Dancing in the snow

My dear Friends

The rainbow bridge between Cambridge and Toronto seems even closer now because of the cold weather.Cambridge has been suffering bouts of snow over the last few days and today is the coldest its ever been. I am reminded of all those happy times I visited Toronto in the cold and snow, taking refuge in those marvellous shopping malls in the city where people go to shop, or just hang out and talk to their friends. It's lovely to see the old people sitting on benches and making new friends.

Here the malls are much smaller and not so friendly.Thinking again of Toronto, I paid a visit to the Eaton shopping in the downtown area on one occasion. Beside the fountain, I chatted to a guy of about forty years old who told me he was born and bred in Toronto and how much it had changed. He struck me as a kinda easy going guy, who liked to hang out in the mall in the hope of making new friends.

I want to prepare for this trip well. Going back to this city is like going back to an old friend. They say old friends are like old wine-they mature until they taste better.This time I will be visiting in the summer, where I hope my old friend is waiting for me -to give me an embrace.

Shalom from
Gila

Up, up and away

My dear Friends

Last week I saw a fascinating programme about a balloon journey over Africa. That's what I want to be when I go to Canada this summer-up, up and away.

Travelling gives us a new perspective on life, especailly when you cross the Atlantic.I have done it before at important crossroads in my life and I feel this year is a year of new beginnings. I am going to friends and a place where I was touched by the Divine in a new way: as someone said Canada is my spiritual home.

We all have places which touch us deeply and usually they are connected to the people who live or come from there. I am going to reconnect with a Canadian friend I first met in England almost twenty five years ago. Had it not been for him opening his home in Canada as a place where I could reflect on all the momentous things that happened to me, I might not have come into the Church. His home and its surroundings were the jumping off point for an experience which will remain with me for the rest of my life. And beyond.

There are new friends out there too. And a lovely cousin who plays the harp. I look forward to all the coffee shops we will haunt together. I will raise my glass to all of you.

Shalom from
Gila