While the Camino was very much a physical walk and challenge, it was very much a spiritual and personal journey for most of us on the road. The different space away from work and regular patterns of life gave time to talk, to listen, to think and reflect. In some senses it was an 'unreal' time, yet it was a time to value the important things of life and to enjoy the simplicity. For nearly everyone we met this was the case and bonds quickly formed between people of different backgrounds and nationalities, who we now call friends.
The Camino was a physical achievement that gave us the confidence to realise that maybe we can do things that we thought were beyond us. In our own way, at our own pace, we can attempt exciting adventures and actually do those things we've always thought about doing. Carpe deim!
The kindness, generosity and help that we received and saw demonstrated towards others was very touching. Often in a foreign country in a foreign language you feel like a fish out of water, not understanding the 'norms' or systems. We were challenged (both in Spain and France) by the help of fellow pilgrims and locals who went out of their way to explain cultural differences, guide us, help with heavy luggage, assist with ticket purchases etc. In the future we have determined to be of more help and to show more kindness to those who may need a little support and guidance in our strange country. We were truly touched and humbled by the kindness that we received.
The Camino was a time of learning about ourselves too... this too can be a sobering exercise as you realise that you are very much still a work in progress. Thankfully God is wonderfully patient towards his faltering children.
Overall the Camino was a wonderful experience, a huge privilege and gift to have the opportunity to walk and have a change in pace. Thanks for journeying with us and our advice to you is to add the Camino to your bucket list! With love from Gabe, Biz and Maree
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"Bon Appetit"
A previous blog commented that we had all lost weight durng the walk - Gabriel had to hold his pants up with a shoelace that a Quebecan gave him, likewise Maree, whereas Biz just had to tighten her pack straps! But let us assure you this was due to the walking not to a lack of good food!
Our day started with breakfast of bread (baguette), cheese qnd sometimes jam (we've had no butter for 30 days. If we had no drink we would stop at the first cafe to get a morning shot of tea or coffee ( and sometimes a fresh croissant if tempted - and we often were!). We were careful to have regular water and snack stops - feasting on chocolate, nuts, lollies; biscuits, fruit - all for that necessary shot of energy.
Lunch was either bread, cheese, and extras like olives, tomato, salami and fruit. Sometimes we bought our supplies the day before or had to find a local supermarket or wee shop to buy our lunch: If there was no supermarket we had to buy "tortillas" or "bocadillas" at the locql cafe/bar in the town we were in. Bocadillas are big sandwiches with any filling.
Dinner was either a shared meal of rice or pasta cooked with fellow travellers or a pilgrim meal bought at a local restaurnat for a discount price: We preferred to cook ourselves as it was cheaper qnd usually nicer: Spanish meals were always accompanied by red wine - the cheqpest was NZ 1.80 a bottle: As you can guess we enjoyed our meals. NB Wine is cheaper than bottled water or coke!!!!
Lots of cheese and bread maybe was not so good for the cholesterol levels but balanced by the red wine!
Suffice to say we qre healthy - hqving been well fed and watered.
Our day started with breakfast of bread (baguette), cheese qnd sometimes jam (we've had no butter for 30 days. If we had no drink we would stop at the first cafe to get a morning shot of tea or coffee ( and sometimes a fresh croissant if tempted - and we often were!). We were careful to have regular water and snack stops - feasting on chocolate, nuts, lollies; biscuits, fruit - all for that necessary shot of energy.
Lunch was either bread, cheese, and extras like olives, tomato, salami and fruit. Sometimes we bought our supplies the day before or had to find a local supermarket or wee shop to buy our lunch: If there was no supermarket we had to buy "tortillas" or "bocadillas" at the locql cafe/bar in the town we were in. Bocadillas are big sandwiches with any filling.
Dinner was either a shared meal of rice or pasta cooked with fellow travellers or a pilgrim meal bought at a local restaurnat for a discount price: We preferred to cook ourselves as it was cheaper qnd usually nicer: Spanish meals were always accompanied by red wine - the cheqpest was NZ 1.80 a bottle: As you can guess we enjoyed our meals. NB Wine is cheaper than bottled water or coke!!!!
Lots of cheese and bread maybe was not so good for the cholesterol levels but balanced by the red wine!
Suffice to say we qre healthy - hqving been well fed and watered.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Completo!
