Warm greetings to you from Riverdell Spiritual Centre!  

This is my last editorial in my position as Program Director as I'm retiring at the end of June and Lyell and I will be moving to Melbourne to be with our children and grandchildren at the end of July.

What comes to your mind when you review your life to date?   How do you want to be remembered?  These are amongst the thoughts that have been with me as one chapter of my life comes to a close and the next is not yet fully in view.

Lyell and I came to Riverdell for a 3 - 5 year period of semi-retirement.   We wanted to help the leaders who were here at the time, Martin Banham and Jonathan MacIntyre, realise Riverdell's potential.  We thought we'd spend a month here and a month back in Victoria where all our family live.  We would enjoy contributing in both places and have an easier pace of life after 16 years of solo medical practice in which we both worked.

It's said that the way to make God laugh is to tell him your plans.   I'm glad God had so many giggles with us!  We've been here 9, not 5, years and never did manage the month on, month off vision we started with.  And with both Martin and Jonathan stepping back, Lyell and I have been leading at Riverdell for the past 5 years.  With Justin Martin's arrival as Riverdell's Business Manager, we are now able to return to Victoria.

What do I see as I reflect upon the past 9 years?  I see a Riverdell Spiritual Centre on firm, sturdy foundations with the right people in place and a roadmap to follow in the form of a strategic plan. I feel confidence in the air and I rejoice in a beautiful, cared for, physical setting.  I'm excited about the future.

I'm deeply conscious of all that's conspired for Riverdell to be at this place now.   For the vision of Paul and Libby Blythe to come to Australia in the first place.  To the International Emissaries who have consistently supported the growth of Emissary activities here over the 39 years since the Blythe's arrival.  To the initial community, first in Adelaide and then at Hillier, who worked so hard in the 80's and 90's to establish both a live in spiritual community and a business, now Hillier Park Residential Village, to provide financial support for the spiritual mission.  That support has flourished thanks to Martin Banham's skilful management, for which Riverdell is very thankful. 

And now we stand on a threshold at Riverdell.   Life has conspired to give us all that we need to succeed in our mission of bringing to all people the reality that they CAN live their lives knowing that they are spiritual beings first and foremost.  That awareness can change everything about the way a person's life unfolds.   I know it has mine. 

All humanity stands on this same threshold.  The world will only change from the constant recycling of drama if enough people remember their spiritual nature and express that in their lives.  Ken Wilber says that 10% of the world's population need to change their consciousness for critical mass to be reached, and currently, we're at 5%.   That's 5% more to go.

Will you join in this vital, thrilling life choice to say "YES" to Spirit and let your spirit express through you in all that you do?  

I hope so.

With love and thanks for being here on earth at this important time

Dr Andrew Horwood

Program Director - retiring