All too soon the holiday season had passed. Once again at Kingsford Smith airport, surrounded by family and friends, Julian awaited the boarding call for the aircraft that would take him, once more, to Rome. This time, however, there was a difference – this time he knew where he was going; this time he guessed, fairly correctly, what lay ahead.
Aware of more questions without answers, he knew he would have to be patient.
Answers would come, but not all and not yet. And he knew he would have to seek them.
Once again he was met by some of the staff and welcomed in his Vatican quarters by past students and tutors. This year his work load was extremely heavy. Many times lectures overlapped in part as he sprinted from one to another. Yet, he did not feel overworked, nor did stress play any part in his busy study life. He never lost sight of this particular goal – to successfully complete the course by the end of the year.
Without any breakdown in health or extension of time, he not only achieved his goal but achieved it with results similar to those of the previous year.
It was with mixed feelings that he left the Vatican on his last day in Rome. It had been a strict but caring home to him for the past two years. It had helped him gain further insight into the official Church and her laws. But, also it had left him with more questions than answers.
Once again his family gathered at Kingsford Smith to welcome him home. This time they were joined by Eddie, Simon and Joe, all given special leave for the occasion.