Yesterday we marched the final steps into Santiago! The completion of 32 days of walking and 765km´s came with mixed feelings. Relief, joy, excitement and tiredness. While everyone says the journey is more important than reaching the goal, it was wonderful to finally reach the desired destination. It was a joy too to meet and congratulate other fellow walkers arriving into the cathedral square. Pilgrims celebrated together and greeted one another all over the city as we kept bumping into familiar faces that we´d shared a room with or walked with a little along the trail.
It was strange indeed not to rush out of bed this morning and prepare for a day of walking many kilometres. Today we have been enjoying this beautiful city, alive with energy and people. There are far more religious tourists here than pilgrims... more about that later.
On Sunday we fly across the country, catch a bus to France and prepare for our onward journey to the USA for meetings... and the world of reality again.
When we get access to better internet we will post some more photos and some final reflections... but we are here!
It was strange indeed not to rush out of bed this morning and prepare for a day of walking many kilometres. Today we have been enjoying this beautiful city, alive with energy and people. There are far more religious tourists here than pilgrims... more about that later.
On Sunday we fly across the country, catch a bus to France and prepare for our onward journey to the USA for meetings... and the world of reality again.
When we get access to better internet we will post some more photos and some final reflections... but we are here!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
40km´s to Santiago
We can hardly believe it... over 700km´s behind us and just 40 ahead of us. There are mixed feelings about reaching Santiago. The thought of not having to rise early each day and walk 20-30km´s is quite appealing, yet we will miss the simplicity and rythem of life and the community of people around us.
Since the 100km mark the roads have been crowded with walkers. All you need to officially complete the Camino and receive your certificate is to have walked 100km´s. Apparently this is enough for those who believe they will receive absolution of sins. Many of these walkers have their bags bused ahead to their days destination and only carry day packs. There legs are fresh and their shoes clean. They are a different kind of pilgrim, very much with the party spirit. Many of them are Spanish. We were told that to have walked the Camino gives you the edge on your CV for a job. We are expecting Santiago to be busy and crowded. Apparently tomorrow evening there are 3000 beds set up in barracks style to accomodate pilgrims converging on Santiago. That will be worth a picture!
Our trousers are very loose and almost falling off - one of the benefits of walking over 700km´s I guess!
Since the 100km mark the roads have been crowded with walkers. All you need to officially complete the Camino and receive your certificate is to have walked 100km´s. Apparently this is enough for those who believe they will receive absolution of sins. Many of these walkers have their bags bused ahead to their days destination and only carry day packs. There legs are fresh and their shoes clean. They are a different kind of pilgrim, very much with the party spirit. Many of them are Spanish. We were told that to have walked the Camino gives you the edge on your CV for a job. We are expecting Santiago to be busy and crowded. Apparently tomorrow evening there are 3000 beds set up in barracks style to accomodate pilgrims converging on Santiago. That will be worth a picture!
Our trousers are very loose and almost falling off - one of the benefits of walking over 700km´s I guess!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Betwixt and between
Relevant words of advice received today from Esther our daughter ...
In anthropology, there is a term called liminality. Victor Turner, a famous anthropologist came up with it in relation to rights of passages. The word comes from the latin Lemin- which means threshold. His theory is, as with rights of passages, there are three stages. 1. the preparation and separation 2. betwixt and between 3. reentry into society (this is not exact but approx). so you can imagine for some rituals (eg young boys) are separated from their social group, are caught in a liminal stage between boyhood and manhood and then once they have completed that, may then return into society.
This can be the same for your pilgrimage. Before it, you had to prepare- get all your stuff together and organise your journey. Now, in your separation from society, you are not following your normal day to day routine. Your position is not defined. Your world is turned upside down. Here is a liminal place, a threshold on the doorstep of something new. Here is a place you aim to learn something and change.
Once you have finished your pilgrimage, you are expected to reenter society different. You don't go through this and come back as the same person. So perhaps as you are walking, in this liminal, betwixt and between, stage of your life, maybe think about what you will learn and discover and be like when you finish. This isnt just a walk, it's a pilgrimage. A religious experience. So don't go through looking at the scenery and taking it at face value. Members of society who get stuck in the liminal period don't quite fit back into their society. They do not graduate into the next life stage (as with boys who aim to reach manhood) so part of the challenge is to take what you have learnt and apply it to your regular life in New Zealand.
This is the question to us - How will we be different?
