Loop Walkers
My view this morning from a park bench in Seoul’s Sajik Park. As early walkers looped past me every so often, I considered my last morning on foreign soil.
Tomorrow, we wake up in Hawaii.
Today, on a bench — I read in the Old Testament about something the Israelites did after arriving in the land they’d been promised. They offered up the first, best parts of their new harvest … they recited together all the ways they’d been rescued by a Holy Hand … they bowed their heads in worship … and they celebrated.
It was the end of a journey and they marked the moment in a special way.
It was a moment to remember and re-tell their Story. Then, looking ahead … they claimed the same Rescue, the same Story, in the days to come.
Our round-the-world journey is ending, of course — and we’re so thankful for how we’ve been rescued and cared for and helped and guided and protected and blessed along the way. There is such fruit from this journey to be harvested.
I’m also thankful for the journey RIGHT NOW — for that couple walking past my park bench, for that woman’s radio in her back pocket blaring “Call Me Maybe,” for that man who walks past while shaving with an electric razor, for that pigeon resting in the dust of an empty clearing in the park. This is fruit for me, too.
My translation of the Old Testament passage that I read this morning in Seoul includes these CLOSING words for the Israelites to say together:
“So here I am. I’ve brought the firstfruits of what I’ve grown on this ground you gave me, O God.”
Those are my words now … as one journey ends … some journeys continue … and other journeys are yet to come. I claim Rescue and Story yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I mark these things.
So here we are.
Blessings to each of you for the gifts you have given and been given. arf
Great to see you all safe and happy in front of Korean cuisine, bulgogi, kimchi….
Praying for your safe travel home and looking forward to seeing soon. Thank you for sharing your travel with us.
Love all your smiles! What a tremendous journey…..can’t wait to hear more!
I’m sad your journey is ending, but hope you will keep writing, I’m really interested to hear how the first few months back are. Much love and safe travels!
So grateful, also, for the fruit all of us who’ve been co-sojourning with you have enjoyed…through your amazing writing and photos and insights and stories…thank you for the vicarious learning and living you’ve allowed us! We’ve gotten to hear the echoes, too!
Feeling sad your journey has come to rest. What a gift to carry us with you! Hope to see you in Monteagle. Wishing you well…
So deeply beautiful. I feel blessed and thankful for having lived this year with you. It is a lovely generosity that you’ve shared your sojourn of the world with all of us. Thank You
It’s been a blessing following your journey. What a family! I hope there will be a book!
Beth Howard