. . . and so we continuedAnd arrived at evening, not a moment too soonFinding the place; it was (you may say) satisfactory.– TS Eliot, Journey of the Magi Every pilgrimage, indeed every journey, gets to the point where you see the Sun’s first glimpse, where you come round the bend to see the spire …
In 2003, I went on my first pilgrimage. Johannes had died three years ago. My life had to all intents and purposes lost its direction and even its meaning. I still carried an awareness of something like tiredness within and without, much like an inescapably heavy, wet cloak.I forget what prompted my desire to do …
I start with a very literal, kitchen translation of an Afrikaans poem, and apologies to all of you who know the original. First snow The joy has overnight, like new snow,transformed the foothills of my early sadnessinto beauty, where every cry,like a whip in the bright light of the gorgessounds loud and clear. The round …
I’ve long realised that pilgrimages, if pursued long enough, eventually reach a place in the woods where we get lost. The initial excitement and its accompanying energy wears off; we grow weary and the obstacles prove more formidable than when they were small mountains in the distance. Then the weather takes a turn for the …
The week started with illness. I told last week how I went to the doctor. Although my condition improved somewhat after starting the cortisone, I remained really concerned, as I know the course of this illness, as I have carried it with me from my childhood and it plagues me at least 3 – 4 …
If I had thought that the first week was slightly chaotic, I was optimistic. Things were no less chaotic – if anything, more so. But on reflection this is because Konstantin, the director of the training for the African Exarchate (who I discover was only appointed in September), is reliant on the goodwill of third …
I had a difficult journey to Russia, with much uncertainty about what to take with, what my reception would be and what the programme would entail – and whether my alcoholic gifts would stay intact! After a week I can say that my fears about what to take with were unfounded. What I have is …
Ek moet miskien begin deur iets te sê oor die rede vir die pelgrimstog, omdat dit heelwat te make het met ons ervaring daarvan. Ek loop al ’n lang pad met pelgrimstogte, wat begin het toe ek in 2003 die Camino gaan stap het en ’n behoorlike beslag gekry het toe ons gesin vier jaar …
