Day One Thousand One Hundred Forty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah desires to make all haste to the hiding place. Governed by the restrictions dictated by circumstances, of course. But his disciples would rather have him come with them to Jerusalem.

They consider his presence there as crucial. And more importantly a call that cannot be put off to another time.

For his part Elijah is equally convinced that the next goal should be the hiding place.

This has raised tensions among us, so I suggested we all ask that a united vision be given us.

I pointed out we have at least a day or two before we reach the location at which those paths diverge.

In the meantime we will listen for the Spirit’s approval as to direction.

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Day Eight Hundred Seventy Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Our series of meetings have started to bear fruit. Word comes through Meesa that many people are contacting her, to ask when they can leave.

This ground swell burgeoned throughout the day.

However, we still had the problem of meeting to coordinate our actions to reach our desired goal.

That’s when Jezer reappeared. And he had a solution.

Wherever he had been, he was in position to hear all about our efforts to contact Hamashiachites. He identified those who were the most effective in spreading the word. And now Meesa has a list and a method for pulling us all together.

But Jezer also brought the intelligence that the authorities will soon be clamping down on movement within the city.

Day Seven Hundred Thirty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas led the way, as usual, around the lake and into the foothills. Our guests carried on behind us. Each fully armed and with heavy packs. They’ve been instructed to follow us until they reach the goal of their mission. Besides themselves, Elijah is the only one with that knowledge.

Their names are Lung and Mei. I really was bowled over to learn that Mei is not a man, but a woman. Both had been guards over Elijah, and Mei was always barking commands and gave no hint of her gender.

Elijah knew, of course, and was greatly amused at my discovery.

Our road is a good one. It has been surfaced for vehicles, and we are making good progress.

Day Four Hundred Forty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The only illumination during the night (besides our bonfire) were from the ships in harbor. The city itself lay dark and eerily silent.

The ship we identified as ours appeared to be docked towards the opposite side of the port. So, rising early we set out to march to that end. Our first sight of the landward side was disheartening. The city is so huge we despaired of reaching our goal before nightfall. In the distance a low causeway ran from the interior of the island up to the city. This proved to be a highway leading to the main gate of the city.

I wanted to attempt entry there, but Elijah decided we needed to stick to our plan.

Day Four Hundred Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The end of the salt flat is in sight. And so is the first hint of what is most likely the goal of our recent wanderings. In this long day Elijah has used the time more wisely than me – fasting both food and conversation. His attention has been elsewhere.

I have been chatty, voicing my thoughts out loud, though not really expecting an answer in reply. I can look at my friend and for the most part know what he is thinking. And for sure l know what his answer would be to my rather rhetorical questions.

Now we are stopped for the night, Elijah has ended his fast and declares to me that we will see the Purser tomorrow.

Day Three Hundred Fifty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The gathering of believers on the hill didn’t want us to leave. Our time together was indeed special, but Elijah assured them that with the help of the Spirit they possess all that is necessary.

Elijah did have one more goal, to tie together the two different groups. To that end we invited Tomas, the son of the villa owner to accompany us down the hill to the city.

There we introduced him to the other group. Elijah made the case that they would all soon need to seek the aid of one another in the times of trouble ahead.

Having completed our exhortations, we bid them goodbye.

We arrived back at the ship to find it surrounded with soldiers.

Day Two Hundred Fourteen Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

The terrain has changed to a level expanse, running straight. (No place for a snake to hide and surprise the hapless passerby).

Studied my goal before closing my eyes. Made a decision. I shall drink the water that should be there, but I will continue to fast.

Day Two Hundred Thirteen Late Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

Hazy. My mind is as hazy as the atmosphere between me and my goal.  And though fuzzy, I judge that the oasis is much closer and perhaps much bigger than hitherto believed.

I have to resist the temptation to abandon my plan and rush onwards.

Rely on patience.