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.
In 1964 a famous black American said,”I have a dream….” Sadly an assassin’s bullet prevented him from seeing the ultimate fulfillment of that dream 44 years later with the election of the first black American president.
In 2008 over a cup of coffee with some friends, a certain Bishop was heard to say, “I have a dream…..” “Go for it,” said Lawrie, “I’ll arrange a campervan.
I have to confess that as the start date drew near I expressed concerns about your fitness and preparation. But as I followed your daily progress God kept saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll look after the dreamer.”- and He did!
So today Richard, I’m sure you (even as Bishop!) could echo the words of a famous New Zealander, who, when he fulfilled his dream in 1953 said, “We knocked the bastard off!” (Sir Ed Hillary)
Richard & Hilary, congratulations on a wonderful achievement. I suspect in years to come people will look back and say of your pilgrimage, “That was a significant event in the life of the Nelson Diocese.”
Love & blessings