Where The Birds Go When It Rains

by Jamie Paul Wesseler

PATRICK OLDENKAMP became an archaeologist for one reason and one reason only: to find his grandfather's two thousand year-old grave in the Majenica Indian burial ground on a hilltop north of Cambridge City, Indiana. The afternoon discovery of the skeleton wearing a pair of black plastic rimmed glasses confirms that CAREY OLDENKAMP succeeded in his attempt to go back in time. Standing in front of the hollow base of a massive sycamore, the time portal, and to the flicker of a bonfire, Patrick tells his archaeological team his grandfather's spiritual, romantic, time-travel tale of Where The Birds Go When It Rains. Eleven years before the discovery: Carey Oldenkamp calculates he has just two hours before his death. The prospect thrills him. The east wind bears down on him as it returns to claim his soul. He has spent over sixty years believing the first journey was a dream of a grieving brother desperate for a sign from his deceased sister, but the contents of his wife's cherished wooden box prove otherwise. Carey is The Messenger who has failed to carry out his assignment to deliver proof of Christ's birth to the modern world... a messenger who has denounced the very existence of God! Fate gives him only two hours to deliver the divine meaning of the sacred circle Indian mounds, or the message will be lost for eternity, entering the grave with him. This novel is based on the 1968 excavation of the Bertsch sacred circle mound near Cambridge City, Indiana. A new archaeological theory is introduced. If you have ever lost a loved one, may you find comfort through the journey of Where The Birds Go When It Rains.

222 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2007

About the author

My debut novel, Where The Birds Go When It Rains, is an epic tale of time travel set in my beloved Whitewater River Valley of Cambridge City, Indiana – my childhood home. It's a story for those who are having difficulties with the losses of their loved ones, especially if they didn't get the chance to say, "Good-bye."

In 1968, at the age of ten, I became the youngest member of an archaeological team to excavate a sacred circle mound at what is known as the Bertsch site. In 1972, I discovered the Adena and Hopewell hilltop village of the "Majenica" tribe. My wife, Susan, and I purchased the site in 2001 and plan to reconstruct the village that overlooks the sacred circle complex. The story introduces an intriguing archaeological theory through the telling of this tale, which is based on actual people, places, and events.

Currently living near Columbia City, Indiana, I plan to return to my cherished Goose Heaven Road surroundings, at Cambridge City, to pursue archaeological work and write additional novels, including a child/young adult fantasy series. When a filmmaking partner becomes available, I look forward to making my tales into movies with my son, Patrick, family members, and friends.

Thank you for considering the journey of Where The Birds Go When It Rains. Let me know what you think of the story. I'm grateful of your feedback, and if you like it, I'd appreciate all referrals.

Gratefully,

Jamie

Reviews

[Doti · Rating 1 out of 5]

At first the book seemed to promise discussion of time travel and archeology; but the real mission was sermons on faith. And, actually, it may not be about strictly christian faith since reincarnation was offered as viable and demonstrated by the experiences of characters that were based on real people. Some of it was okay, but the story became mired in the 'message' and ground to heavily burdened ending.

[Cooky · Rating 5 out of 5]

confirmed faith in the hereafter/sparked interest in hereafter/archaeology

[Jane]

a must read....loved it!