We have just returned from a long vacation ‘back home’ in New York. `The weeks were filled with a relaxing stay on Fire Island, visits with friends and family, time in Manhattan. It was relaxing, busy, warm, sunny and beautiful.
I had some of the best moments in reflection during runs – in the sand, where I surrendered to the surf, took off my shoes, and ran along the waves like a child, and in the city, where I got on the ‘track’ with dozens of other runners in central park.
The words of Dave Dobbin’s Welcome Home came on my iphone, and I ran through the park with tears of emotion as I reflected on the feelings of living in New Zealand and being so geographically far from so many I love. I was happy for the anonymity I find in New York, and for the community I’ve been welcomed to in New Plymouth.
Nice to have a break – and get some space with which to greet the busy season in the House.
tonight I am feeling for you
under the state of a strange land
you have sacrificed much to be here
there but for grace as I offer my hand
welcome home, i bid you welcome, i bid you welcome
welcome home from the bottom of my heart
out here on the edge
the empire is fading by the day
and the world is so weary in war
maybe well find that new way
so welcome home, see i made a space for you now
welcome home from the bottom of our heart
welcome home from the bottom of our hearts
keep it coming now – keep it coming now
youll find most of us here with our hearts wide open
keep it coming now – keep on coming now
keep it coming now – keep on coming now
theres a woman with her hands trembling – haere mai
and she sings with a mountains memory – haere mai
theres a cloud the full length of these isles
just playing chase with the sun
and its black and its white and its wild
all the colours are one
so welcome home, i bid you welcome, I bid you welcome
welcome home from the bottom of our hearts
welcome home, see i made a space for you now
welcome home from the bottom of our hearts