2 days and counting

Hello readers,

Sorry it took so long to post again. I know that you were all on the edge of your seats. I have been doing a lot of closure and getting ready to leave for Holy Hill on Thursday morning. I last posted from San Francisco where I spent some time with my friends the raccoon and the lawyer. We drove up on Friday and ate our way through SF. We went to an amazing pastry place where I got a carnitas turnover that was so good. Raccoon had a lemon tart and Lawyer had one of everything. I think I ate the equivalent of the world's daily caloric needs twice over.

After spending the day in SF, we drove to Marin County and picked up my dad who would go with us to airport. We stopped for dinner at Zachary's pizza in Berkeley which was amazing and all were feeling quite full when we left. I don't know what I was expecting from this trip but I didn't feel it. It solidified my notion that I am done in SF. It was good to be there with my pals but I was done. I was also exhausted, stressed and emotional. It felt good to land back in Burbank.

Sunday 10/2 was my last time at church for now at least. I was prayed for in the interecessions and then we carried up the oblations to our priest who was celebrating the Eucharist. Something happened as I walked up the aisle to one of my favorite tunes---a world in need now summons us to labor, love and give. I was carrying the bread and as I passed the bread to my priest, we both had tears in our eyes. We stood around the altar as the Eucharist was celebrated---my spirit was racing and my heart was full. After receiving communion, my priest came up to me asking for a hug, and together with Jesus (she was carrying a cup of consecrated bread) I gave her a huge hug.

After the service, I stood on the lawn and said goodbye and talked to a lot of people who were there to wish me well. I feel so supported, loved and celebrated. We had our first Indaba meeting and then before the meeting was over, the priest aka Chief called me into the center of the circle and everyone present at Indaba laid their hands on me. From all directions, front, side, top, bottom, I felt so supported, loved. It was a holy, holy moment. Afterwards, there was a taize service where all my favorite songs were played. There is one song in particular that always sends me into fits of joy and love----"With You O Lord is life in all its fullness and in your Light we shall see true Light." It's a really upbeat song and the musicians played with their hearts and souls. Afterwards, there was a long, sacred moment of silent where almost all were crying.

Monk 1975's food diary --actual and planned future meals--I'm tired of eating!
Sunday night---Afghan food
Monday--Coffee Table breakfast (eggs), Crocodile Cafe (salad), coffee, Houstons--steak
Tuesday--Denny's (eggs), Lunch, Dinner at L and J's house
Wednesday---Green Street, Late lunch, Dinner with friends
Thursday--Airport coffee

People are popping out of the woodwork and realizing that I'm leaving. It's forcing me to choose between who I want to see and who didn't make the deadline. While I'm tired of being busy, I know that this is such a tangible sign of how much I am loved and how I am connected and I would trade that for the world. I really wish I didn't drive 60 miles to buy lightbulbs in Valencia though.

If you're wondering about names in this blog, these names are not randomly given but in order to protect privacy, I've given these names so they know who they are.

Peace out-
Monk_1975