Are you all ready? Have you packed everything you need? Written your last will and testament? Yes and No. It’s true that Jonathan and I are embarking on a 10 month journey taking us half-way around the planet. Baltimore to Denver to Seville to Jerusalem to Kigali to Mumbai to Kathmandu is the plan. Did you know that the Tamils in India still call the city Bombay? I thought Bombay was old school. I imagine that many of my assumptions will be jolted by this sojourn. We return to Boston the end of June 2016. Phew! Our planet is closer than ever, the distance can be far, 8,700 kilometers or 4,700 nautical miles. It seems very short and very long
Why are we going? To me it seems natural like reaching for mint tea, or slipping on sandals without Velcro. Traveling to visit friends from Africa and Asia who’ve been to visit us. Using the Spanish and dusting off French (still spoken in Rwanda). Quakers have traveled in pairs since the famous ‘Valiant Sixty’ traveled by horseback in the 1660s. I’m surprised more Friends don’t do it. Quakers travel to ‘be a Living Testament’ of God’s love; they travel with a concern to move us along, to help us evolve; they travel in gospel Love.
Jonathan and I have our special reasons. We are learning to walk together now that the young cygnets have flown high and wide. At some point the boys were ugly ducklings but I can’t remember when. Others call it empty nest, but really I don’t want to mourn the kids leaving. They are working and building their own lives. But we prefer to call our current life-stage, open sky. What better way to celebrate and recommit ourselves to our partnership then to take this pilgrimage. Jonathan says he will walk with me and his goal is to not walk in front of me.
This is a good year to recommit. The world is on the brink of turning from climate disaster. (more in next post). This year is critical in binding our communities in love and cross-pollinating niches of justice-workers. We don’t have grandchildren. We still have knees that function, and so far our bodies are pain-free. We have jobs, but with our private business, we can shrink our work handily. We are overly embroiled in our Friends meeting, taking on much leadership; it’s time to devolve. Let go of the encumbrances and come back renewed. All smart phones have reset buttons. Sabbaticals are recommended in scriptures Lev. 25. Instead of honoring the day of rest, we are taking a jubilee year, the Bible suggests 7 years x 7 years let your fields lay fallow, free your slaves and forgive debts. That’s a tall recipe, and I’m not sure I know all that it entails.
So we are sorting, packing, and throwing away barrels of stuff. Most of it is useful stuff, but it becomes a burden if not used for many years. This shedding of the old is an important stage of the journey. Yes, we are preparing, but we are stripping away so that new life can take root.
We welcome all of you to share this journey. May it inspire you to make a sea-change in your life.
Have a delightful journey. I hold you in my heart.
Thanks for sharing. So looking forward to your posts in the future. Blessings to you both.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo love!!!!!
Thinking of you both as you embark on this journey, Minga!
just read Jonathan’s post “on leaving”, too.
Wow, what a shedding and embracing of your individual and joint leadings!
Blessings on your way, or “travel mercies” as Wendy and I say.
you will be in our hearts and prayers daily!
Just received this on 8-21. Look forward to hearing/seeing more of your sojourn and exploration of the Open Sky. Much Love to both of you as you begin this journey.
How inspiring Minga and Jonathan!!
Have a lovely memorable safe trip.
We love you always
Hi, Minga and Jonathan,
Blessings on the journey. When you arrive in Kigali, please be in touch – our son Matt lives there now and he and his wife Claire would welcome you in their home.
This season of life seems quite wonderful and still full of adventure. Safari salami.
Liz and Tom
Minga
Sending you all best wishes for your adventures and commitments to our beautiful home Earth – and all the amazing spectacular peoples and other living beings upon it – including you!
Looking forward to reading Pedals and Seeds!
Blessings,
Love, Peace, Justice
for a livable climate,
Rachel
May this trip be a great blessing for both of you and bring you even closer together than every. Love, Suzy
Blessings on your travel in ministry together. I look forward to hearing news of your
journey over this coming year, as I hold you both in prayers for safe travels.
God speed, Minga and Jonathan!
I wish every blessing on the two of you, Minga, and on those you visit. Thank you for your prayer that your adventure might inspire others to make a sea-change in their own lives — or declare a jubilee and proclaim liberty throughout the land.
John, now undergoing a sea-change as an entering M.Min. student at Earlham School of Religion (along with my wife Elizabeth) and greeting you from Richmond, Indiana
Blessings on your journey, Minga and Jonathan!!
I expect to read lots of posts (and a book?) about it ;-).
Love,
Em
as always, you two inspire me. i will follow your journey closely. i wish you wind at your backs, and good shoes that last at least the first part of your sojourn.
Have a wonderful trip! It sounds like you should be an inspiration to all of us.
Hi Minga and Jonathan,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful and inspiring reasons for taking this journey and leap of faith together. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures and new learning along the way. I wish you both increased closeness and growth along the way and what a wonderful example for your newly independent and thriving children. Blessings and Peace be with you,
Sherry Greene