Return Map from Directive?

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Hi=2E

I'm hoping to extend Velocity to be able to convert a JSON string to a Jav=
a Map so that template authors can map values in Velocity=2E

Something like:
# set mappings =3D JsonToMap ($jsonString)
# set username =3D $mappings($userid)

I thought I could just write a directive for JsonToMap but directives seem=
 to return a string rather than a map=2E

Alternatively could I add a method in the context somehow? Perhaps I could=
 then call something like=2E=2E=2E

# set username =3D $jsonString=2EtoMap()=2Eget($userid)

Sorry if I've misunderstood something fundamental in velocity=2E I'm inter=
ested in receiving some guidance on the best way to do this sort of convers=
ion=2E

Thanks in advance=2E
Net Wolf
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