Day One Thousand One Hundred One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Some confusion has resulted from the arrival of Quasimo’s cousin among us. That old tug of war – do we stay or do we go.

Elijah has left it up to the individual conscience under the leading of the Spirit. All of us will be going back eventually, just not Elijah and me at this point in time.

What she had shared was quite compelling – their concern over our ability to return with the ever increasing restrictions placed upon movements in the areas between Damascus and Jerusalem, being the main concern.

Much time was spent in the set apart room by the other members of our party. And Elijah and I added our sincere supplications that each decision be made wholeheartedly.

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Day One Thousand #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I was wary about leaving before the arrival of the Purser and the second group, especially since no word has come from them.  And the fact that Jezer and Tomas had not returned from their latest run only heightened that concern.

Elijah, however, was insistent that we pay a visit to Reuben. I was about to protest – when he gave me that look – and I knew I was not to worry.

It was an easy trek to Reuben’s hometown. It’s a forlorn place, not much standing. We shall have to bypass it with the larger groups.

Reuben and Elijah’s pupils greeted us and so did most of the surviving citizens of the village. They all desire to come with us.

Day Nine Hundred Ninety Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah and I led the next group out during the first watch, thankful to have the moon up for the more difficult part of our journey. I remember wondering as it sank below the horizon how the Purser would fare with his charges, as I was sure that at the time of their departure the moon was well below the horizon.

Mawuli welcomed us and directed the group to their designated abodes. The whole process was much better organized this time around.

Come the hour of the Purser’s projected arrival we were disappointed. It came and then passed us by.

I can only assume that they have put it off until tonight.

Elijah is unruffled and talks of visiting Reuben.

Day Nine Hundred Ten #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were all overjoyed at the arrival of Mei with her group. She had mistaken the route through the similarity of some land features. And upon discovery of her error, took even longer retracing her steps due to the necessity of dodging police patrols.

Our celebration was tempered by the absence of Jezer and Tomas. As of this morning they still have not returned.

We debated sending someone to look for them, but decided to give them more time. No sense repeating the pattern of sending out searchers for the searchers that we have fallen into of late.

I did allow Quasimo to take the drone out for another look around. Something he was most willing and glad to do.

Day Eight Hundred Ninety Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were transported to the hiding place. Much to the surprise of everyone. Except perhaps Elijah.

Now, he says, we wait a bit for the word to spread. He is certain that many of our people are in the vicinity of Jerusalem. And were just waiting for his arrival from our global journey.

However, he spoke out his concern that Mei and her group with Tomas, the Captain, and Raj P – and that led by Quasimo, should already be in contact with us.

When Jezer brought me some materials with which to build a drone – (for which I thanked him) I was struck by an idea, and brought him to Elijah.

It soon was agreed he would seek out news.

Day Eight Hundred Sixty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Over night Elijah and I separately received confirmation that today was our day to enter. We timed our arrival at the gateway to coincide with the morning rush. However, we were intercepted on the way by Meesa and our guest at the desert well, Jezer.

She had been on the way out to our spot to introduce us, and to inform us about the best strategy for entry.

A few awkward moments ensued, then we were talked into entering later in the day as part of a labor crew bringing scraps from outside for reuse.

The stratagem worked. This evening we are within Damascus. And thankful for the Spirit’s timing, for without Meesa’s intervention we would have been turned away.

Day Eight Hundred Forty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have been soaking in the respite of the past two days. As well as taking in the fresh water from the snow melt which pools on the rock shelf at the base of our mountain. Full to its brim at our arrival, it has noticeably diminished since then.

Its level does not concern us in the least. Elijah begins his day on an outcropping above the rock shelf where the stream pools before cascading down to the lower level.

I take over his position by midday and there remain for the balance of the day.

I am having visions but they are disturbing. Not at all what I expected. I won’t discuss them with Elijah until the proper time.

Day Seven Hundred Sixty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

That question has been foremost in all our minds, from the minute we stepped foot in the confines of this way station. Jordan, ever since his arrival here, has always felt that he would be the last to leave. But now after the event of our arrival, has changed his mind.

And Elijah agrees.

So, Jordan has announced his departure for tomorrow. We will stay.

Though at first, the Captain and Tomas considered leaving with Jordan’s group, that was opposed by none other than Mei.

Her decision stems from a dream she experienced over the last two nights. In each instance all of us – just our group, were outside under the moon and stars. And a dark shadow passed overhead.

Day Six Hundred Ninety Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We passed through the first encampments of the army with ease. They subjected us only to mild scrutiny. But as we arrived at the next ring of army units we were challenged, brought to their commander and kept waiting for hours (the individual was tied up with other pressing matters, or so we were told).

All was uneventful until the arrival of an officer to make his report. He saw Elijah standing there, staff in hand, and demanded that he relinquish his “weapon.” (I believe he recognized Elijah from the broadcast).

When Elijah didn’t comply, the officer attempted to take it by force. The second he touched the staff, he fell to the ground.

The commander no longer ignored us.

Day Six Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The darkness has returned again. It’s like the land wanted to roll over and go back to sleep.

Even the farmers were late getting on the road. But only a few traveled towards the army camp.

It got darker. Like a storm ready to break over our heads. You could smell it in the air.

Elijah took me with him into the city. Our friends remained behind – unhappy, but obedient.

Upon our arrival in the central square a mass meeting was underway. Rain was spitting.

Elijah interrupted.

I saw his image on the building wall as he announced to the world that he was sealing up the heavens.

The rain stopped. The sky cleared. And the Spirit whisked us away.