In the bulb there is a flower...

In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed an apple tree,

in cocoons a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free…

There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody.

There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds a mystery…

These words from Natalie Smith* ring so true in the journeys of our lives. As we have come face to face over time with the death of loved ones, of dealing with the realities of cancer, of conflict and of brokenness we have also discovered that in the midst of each there is new life, and hope previously undiscovered because unlooked for and only now – in the midst of the journey – been made obvious to us.

What is also an incredible source of strength is the community of friends and family that stretch across the globe - truly a cloud of witnesses.

 So the journey continues as we seek healing and hope. The sun shines and the rain (or snow) falls, the birds sing their morning songs and friends lift up their hands in prayer – for all this we are grateful and give thanks.

In our end is our beginning; in our time infinity;

in our doubt is our believing; in our life eternity…

In our death, a resurrection; at the last a victory,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

* c New Hope Publications 1986