In anthropology, there is a term called liminality. Victor Turner, a famous anthropologist came up with it in relation to rights of passages. The word comes from the latin Lemin- which means threshold. His theory is, as with rights of passages, there are three stages. 1. the preparation and separation 2. betwixt and between 3. reentry into society (this is not exact but approx). so you can imagine for some rituals (eg young boys) are separated from their social group, are caught in a liminal stage between boyhood and manhood and then once they have completed that, may then return into society.
This can be the same for your pilgrimage. Before it, you had to prepare- get all your stuff together and organise your journey. Now, in your separation from society, you are not following your normal day to day routine. Your position is not defined. Your world is turned upside down. Here is a liminal place, a threshold on the doorstep of something new. Here is a place you aim to learn something and change.
Once you have finished your pilgrimage, you are expected to reenter society different. You don't go through this and come back as the same person. So perhaps as you are walking, in this liminal, betwixt and between, stage of your life, maybe think about what you will learn and discover and be like when you finish. This isnt just a walk, it's a pilgrimage. A religious experience. So don't go through looking at the scenery and taking it at face value. Members of society who get stuck in the liminal period don't quite fit back into their society. They do not graduate into the next life stage (as with boys who aim to reach manhood) so part of the challenge is to take what you have learnt and apply it to your regular life in New Zealand.
This is the question to us - How will we be different?
Friday, May 28, 2010
Sweet & Sour
One of the sweetest parts of the camino is the people you meet. One of the most difficult aspects is saying good-bye not knowing if you will ever cross paths again!
We bumped into Billy and Rachel in a small lifeless town when we were all staying at the same hostel. It was obvious that they were kindred spirits and we started to walk together, share meals together and sleep at the same towns each evening. Even though they were only on the road for 8 days (doing a stint of the Camino every year for 4 years) they became dear friends and we miss them now that they´ve gone.
They have those lovely Irish accents and of course the sense of humour that goes along with it. They shared their lives transparently with us and blessed and encouraged us. The night of their farewell they both shared poems that were special to them and showered us with words of appreciation. We dearly miss them now that they are not on the road with us.
Special people like Billy and Rachel are a gift from God. Sometimes the gift is only for a short time, but we are left with special memories. Do we take time to appreciate the people that God sends as gifts into our lives?
PS This computer doesn´t allow us to upload photos, but soon we hope to give you some scenic shots and of course one of our dear Irish friends.
We bumped into Billy and Rachel in a small lifeless town when we were all staying at the same hostel. It was obvious that they were kindred spirits and we started to walk together, share meals together and sleep at the same towns each evening. Even though they were only on the road for 8 days (doing a stint of the Camino every year for 4 years) they became dear friends and we miss them now that they´ve gone.
They have those lovely Irish accents and of course the sense of humour that goes along with it. They shared their lives transparently with us and blessed and encouraged us. The night of their farewell they both shared poems that were special to them and showered us with words of appreciation. We dearly miss them now that they are not on the road with us.
Special people like Billy and Rachel are a gift from God. Sometimes the gift is only for a short time, but we are left with special memories. Do we take time to appreciate the people that God sends as gifts into our lives?
PS This computer doesn´t allow us to upload photos, but soon we hope to give you some scenic shots and of course one of our dear Irish friends.
Hinds Feet on High Places
The flat land (well, relatively speaking!) is behind us and we have been climbing again. After walking for 9 days at around 800 metres we began to climb and enjoyed a most beautiful and scenic climb up to 1400 metres again (much less strenuous than our first day over the mountains) and then back down to around 500. The sun was shinning, the day was stunning and the views spectacular. After a further two days of walking along beautiful rolling countryside we then climbed again to 1300 metres where we stayed last night.
Today we decended to a little over 600 metres where we will sleep tonight. It´s been a great work out for those leg muscles that had thought they had been made redundant and we´ve totally enjoyed it, which may be a sign that we´re gettting fitter. The feet still protest in pain at times.
The most amazing thing is that of the total 764 km we plan to walk from France to Santiago, only approx 130 remain. We only have 6 days of walking left!
Love to you all our friends and family who are cheering us on from afar!
Today we decended to a little over 600 metres where we will sleep tonight. It´s been a great work out for those leg muscles that had thought they had been made redundant and we´ve totally enjoyed it, which may be a sign that we´re gettting fitter. The feet still protest in pain at times.
The most amazing thing is that of the total 764 km we plan to walk from France to Santiago, only approx 130 remain. We only have 6 days of walking left!
