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 Ninety #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A plan has been made and the parts assigned. Elijah and I left for the Galilee after meeting with Mawuli’s parents, the Purser and Mary. We assured them we will do everything possible to bring their child home.

We took Tomas with us. Sy, Reuben, and Magwich will follow, each leading a small group on successive days.

Hopefully to maintain the smallest profile possible.

Mei stopped us on the way out. She so wanted to accompany us. Elijah firmly declined her offer, but then had a second thought, and added that if the Captain and Jezer were to return in the next three days she could direct them to come and accompany them.

She excitedly embraced him then skipped away.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Fifty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Conjecture is all we have as to the why of Mawuli’s departure. His parents, the Purser and Mary, had no inkling that he would do such a thing. Though they did note that he has grown quite independent.

It is my considered opinion that he would not have acted without first consulting the Spirit. But why he had not sought the wisdom of others for a confirmation has me puzzled.

As for myself I feel an overpowering desire to go up to Jerusalem to look for him.

Elijah, however, remains noncommittal. He will not budge an inch until summoned to do so.

Magwich has come to us today with the Raj twins and we allowed them to make the attempt.

Day One Thousand Twenty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

It took all my resolve not to go out and look for their tanker truck and follow up any leads as to the whereabouts of Tomas and Jezer. Of course, Elijah’s unwillingness to deviate from our agreed upon schedule held me back too, but he did allow Quasimo to go to investigate.

I kept as busy as I could, but there was little I could do to help Mei since the return of Meesa and the Purser. Instead I tried to make myself useful to Reuben. He has implemented new procedures after reviewing our security here.

When Quasimo reappeared he confirmed the truck to be Jezer’s. He believes its placement had been instrumental to our successful crossing of the road.

Day One Thousand Twenty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I again joined Mei to help in any way I could, within my capabilities. Since Meesa and the Purser were expected back some time in the morning, the tasks were small and easily completed, so there was a good number of them to fill up my time, and could be assumed any time by our absent friends.

Every thing ground to a halt when they returned, as they had news. Not at all related to their reason for going out, but of great interest to us all.

Early on their mission they heard an account of a tanker truck immobilized in a narrow pass on the Jerusalem-Damascus road. They adjusted their route to check.

They are sure it’s Jezer’s.

Day One Thousand Twenty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I’ve gained some perspective since yesterday. I am still focused on finding Tomas and Jezer. The difference comes with the realization that timing is everything. And I am now surrendered to our agreed upon schedule in that matter.

It has freed me up in this sense – l look forward to what comes my way today, that will prepare me and make me the person I need to be.

So I sought what I could do here in our refuge, and conferred with Mei. She was short handed as Meesa was out running an errand with the Purser. So she welcomed my assistance, and my company. She was particularly keen to hear more about our recent adventures.

She misses Tomas too.

Day One Thousand Twenty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I was gladdened to see that the Purser and his family are fitting right in.  And he himself has volunteered to help Mei and Meesa in the everyday operations. I know they will soon come to appreciate his experience and input.

Mawuli, however, wants to do more, but feels slighted on account of his youth.

He came to me.

I told him I would take him on, but only if he first spent the week ahead sitting with the pupils under Elijah’s tutelage.

I there and then walked him over to their assembly area.

Elijah welcomed Mawuli into his group. And I suggested to Elijah that the three of us at week’s end, go in search of Tomas and Jezer.

Day One Thousand Twenty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The joy at our successful return was dampened by the news that not everyone from the Purser’s contingent had made it.

They are not just missing as if they took a wrong turn somewhere and got lost. Or held up by some barrier like we had been. Witnesses from a group led by Mawuli actually saw a missile strike obliterate them in their tracks.

Mei and Meesa who have been reaching out to those traumatized by the tragedy, enlisted Elijah’s aid today to bring them the peace of the Spirit.

Reuben is hard at work evaluating our security in the light of this incident.

I am helping but concentrating on what it means to our ability to bring others in.

Day One Thousand Ten #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We set out immediately to answer Reuben’s call. Mei had caught us up on the problem (she did not return with us, but will guide the Purser and the last group out).

My heart was heavy at the news of a traitor among Reuben’s charges.

Providentially Quasimo had returned, so he accompanied us.  (He will see us and Reuben’s group through the dangers ahead). He kept quiet while Elijah and I discussed the options.

First thing on our arrival, Reuben insisted we hold off till this morning to allow tempers to cool. One man in particular is consumed with vengeance and was stoking the others’ indignation.

Our decision was unanimous. We’ll leave the traitor incarcerated when we move out tomorrow.

Day One Thousand Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Things around here are moving fast and furious. Quasimo and one of his team took the first two groups out last night. Two more will follow them this morning if Mei approves.

The Purser will hold out until the last group goes with Mei which by our calculation should fall on the day after tomorrow.

Elijah and I are at odds about when we should leave. He wants to depart this afternoon with the third group. I think we should head up to the ruined city and see if the tribal issues have been resolved.  I find myself burdened for them again.

Tomas and Jezer are not quite resigned to abandoning the tanker truck. Tomas may yet find a way.