Home again

John O’Donohue in ‘anam cara’ writes that we obtain most of our knowledge through our senses. The emotional realisation of my home coming came when I stepped out of our car at our breakfast stop at The Corner Cafe on the Hauraki Plains, on the way home from the airport. I smelt the salt air. How invigorating and beautiful it was. I had not yet glimpsed the Hauraki Gulf, but I knew I was home.
August is a busy month with three book launches, two in Hamilton – August 20 after the 9.45 a.m. service at the Cathedral of ST Peter; August 24 at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral of St Peter and August 31 at Christ Church Coromandel also at 5 p.m. There is also the CBANZ book fair August 15-17 at the Indian Christian Centre, East Tamaki. These are all exciting events to be looking forward to and participating in.
My challenge is to hold on to the hope for living my life simply and slowly. The simply is less of a challenge, I think, for our home in the ‘wooden tent’ among the bush overlooking the harbour facilitates living life close to the land and sea. I have just finished reading Erin Loechner’s ‘Chasing Slow’ and that book title resonates with me. I continue to hold close to the principles of pilgrimage in my daily life. Being more mindful of myself in the moment and of where I am in the moment. I think an important aspect of living slowly and simply is of being grateful; to be grateful for each breath and to trust that my needs are being met.
As I think of the events up ahead, of catching up with family and friends and of introducing people to ‘Kiwi on the Camino’, I am grateful for the time I have had to write this book and the many new friends I am making because of the book.
Buen CAmino.