Love to you all our friends and family who are cheering us on from afar!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Communal Living
Each night we share a room with others - sometimes it will be 4 others and sometimes 40. Some of our room mates are old faces and some new. We recognise and greet many of the same people who are journeying at the same speed as us. Communal living can be fun but it can also bring out a side of you that isn't nice!
As we recognise the group of 4 Spaniard's we hold our breath and hope they are not in our room. And there's that man again that snores like a chainsaw, or the group that get up at 5 and shuffle around loudly getting ready in the dark, ensuring the rest of us don't continue to sleep. We put labels on people and don't always think kindly of others... yet we don't consider it a problem when we are eating late and being loud while the early birds are trying to sleep, or when we rush for the showers and do not consider those who are much older than us and have had equally long days. Communal living can sometimes bring out the 'self' in us and sometimes the 'kindness' in us. We invite a couple of others on their own to join us in our shared meal, we tend to each others feet and blisters, we carry things for each other and do our best to care for those who are sick. We share our resources and stop and try and help those who look in distress on the side of the road.
May we be people who do unto others as we would have them do unto us!
Question: How do you relate within the community that you live in? Are you clothed with kindness?
As we recognise the group of 4 Spaniard's we hold our breath and hope they are not in our room. And there's that man again that snores like a chainsaw, or the group that get up at 5 and shuffle around loudly getting ready in the dark, ensuring the rest of us don't continue to sleep. We put labels on people and don't always think kindly of others... yet we don't consider it a problem when we are eating late and being loud while the early birds are trying to sleep, or when we rush for the showers and do not consider those who are much older than us and have had equally long days. Communal living can sometimes bring out the 'self' in us and sometimes the 'kindness' in us. We invite a couple of others on their own to join us in our shared meal, we tend to each others feet and blisters, we carry things for each other and do our best to care for those who are sick. We share our resources and stop and try and help those who look in distress on the side of the road.
May we be people who do unto others as we would have them do unto us!
Question: How do you relate within the community that you live in? Are you clothed with kindness?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Over half way!
Santiago is in sight... two days back we reached the half way mark - 375km´s behind us and the same distance ahead of us! It was a great feeling to reach that milestone.
Yesterday we walked 17 km´s on a straight Roman road with very little shelter or trees and no water, food or toilet facilities. Today we did another 13km stretch during our walk without passing through any town or village. In both cases the walk seemed long with no end in sight. It is not always easy to walk when you can´t see the town in the distance. But perseverance paid off when in both cases a village, nestled in a hollow, sprung into view at the last minute. A welcome relief for refreshment and a the reward well deserved.
The sun is shinning and we are enjoying meeting so many people from different corners of the world. Last night at a parish hostel accommodating about 50 people, we enjoyed a shared evening meal altogether cooked by volunteers (all for a donation). Tonight we cooked in the kitchen and ate with Canadians, Irish and a Korean friend. Outside in the evening sunshine the hostess is tending to blisters and other gross foot problems of the pilgrims. Thankfully we are not in the que!
Life is good and tomorrow we walk to the city of Leon.
Yesterday we walked 17 km´s on a straight Roman road with very little shelter or trees and no water, food or toilet facilities. Today we did another 13km stretch during our walk without passing through any town or village. In both cases the walk seemed long with no end in sight. It is not always easy to walk when you can´t see the town in the distance. But perseverance paid off when in both cases a village, nestled in a hollow, sprung into view at the last minute. A welcome relief for refreshment and a the reward well deserved.
The sun is shinning and we are enjoying meeting so many people from different corners of the world. Last night at a parish hostel accommodating about 50 people, we enjoyed a shared evening meal altogether cooked by volunteers (all for a donation). Tonight we cooked in the kitchen and ate with Canadians, Irish and a Korean friend. Outside in the evening sunshine the hostess is tending to blisters and other gross foot problems of the pilgrims. Thankfully we are not in the que!
Life is good and tomorrow we walk to the city of Leon.
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Alternative Route
Today and for the next few days we are walking over the "mesetta". Not sure of the spelling but this is a reasonably flat region of endless green wheat fields. After walking for an hour we stopped for breakfast at 8:00 and then had to decide whether to take the short route along the road or the longer route that tracked alongside a river. We chose the river route even though it was longer but it provided shade, a cool breeze from the river and paths that were soft under foot. When we started out we couldn´t tell if it was the right track because we couldn´t see footprints and it wasn´t well marked - a bit like the "road less travelled". The shorter route was along a busy road, no shelter from the sun and hard under foot.
