Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Besides Reuben and Sy, all the leaders asked to accompany us to Jerusalem – Elam, the Raj twins, Quasimo and his cousin, Jordan, Jezer, Meesa, Lung, Mr. Kagi, the Purser and Mary, and Mawuli.

Only Mei did not.

I took her aside and surprised her with a request. I knew that I had to lay down my writing chores and asked her to assume those responsibilities.

At first she demurred, proclaiming inadequacy. At that point Elijah stepped in and placed his hand upon her head.

As he spoke over her I saw the strength of the Spirit descend.

Then we told her she would accompany us.

And after bidding our friends farewell, the Spirit bore the three of us to Jerusalem.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The normal hum of activity within the hiding place returned. Then a celebration of some sort down in the quarters inhabited by Jordan’s people added to the din. They invited their near neighbors to join in and the merriment soon spread to all the other groups.

Elijah and I were invited too. But Elijah was missing, so I made an excuse and went searching for him.

This time I found him in the first place I looked – the set apart place, quietly interceding. I entered into that time with him most gladly.

Some time after we were joined by Mei and the Captain, then Tomas and Reuben.

When we emerged there was a stillness throughout and the sounds of intercession.

Day One Thousand Fifty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Jordan had taken a long time to get his people into Galilee.  Months had passed hiding out from the army of the East, looking and praying for an opportunity and a way through the lines of that vast army. Finally they skirted around its northern flank, just before that direction was closed by another army coming from the North.

His tale, also told to Sy, is why the latter is reluctant to leave. He feels his destiny lies here.

So this morning we have agreed. Raj P will take Jordan and his people on to the hiding place. And Quasimo shall take Sy’s people there.

Sy shall remain with us, for his vision matches exactly the dream given to me.

Day One Thousand Fifty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were in sight of Sy’s redoubt (for such it has now become) when we encountered Elam in his tanker truck. He stopped, picked us up and turned around.

It was as we guessed. He now operates out of a staging yard from the army’s rear lines to its front, and rarely goes to Damascus. He put off his return until tomorrow in order to hear all the news.

Sy was hospitable though reserved, for he knows the reason behind our visit. Jordan, by contrast, was ready to return with us that very moment.

Elijah called for a meeting after the evening meal.

We met, and cleared the air about many things. In particular I was keen to hear Jordan.

Day One Thousand Forty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have left the patrol and our false friend far behind. The latter whimpering about being abandoned and blind on the mountain path. I was sure that his friends would soon rescue him.

We came about to our original heading and pressed on. And we saw no one in pursuit the rest of the day.

Elijah and I conversed as we went along.

More and more there were signs of the drought deepening. This underlined the importance of convincing Sy and Jordan to bring their people into the safety and security, and yes, to an abundant supply of water offered in the hiding place.

I then finally told him about my dream. The dream of the rising tide of blood.

Day One Thousand Forty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have covered all of Damascus and not come across any information on Jezer. And Meesa knew all of his contacts – only one could relate having seen him recently. And that occasion to the best of his recall was two months ago.

Also, employing various pretexts, she was able to check the police precincts and jails. None of which, thankfully, held him.

Speaking for myself, I now feel released from our call to this place. I only await my friend Elijah to concur, and I believe that should be forthcoming soon.

The three of us discussed at length today the importance of bringing Sy and Jordan and their peoples – and let us not forget Quasimo- safely into the hiding place.

Day One Thousand Twenty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah sent me off to rest last night and in addition told me to observe a Sabbath today.

Just how hard that has been to do, confirmed how much it was needed.

It was very difficult to stop thinking about Tomas and Jezer. And when not focused on their plight, my concern rolled over onto Elam and Sy and Jordan off in the Galilee.

Realizing that laying on my bed in  such a state was far from restful, I arose and sought solace in the set apart place.

When I entered I found Elijah and Mawuli there, each separated into their own niche. I moved further back seeking one of my own. And soon I was able to unburden myself.

Day Nine Hundred Eighty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Another late night despite our best efforts to have everyone turn in early. At least we were ready to leave at first light for we kept busy all the while we talked.

As we moved out the Purser took a head count. The six I had identified were missing. And stranger still Jezer later told me he had recognized someone last night, but now they were nowhere to be seen.

Jezer had had other important news to share. And Elijah and I were overjoyed when we heard it. Sy, acting upon our request had gone in search of the Purser’s group but found instead the one led by Jordan. They are now safely with him  in the mountains above Galilee.

Day Seven Hundred Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The majority of the camp structures have been dismantled. All that remains are our personal tents. And those can be gotten up in minutes.

Tomas, with our blessing, has surveyed the immediate vicinity, paying particular attention to the trail taken by Jordan’s people. He thinks he can obliterate all marks of their passage by precipitating an avalanche in that area. But he wants to find another way out for us first.

The Captain with Mei’s help has gathered everything combustible into one big pile. When we set it ablaze, if visible by our foes, it should focus their attention away from Jordan and place it square on us.

Elijah feels ready to rely on the Spirit’s capacity to defend us.

Day Seven Hundred Sixty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I puzzled over the meaning of Mei’s dream. Even after Elijah pronounced it sound advice. Right up until the time that Jordan led the last group out of the way station. It was then that understanding dawned in a rush.

Our small group will remain behind to cover the tracks of Jordan and his people, and hold off any pursuit.

I couldn’t say for sure from what quarter they will come at us. Yet I strongly suspected that we needed to watch the skies.

When silence fell over the camp after Jordan’s departure, Elijah put us to work dismantling all the rigid structures.

By day’s end we had progressed markedly in making the way station disappear. Mei proved very helpful.