Rainbow reunion
13 November 12
While camping on the beach north of Mossman, we were blessed to meet up with friends from the Rainbow Gathering where Elijah was born. It was also good to be so close to the beach where the girls found lots to play with, although the water was not terribly inviting.




Many of the Rainbow Family who came around us this evening had lived along side us for weeks while we were camping in the bush at Glendon Brook. They saw how we lived, how we treated each other, how we spoke to our children, and how we approached life. Some were even there when I birthed Elijah, and those that weren’t there in person supported us in spirit.
Because of this, after Elijah’s death these special friends freely extend the same love and compassion to David as they do to me. It was the first time for them that I was able to explain the circumstances surrounding Elijah’s death and David’s arrest. I’m not sure where they had previously heard their stories — I didn’t ask — but I could tell that hearing the truth of that night from my testimony was comforting.
Rainbow Family members are always open to a continuing relationship with us, and they don’t place limits, barriers, judgements or conditions on our friendship. It’s a joy to be surrounded by such unconditional love, and it reminds me that there are so many wonderful people available to demonstrate the way of love to me and our children, so I can let go of those with whom I am disappointed.

I desire that our girls to continue to grow up in an unconditionally-loving environment. As well as modelling this for them, I can also surround them with adults who talk to them respectfully, who don’t judge behaviour but assess their unspoken needs, who see their potential and don’t compare their performance. These people exist — we have lived among them for a time — and they will be the village that will help raise our girls in the absence of a father.
1 · Erin · 16 November 2012, 02:27
Beautiful, Lauren. So glad you are able to continue your healing journey in an environment full of unconditional love. :)
2 · Lily · 16 November 2012, 05:45
So beautiful! I really wish that the Rainbow Family was as active in the US as it appears to be where you live, I’d love to plug into it.
Do you talk to or visit David very often? I’ve been wondering how he is doing, too.
3 · Ky · 16 November 2012, 06:06
Beautiful post. I look to model unconditional love and acceptance for our children too by way of the people we interact with. It’s empowering to consciously choose this. (The little rainbow looks so sweet in your bus!)
4 · Angie Melissa · 16 November 2012, 07:11
I’m so happy you were able to spend time with all these friends again! What a wonderful childhood your children are getting :D
5 · Jess · 16 November 2012, 10:13
Lauren, I’m very glad to hear you have a space where you can share the story on your own terms, and receive love and acceptance and compassion.
I think of David often, and send him thoughts of compassion.
6 · Karen Lee · 16 November 2012, 13:27
It is such a beautiful thing to experience true acceptance and non-judgment. :)
7 · Naomi · 16 November 2012, 14:03
I second all the kind comments written before me… It’s great that you were able to meet up with the Rainbow Family, and share with them. XXX
And Brioni sure was a busy girl with those coconuts. That’s something Sam does – collects, collects, collects!!!… I love it when they’re busy in their play :o)
8 · Jenn · 16 November 2012, 20:37
How wonderful to see all those lovely familiar faces again! Lily, the Rainbow family IS very active in the US – in many locations more so than in Australia!
9 · Jenni · 18 November 2012, 05:48
What a beautiful spot you picked to park your bus and how life affirming to have that love for you, David, Elijah and your girls re-inforced and wrapped around you, I’m glad for you – I should add here that I’m not going to enter the giveaway for the kipi as the only people that I know that truly need it are a poor family living in an isolated village in The Gambia and my means of getting it to them leaves the UK on the 27th November so it wouldn’t make it there – blessings to the winner and eventual recipient though! Love, Jen x
10 · Leisa · 18 November 2012, 10:11
What a joyful face Karin has!
I’d love to be associated with the Rainbow Family. I had a look at their website but couldn’t find any information of their next gathering. Are people invited or does one just show up?
11 · Janet Costello · 19 November 2012, 11:03
Dreamy, really.
12 · Cathy · 1 December 2012, 01:16
HI Lauren I’ve left my eail would you mind letting me know how David is going please, I didn’t leave a message here when you post that we coudl ask. thanks