Australian Icons

Hi There,
When you think of Australia, what comes to mind?

For me, what comes to mind is Jan - my first Vancouver boss, who was as australian as they come. While being here, I understand in new ways who she was. Now there is also Irene, and Chris and Marilyn, and Rita and Charles, their children, and their grandchildren.

So, I have a problem. How do I bring Australia home? How do I bring a meaningful something that speaks of my time here in order to share it with all of you who I love? The bits and pieces that I love from here do not fit into my luggage!! There is great beauty here - there are so many things to see and do, adventure and exploration - but all I have a heart for and all I can see are these people.

From my whole trip, what I really have to bring home are words and stories, thoughts and perceptions, connections and hopes. I wonder what will happen next? How will God's call be further formed in me, and what will it look like as I follow?

We have done this together - I wonder what you are thinking, and discerning? I wonder if you see something that needs to happen next? I wonder what you are thinking, for me, for you, for us? I wonder how our prayers and the Spirit of God who rises them in us will continue to lead? (This is your invitation - lets talk!!)

For now, this blog is what I bring home and it will continue for a little longer.

As for icons, I have heard from someone in Vancouver that Australian Blundstones are very iconic - (think treasure) - boot/shoe things, you can check them out on the internet.

The funny thing is that Kathi, Rita and I have spent much time looking for them - a very difficult task - and everyone who we have talked to here get a very surprised, funny look on their face when we tell them how much they mean to those who are 'in the know' in Canada. (and you should also know that until a few short days ago, we were not those people!!) They really seem quite blind to what Canadians find 'valuable'!!!

I guess one end of this story could be that none of us really know what an icon/treasure is,....

but maybe it is also about this - that treasure is worth searching for; that treasure is treasure whether we recognize it or not; that the gifts of this trip will continue to be revealed even as I leave here; that what is as yet not fully known will become more known in the weeks, months years onward.

Maybe what I am involved in - what we are all involved in - is, in fact, the active questing of God for what he treasures. Just imagine! - as Rita told me the other day - that we and all of creation are THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE - and God not only has given all he could by offering Jesus, in order to 'buy the field and own the pearl of great price' but that this is still the continuing action of God - here, in me, in you, in this trip, in our life, in all of creation being redeemed.

That being so, we are not only the searchers, but we are being found by the one who created all things, who searches all things, who has made a way and will fulfil his word and purpose.

What an incredible thought - what a surprising beautiful hope-filled life-blessed thought.

Icons, treasures,......

Love you much,
Peace,
Mary