Question: Is the seemingly faster route always the best route to travel?
PS We are staying in a parish hostel run by nuns and in the background as I type there is a hub-bub of chatter and people eating together. Everyone has provided food and one of the nuns cooked it. Amazing hospitality!
Question: Is the seemingly faster route always the best route to travel?
PS We are staying in a parish hostel run by nuns and in the background as I type there is a hub-bub of chatter and people eating together. Everyone has provided food and one of the nuns cooked it. Amazing hospitality!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Blue Sky!
We are now sitting by the swimming pool (most unusual) on the lawn of the hostel we are sharing with 50 other pilgrims. The sky is blue, the sun is shinning and some of us are sporting sunburn. We walked another 30 km´s today, through beautiful rolling countryside, stunning views all of the way. Needless to say many of us have sore feet and it is amusing to watch people walking gingerly around, we can emphatise with each other.
It was lovely to walk through stunning countryside today and remember our creator. There is so much you miss when you are driving or your mind is busy with other things. It is so captivating when you walk and have time to take it all in. World events and the troubles of home seem a million miles away. It is enriching for the heart.
Question - why do we take so little time to slow down, ponder, walk and enrich our hearts in every day life?
It was lovely to walk through stunning countryside today and remember our creator. There is so much you miss when you are driving or your mind is busy with other things. It is so captivating when you walk and have time to take it all in. World events and the troubles of home seem a million miles away. It is enriching for the heart.
Question - why do we take so little time to slow down, ponder, walk and enrich our hearts in every day life?
Saturday, May 15, 2010
where is the goal?
Today we started on the long walk from Burghos to Leon - a distance of several hundred km´s. Several people suggested that - as this is a boring stretch of countryside - that we could take the bus and make the journey more enjoyable. Today we knew why they suggested tyhis to us. We walked on top of a plateau for hours and all we could see was fields of grass, wind turbines, piles of rocks that farmers had collected over the centuries and a muddy path that was trying very hard to dry up. At times it was windy, rainy, and now and then the the sun came through. But the temperature was easy to walk in.
We started off by walking 20 km´s to a town and when we arrived there decided to do another 6 to another hostel. But when we saw the hostel there, we decided to do another 5km´s. It ended up being a long, hard walk - but the hardest thing was that over those last 5 km´s there was no sign of our town - our destination. Flat as the landscape was there was no town in sight. All we could see was piles of rocks which we hoped was a village in the distance.
But then we saw a sign - Hontanas .5km and then we saw the church steeple rising above the landscape. The village with all its hostels was in a valley - hidden from our sight.
Question: When the goal is obscured, is walking towards it sometimes too difficult?
We started off by walking 20 km´s to a town and when we arrived there decided to do another 6 to another hostel. But when we saw the hostel there, we decided to do another 5km´s. It ended up being a long, hard walk - but the hardest thing was that over those last 5 km´s there was no sign of our town - our destination. Flat as the landscape was there was no town in sight. All we could see was piles of rocks which we hoped was a village in the distance.
But then we saw a sign - Hontanas .5km and then we saw the church steeple rising above the landscape. The village with all its hostels was in a valley - hidden from our sight.
Question: When the goal is obscured, is walking towards it sometimes too difficult?
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Rain in Spain... has Turned to Snow!
We began our journey yesterday anticipating a wet day. You can imagine our surprise when just a few minutes into the walk it started to snow and continued heavily for the entire 18km´s of our trek. We stopped our journey short (we try and do over 20km each day) because we were cold and wet. The snow was beautiful and we did enjoy walking through it as it fell quietly around us. We walked fast and I think we made record time reaching our destination . It was not a good day for getting clothes clean and dry!
Today we walked on a further 20km´s to Burgos where we are staying in a lovely little 16 bed parish hostel above a church. This is a beautiful city full of history. The Catherdral is one of the main attractions and it has been fascinating to explore the churches in the towns we have passed through, many of them built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
I will try and post some photos now... this has not been possible because of the way the coin operated internet computers are set up here.
Question - why is it snowing in Spain in May????
Today we walked on a further 20km´s to Burgos where we are staying in a lovely little 16 bed parish hostel above a church. This is a beautiful city full of history. The Catherdral is one of the main attractions and it has been fascinating to explore the churches in the towns we have passed through, many of them built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
I will try and post some photos now... this has not been possible because of the way the coin operated internet computers are set up here.
