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Published: October 20th 2014
Yesterdays events were inspiring and many; the magnitude of what we have achieved takes awhile to sink in. Two guys 70 & 69 have just completed a 500 mile, or 800km walk across Spain. We are pleased with ourselves on a number of fronts, 1. We finished in spite of sime obstacles, 2. When we felt like giving up, we pushed on, our health has been maintained miraculously by the Lord, 3. Our friendship has deepened even though we have been together 24/7 for nearly 7 weeks, 4. We have met some delightful people with backgrounds and life stories that are inspiring, 5. We have been prayed for & supported by an army of family & friends like yourselves - thank you, 6. We leave here knowing God has done a work in both of us, the result yet fully to be realized.
On arriving in Santiago the Cathedral became evident as we tall spires. We had been told it was under restoration, so scaffolding was evident. Our hotel is directly opposite one of the entrances to the Cathedral. Being to early to book in, we left our day packs and proceeded to investigate our surroundings, took photos of our
finish line - the Cathedral. Had breakfast of bacon & eggs, and headed for the Midday Mass. We arrived a little after 11am, and the place was packed; our seats were the base of two big columns. People gradually stood in front of us, so i stood up for the whole service on my pedestal overlloking the group in front of me - great view of everything, although a little tiring after an hour. I taped a little of the singing, and much to my surprise and embarrassment it began to play back during the service. Along with 2 or 3 others we eventually turned it off. (RED FACE, RED FACE). The service ended with the swinging of the big smoke burner, which is quite enthralling to watch. The mass is centered around the Pilgrims, and the message is quite evangelistic (so we were told by a Spanish speaking pastor). It's thought the original intention of the smoke burner was to quell the smell & stench of the original pilgrims when they arrived. The incence in the burner is sweet smelling. I thought this was appropriate for Roger, but myself i smell like a sweet rose :-), :-).
The
rest of the day was spent sight seeing, and catching up with fellow pilgrims met along the way. Dinner last night was shared with the Presbyterian minister & his wife also from California.
A highlight was standing in line to receive our certificates at the Compostela office for having completed the trek. We now are official pilgrims of the Camino. Today we are heading to the church of St Francis to collect another certificate celebrating the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis walking the Camino. They are providing the certificates free to those who would like one.
We are surrounded by buildings hundreds of years old, quite amazing. Our hotel we think is the former palace of the Bishop of Santiago - unbelievably large. It is very comfortable; we look at upon a green hillside dotted with white houses with red roofs. The hill is topped with two telecommunication towers. In the foreground are the bluestone ancient buildings with narrow streets. People walk by in conversation, while children play gaily in the parks. Another fine day is promised as we rest, and get ready to catch a train tomorrow to Madrid. Home here we come.
the following words
are a summation of Roger''s and my experience on the Camino.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking,
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us.
It's not just within some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our Light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
Marrianne Williamson, immortalized in Nelson Mandelas, "Freedom Speech".
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Ken
non-member comment
The best seat in the house, lots of leg room !
Dear Pal, you made it! Thank you for allowing us to travel with you. Time now to rest, heal and reflect. CU soon! Ken