling for something to say and to keep my eyes open.
Just remembered – went into church of St Oswalds yesterday and felt moved to read Psalm 84 – suddenly found it talks about a pilgrimage…. have a look.
God bless my friends.
Day thirty three – Kekerengu to Ward
Hey we’re powering up the East Coast and had a full complement of 10 walkers accompanying us today – armed with beautiful baking and bacon and egg pies etc.
Here in Ward to a wonderful hot shower at the home of the minister who walked with us all the way from Kekerengu. Talking about showers – the day started with beautiful clear sky but began to cloud over as we walked. Had a couple of light showers but then as we sat down to a warm cuppa in the Ward church – the end of the journey today – the rain set in. This is the second time this has happened. But then that’s just coincidence isn’t it??????
Met a Nativity Parishioner who is a member of the highway police and was on patrol. Arrived at a little layby to find he had put up a sign saying ‘police operation’ – had placed orange cones around us – and further up the road left his patrol car with lights flashing. The trucks all slowed down as they went past our picnic lunch – not quite sure what was happening (see photo)
Got the biggest surprise when my sister and brother-in-law sailed past in their bus – determined to come and join us for these days into Blenheim.
The traffic was quieter today being a Saturday – made it almost pleasant walking on the main road.
As I come toward the end of the journey its interesting to reflect that the journey itself and the finish line has become more important than the little touches of God along the way. And I’m sad because I don’t want to lose the significance of those “God moments’ when the Holy Spirit has been so evidently present.
Day thirty two -Waipapa bay to Kekerengu
Hi folks,
Sorry that the attempt to txt my guest editor didn’t work.
Been a wonderful walk up the Kaikoura Coast. The drivers of the Coastal Pacific train now recognise us and sit on the train horn every time they pass.
The traffic however is something else – the big rigs that go up and down this highway make it pretty scary walking – particularly across the bridges so you really do have to keep your eyes open. Its different to any other part of the walk so far – no real time to think and pray as you are journeying.
Yesterday the weather was fantastic and I was accompanied out of Kaikoura by several parishioners and a great friend and supporter from Blenheim. The sea was so calm. Fantastic to watch the seals on the journey. They are so ungainly on land, but poetry in motion when they hit the water. Felt that there was a metaphor here to the spiritual life – will let you think about that one.
Today was overcast and we were joined by parishioners from Blenheim and one of the leaders of the church in the Awatere. Great to pray quietly as we crossed from Kaikoura to the Awatere.
beginning to think about what it will be like to be home and back into the routine. Can I keep up some of the disciplines I have established on this journey – or will the demands of life and the system draw me back in again?