Question - why is it snowing in Spain in May????
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Camino Conversations
Today we walked 24km´s and now have pain in our feet... and a few of the dreaded blisters for some of our friends. (Thankfully not us yet!) As we walk we talk. We meet many of the same people along the way and everyday new friends too. When we share dinner in the evening or cook in the kitchen we talk! It´s amazing that with people who are complete strangers, or friends of only a few days, the conversations are real and personal. People share their journey and their pain. Many people are walking for personal or spiritual reasons. They have big decisions to make, are in a crisis or turning point and they walk with the purpose of finding answers. They talk about God and positive energy, relationships and finding yourself. There are daily opportunities for us to listen, encourage and hopefully point people towards God. It is surprising how deep the conversation quickly become. Part of the journey of walking is sharing your life, talking and listening.
Question - why is it that people share their lives openly on this journey, yet in a bus or on a plane or some other setting, we would share nothing with the stranger beside us?
Question - why is it that people share their lives openly on this journey, yet in a bus or on a plane or some other setting, we would share nothing with the stranger beside us?
Monday, May 10, 2010
beds and comfort
Today is the first day that we have had a sunny day - without rain. What a joy that was and how fast it all went. We always look forward to the end of the day when we arrive in a auberge - a hostel where we can put our feet up. So often the hostellier is a kind man-woman who make you feel at home. Some of them become your friends and you sing songs in the dining room until one of the guests come in and say that it is after 10 and could you please be quiet! Some of the hostelliers are finniky and explain everything in m minute detail. All fine and good as most of them are volunteers. A great service.
Last night we slept in a room with 20 other snorers from Russia, Canada, Holland, Australia, Austria, Ireland, Estonia, Slovania etc. etc. and the space each has is just enough to walk among the beds packed with shoes, clothes, poles, backpacks, etc. Tonight however is different. This is the hilton of auberges. It is is Azofra and each room has only 2 beds. What a bliss after overcorwded rooms and noise. The best thing is that it oonly cost 6 Euro pp (times 2 for NZdollars)
Question: How much comfort and space do we need in this life for a good night´s rest?
Last night we slept in a room with 20 other snorers from Russia, Canada, Holland, Australia, Austria, Ireland, Estonia, Slovania etc. etc. and the space each has is just enough to walk among the beds packed with shoes, clothes, poles, backpacks, etc. Tonight however is different. This is the hilton of auberges. It is is Azofra and each room has only 2 beds. What a bliss after overcorwded rooms and noise. The best thing is that it oonly cost 6 Euro pp (times 2 for NZdollars)
Question: How much comfort and space do we need in this life for a good night´s rest?
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Sun is Shinning!
Beautiful views of wheat fields, olive groves and vineyards made it a stunning 21km walk in the sunshine today. This is the 6th day of our walk and the first day without rain ponchos. The headlines in the paper 2 days back declared that is has been the coldest month of May here in 130 years! The blue sky and sunshine lifted everybodies spirits as we chatted and walked with our many and varied friends on the road, journeying together.
How do we know the way? Nobody follows a map, but we follow the signs. You look for the symbol of a shell, or a small yellow arrow that marks the way periodically. You have to look for them, but they are there. No big signs, no neon lights, but small signs guiding along the road and you walk in faith hoping to see another one further down the track. A bit like life really, we often want writing in the sky from God or a vision in the night, but God points the way with small signs along the road and we continue in faith and then see another further along the way. Sometimes in our busyness of life we miss the signs on the road. Some of our fellow pilgrims have missed the signs and taken the wrong path only to have to retrace their steps.
Question - are you taking time to see the signs from God as you journey?
How do we know the way? Nobody follows a map, but we follow the signs. You look for the symbol of a shell, or a small yellow arrow that marks the way periodically. You have to look for them, but they are there. No big signs, no neon lights, but small signs guiding along the road and you walk in faith hoping to see another one further down the track. A bit like life really, we often want writing in the sky from God or a vision in the night, but God points the way with small signs along the road and we continue in faith and then see another further along the way. Sometimes in our busyness of life we miss the signs on the road. Some of our fellow pilgrims have missed the signs and taken the wrong path only to have to retrace their steps.
