The slopes of Ilaló, overlooking Quito, are emerald green again, after a long, dry season, and the view from Nur Lomas Alto opens the heart and spirit. The tiny saplings that were planted in hope (acacia, walnut and myrtle) have survived the random predations of wandering cows and the harsh drought, thanks largely to an ingenious reservoir system using plastic jugs and the devotion of people who came regularly and lugged hundreds of litres of water down the hill. Now a fence encircles the property, so that the cows should no longer be a threat, and there are plans to install a cistern that can be filled by occasional visits from a water-tanker.
The avocado tree, that before stood like a lonely orphan, with sadly blackened leaves, seems to have responded to the prayers and love that the group has been pouring into the land. This photo shows the new growth, and there are now avocado pits scattered around – perhaps one will be the start of another tree.
Reaching Nur Lomas Alto in the rainy season is still a game of hide-and-seek with the clouds, because rain makes the dirt track slick and perilous – like soap, the locals say. Then, even a 4×4 cannot negotiate it. But between the showers, work is underway to lay stone tracks that will make the road passable in all weather. The workers are local; Don Roberto, the boss, started this trade when he was a boy of 12. At his suggestion, volcanic stone was chosen. It is harder on car tires, they say, but gives better traction.
To the uninitiated, the laying of the stone tracks is almost miraculous. From a pile of rough stones, none of which are obviously flat, the worker takes one stone after another and casually taps them into place, making a remarkably level pavement. When all the stones are laid, the tracks will be pressed into place by a heavy machine, and the pavement will last for decades.
Watching the track grow before our eyes, one of the visitors remarks, “One stone at a time. Just like the spiritual work.”
Very dear Murshid Nawab,
From the depth of the heart, many, many thanks for your beautiful and moving account and for your loving support.
It is a beautiful story, testimony of the devotion and love of our brothers and sisters from Ecuador. I once had the privilege of being part of their Sufi community and wish to meet with them in Nur Lomas Alto one day.
Querido Maestro, tu mirada convierte todo esto en oro puro, animas a la misma naturaleza! siempre conmoviéndonos para lograr lo mejor que se puede. Tu presencia no tiene precio, cuanta gratitud en el corazón!
Thank you for giving us this wonderful vision of our new Temple unfolding. I am currently researching three holy mountains as part of the Gilgamesh story. One of them now being called the Nur mountains, where the High Holy Ones lived.
This is really exciting and such a lot happening so quickly!
Hermoso!
Refrescante y muy esperanzadora crónica sobre el sagrado lugar desde donde irradiará el Mensaje, para todas las hermanas y hermanos que habitan este ancho y esplendoroso planeta. Otro faro más entre los que ya alumbran en otras partes, repitiendo como el eco de campanas, las enseñanzas del alma iluminada de nuestro amado Murshid.
Muchas gracias Nawab y muy queridos hermanos ecuatorianos por estas maravillosas noticias desde las laderas del Ilaló. Sobrecoge el alma comenzar a escuchar el eco del Mensaje desde ese sagrado lugar, que se une como tañir de campanas a los primeros santuarios desde donde ya vibran con fuerza las palabras del amado Murshid.