Question - are you taking time to see the signs from God as you journey?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Pamploma
It´s 5C outside and the wind is bitter, but we had a lovely morning walk (just 16km today)after the two most difficult days of the whole camino. We are staying at a lovely, warm, catholic hostel with 114 beds. We plan to explore this delightful historic city this afternoon, as soon as Maree is able to buy some warmer clothes. Today the wind and sometimes hail made the journey challenging for some. We have just meet a kiwi lady who was rescued off the Pyreness mountains yesterday when snow came in and they were in distress. Apparently it was 30C here last week in Pamploma and the weather can change so fast. Many people have been caught without the proper clothing.
The camaraderie amongst pilgrims is lovely. We are making many friends that we meet each evening at the hostels. The depth of friendship depends on ones ability to communicate. The languages around us are primarily french and Spanish with a few others thrown in. English is not the primary language spoken. But today we walked part of the way with our french Canadian friend and our friend from Hungry, both who speak English well. Last night we had a pilgrim meal with 3 ladies who spoke french and Italian but no English. Conversation was limited but we had a lovely time.
Todays Question: Does friendship need a common language?
The camaraderie amongst pilgrims is lovely. We are making many friends that we meet each evening at the hostels. The depth of friendship depends on ones ability to communicate. The languages around us are primarily french and Spanish with a few others thrown in. English is not the primary language spoken. But today we walked part of the way with our french Canadian friend and our friend from Hungry, both who speak English well. Last night we had a pilgrim meal with 3 ladies who spoke french and Italian but no English. Conversation was limited but we had a lovely time.
Todays Question: Does friendship need a common language?
Monday, May 3, 2010
larrasoana
Dear friends,
Rain is good - rain gives growth so that those coming after us will have wine, food and shade as the trees will have leaves on them. Rain is also good for the soul as with a poncho over our head we can walk and enjoy the thoughts that come into our minds. Rain is fun as rivers come alive, we can give thanks for bridges and for sturdy shoes and walking sticks. There is so much to give thanks for on day 2 of our walk - another day of drizzle, mist and almost seeing the sun to encourage us.
We left after a general call out at 6am (lights were rudely turned on, the weather forcast was given in 5 langauages and the CD of choir music was over the intercom - 125 people sleeping in a huge ancient hall is something different. Ear plugs are also gifts. the scenery is absolutely beautiful - valleys with cute villages in them, birch forests, good paths and muddy paths, our legs are holding out well and our state of mind is good. We are positive and enjoying whatever comes our way.
Last night we had pasta, trout and yoghurt for dinner with an ample supply of good red wine as that was the pilgrim,s meal. We also joined into the church service at the ancient monastery.
God is good - how good? We are finding that out that He is good all the time.
The question for the day? Are all bridges helpful?
Rain is good - rain gives growth so that those coming after us will have wine, food and shade as the trees will have leaves on them. Rain is also good for the soul as with a poncho over our head we can walk and enjoy the thoughts that come into our minds. Rain is fun as rivers come alive, we can give thanks for bridges and for sturdy shoes and walking sticks. There is so much to give thanks for on day 2 of our walk - another day of drizzle, mist and almost seeing the sun to encourage us.
We left after a general call out at 6am (lights were rudely turned on, the weather forcast was given in 5 langauages and the CD of choir music was over the intercom - 125 people sleeping in a huge ancient hall is something different. Ear plugs are also gifts. the scenery is absolutely beautiful - valleys with cute villages in them, birch forests, good paths and muddy paths, our legs are holding out well and our state of mind is good. We are positive and enjoying whatever comes our way.
Last night we had pasta, trout and yoghurt for dinner with an ample supply of good red wine as that was the pilgrim,s meal. We also joined into the church service at the ancient monastery.
God is good - how good? We are finding that out that He is good all the time.
The question for the day? Are all bridges helpful?
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Rain in Spain Falls Mainly on the Plain????
Ok, well apparently that is not true! After a clear start and stunning views,as we ascended into the mountains, the cloud came low and it rained on and off throughout our 8 hour walk, sometimes quite cold. But we made it through the most difficult and longest day of the journey! Some muscles are screaming in pain, but we now rest in a 120 bed hostel with other pilgrimmes before beginning our journey again tomorrow. A lovely 3 course Spanish dinner awaits at discount pilgrimme prices.
We made it through the most difficult day and are on the way!
We made it through the most difficult day and are on the way!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
In the Beginning...
We have arrived in St Jean (south of France near the Spanish border) after the stress of leaving our homes and an eventful day enroute from Nice to here. It started at -6.30am with dropping off the rental car and being locked on the property with the gates closing behind us and no one in sight to help - 20 minutes before our train departed. We miraculously made the train only to find Gabe's wallet and their credit cards were still back in the car. (Now Maree has the power of having all the money.) We journeyed on and had one further panic when we changed trains and thought the train was leaving without Gabe. The challenge of travelling through France with limited (Gabe and Biz) or no (Maree) french has also added to our adventures.
It is raining here in St Jean but we are trusting that it will clear by tomorrow when we begin the toughest day of the trek, 27km over 1400 metres on the Pyreness mountains. It can only get easier after that.
At the end of the day the question is - is it better to travel with friends without your money or to be flexible and alter your schedule in order to have money?
It is raining here in St Jean but we are trusting that it will clear by tomorrow when we begin the toughest day of the trek, 27km over 1400 metres on the Pyreness mountains. It can only get easier after that.
At the end of the day the question is - is it better to travel with friends without your money or to be flexible and alter your schedule in order to have money?
Saturday, April 10, 2010
To Be Silent Keeps Us Pilgrims
I am reminded of that verse in Genesis 12: 9 where it says that Abram journeyed on by stages towards the Negeb. Life is a journey of stages, of chapters with each day holding a surprise. It is a surprise that we 3 will shortly be embarking on a journey that will take us out of our comfort zone – spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. A chapter of 30 something days in our journey of life – each walking a different journey, but now walking together.
We will set out expecting surprises as they come to us, may we see them, hear them, feel them. May we not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise; a conversation with a fellow pilgrim, a fantastic view, a grace moment, a blister, an early morning sunrise, pain, cold water. Surprises open our hearts to a deeper relationship with God, family and friends.
We will be moving in un-chartered territory for us as we will leave the familiar safe places of work, home and country to move out into the unexpected. We will give up control of our thoughts to allow God to move and breathe in and through us. We will give up control of our daily schedule as we together find the right rhythm for each day. We will give up the comforts of transport to walk where many feet have gone before us in their journey of life.
Henri Nouwen in the Way of the Heart writes that “‘To be on pilgrimage is to be silent’ which expresses the conviction of the Desert Fathers that silence is the best anticipation of the future world.” Long meetings, long sermons, lots of words, long prayers – they often prove fruitless. Words often do not change people or things. The saying that ‘silence is golden’ is closer to the truth than we may want to admit. May this pilgrimage be a time of silence to hear what we need to hear and to understand its meaning. Nouwen also said that “To be silent keeps us pilgrims”, pilgrims on a journey with God as our pillar of cloud and fire.
Abram journeyed on by stages pitching his tent where God wanted him to stop. God has called us to stop and to refocus as we follow Him, and this is our next chapter. This time away from ‘home’ may be pivotal in different ways for each of us. May we enjoy the light that God will shine before us and be surprised by it. Thank you fellow pilgrims – for your prayers and love, Gabe
We will set out expecting surprises as they come to us, may we see them, hear them, feel them. May we not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise; a conversation with a fellow pilgrim, a fantastic view, a grace moment, a blister, an early morning sunrise, pain, cold water. Surprises open our hearts to a deeper relationship with God, family and friends.
We will be moving in un-chartered territory for us as we will leave the familiar safe places of work, home and country to move out into the unexpected. We will give up control of our thoughts to allow God to move and breathe in and through us. We will give up control of our daily schedule as we together find the right rhythm for each day. We will give up the comforts of transport to walk where many feet have gone before us in their journey of life.
Henri Nouwen in the Way of the Heart writes that “‘To be on pilgrimage is to be silent’ which expresses the conviction of the Desert Fathers that silence is the best anticipation of the future world.” Long meetings, long sermons, lots of words, long prayers – they often prove fruitless. Words often do not change people or things. The saying that ‘silence is golden’ is closer to the truth than we may want to admit. May this pilgrimage be a time of silence to hear what we need to hear and to understand its meaning. Nouwen also said that “To be silent keeps us pilgrims”, pilgrims on a journey with God as our pillar of cloud and fire.
Abram journeyed on by stages pitching his tent where God wanted him to stop. God has called us to stop and to refocus as we follow Him, and this is our next chapter. This time away from ‘home’ may be pivotal in different ways for each of us. May we enjoy the light that God will shine before us and be surprised by it. Thank you fellow pilgrims – for your prayers and love, Gabe
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