Crap...you are telling me something!

A year ago I was so close to reaching Santiago. These were two of my favorite days. With all the noise in our world...noise of fear, noise of hate, noise of anger...it is difficult to listen for the whispers of nature, of the divine voice in the midst of the day to day...

It is there, though, in the subtlety of a bird's song,  a frog's croak, a leaf turning, a friend's voice...and more. Watch and listen for the divine and act appropriately!!

So yesterday I was walking alone all day. 

It was fine...I quite enjoyed the solitude and the time to reflect. 

At lunch I stopped at a little coffee bar and got some bread and cheese which was enough for three so I packed part of it up and took it for later. 

While I sat I decided to call ahead to see about getting a bed. Since there are so many more people walking the Camino since Sarria (the 100 km boundary spot) so they can receive their "Certificate of Compostela"  it's much more difficult to get a bed. I called seven places. Finally deciding that I obviously was not going to walk as far as I wanted. I tried the town before Ribadiso which was really just a hamlet. And apparently the albergue only had 6 beds. I was sure I was going to be calling another place in another town. 

They answered the phone and I asked, "Hable Englis?" He said, "un pequeyno." Or something like that. So I said, "camas por hoy?" Hoping that I had asked for a bed for today. He asked, "today?" "Si!" And he did. One.  I reserved it. 

When something like that happens you walk with a little joy in your step. Plus you don't feel like you have to hurry quite as much. I was disappointed that I wasn't going to be farther along but relieved I had a bed. It is miserable to walk up to albergue after albergue and have them say completo/full/no room. 

As I made my way along the path and the day got hotter and hotter and I was happier and happier that I was not going farther than Castaneda.

However, I was about 2 kms from my destination when I came around a bend on a wooded path. There on one of the familiar marked stones with the shell and a yellow arrow was a little tiny bird with a bright orange chest. I wish I had a good camera but I thought I could still get a good picture. I stood very still and and got my phone out of my pocket but she jumped down from her perch to the ground and hopped several steps and then flew high in the air. Disappointed I said out loud. Are you trying to tell me something? And with that turned another corner and sure enough there was a small hill to go up. I looked in the air and said "thanks for letting me know that I had this small hill to climb!" And I started climbing. As I reached another bend there was another marker...

...only this time there was a much larger blackbird sitting on it. My first thought was "crap, this can only mean one thing!" And with that the large blackbird jumped down from his perch and hopped on the ground for a few steps then flew high in the air. I thought "you are telling me something!"

And with that I turned the corner and laughed. And said, "crap this hill is five times as big but then that blackbird was at least five times as big as the orange-breasted bird. At least they warned you and you were paying attention!" And I kept laughing as I climbed. 

Looking up about two thirds the way...

Looking down about two thirds the way as it curves on down!!!

I got to the albergue and was met by the most delightful people. The woman fixed me the most amazing dinner. I stayed with three other guests Daryl and Mary from Australia (I'll tell you more about) and Estelle from Madrid, Spain. 

And saw this sunset...a good day

Listening for Grace--"...in a relaxed manner"

Joyce Rupp in her  book Walk in a Relaxed Manner talks of how the pilgrimage of Santiago pulls you to it and energizes you as you walk it and walk beyond. At the beginning of chapter one of her book she quotes Linda Hogan:

Walking, I am listening to a deeper way.
Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me.
Be still, they say. Watch and listen.

Yesterday while visiting with my medical doctor we agreed that there is so much noise, so many opinions, --people talking and shouting; so many people telling you what "they know" but so few people asking questions, spending time in dialogue, listening--or listening well.

As I sit here at my desk working, busy-ing myself, meeting deadlines I am reminded of the path of a pilgrim--listening to nature, listening to one's body, listening for the voices of those from the past who echo God's word...be still and know...

For a moment I got quiet and remembered the path to Santiago---and then with gratitude I realized I'm still on that journey--be still and know...listen...watch...get quiet and still so that you can
listen and watch with your heart.

Buen Camino today as you move through this day. May you and I journey with joy and wonder as we listen and watch...this day.

Reflections on the Camino--Even missing out there is JOY

Reflections on the Camino

So today was a very full day. I was in charge of a rest stop for the Tour de Rock--a bicycling ride to fight cancer.  It's a ride I thoroughly enjoy riding but haven't been able to ride for the last several years because of family obligations, work obligations, or being out of the country. It's ride that is near and dear to my heart because of its beginnings--fighting cancer and because of my beginnings into cycling.

I wasn't in charge of the rest stop not by a long shot but I knew who to ask and others volunteered and they are amazing--Michael Manley, Marcus and Tamara McNeice, Mendy Rice, and Robert Carr--THANK YOU!!!!

Then I headed off to our regional meeting where I was on a "panel" discussion about 'What does the bible mean to me..."

And then other work obligations. It's been a very full day. But my reflection is this:

Today was a busy day and yet a joy-filled day. I missed out on some things today much like a year ago when I didn't get to ride with Mellos in the TDR and when I had to say good-bye to friends because my feet were so weary and apparently infected. But in the missing out, because of the busy-ness of today and even in the pain of a year ago-- I found joy because of serving and reflecting on what it means to be a part of a larger community--for this I am grateful.

Today--like this day a year ago is filled with JOY!

Here are my thoughts a year ago...


Second full day in Burgos. I have declared this a day of Color. From the streets of brick to the painted buildings to the people's clothes. It's a day of color. 

I woke in the night drenched in sweat. Not sure if it was from keeping the COPPER metal blinds closed to keep the noise out or because I had a fever and it broke. But whatever I felt great this morning. And when I removed the WHITE bandages from my feet they were so much better just like the nurse said they would be. 

So I took my shower and decided on my SALMON shirt for the day. 

Of course had to wear something over it at first because it was only 50 degrees this morning. So I cleaned my wounds per my nurse, finished packing my backpack and headed out for the day's adventure. 

Already I knew it was going to be better I got my sandals on over the bandage. And only have them on one foot!! AND I could simply walk down the steps. Backpack on and I was not gingerly stepping. Awesome. 

I stopped for breakfast. Figured out where I wanted to stay tonight. It fills up quickly so needed to be there early and just sit and wait but I had time. And then planned my next steps. Also went by the tourist office to get info about where to get new shoes....taking pictures all the way. 

I got back to the Albergue at 10:30 and there were already 7 people ahead of me. I had been there at 9 but knew since it didn't open until noon I had plenty of time. I waited. Some people invited me to join them for coffee as we waited. The time passed quickly. Finally our host greeted us. 

Those who were sick or had medical papers were the first received. People encouraged me to the front. And tried to get my bag for me. I was in tears. There were others. I believe 6-8 in all. It was quite moving. 

As we made our way up the stairs I saw the shells.

She explained to us that we are in a place of opposites. The last come first...those who are ill get first attention...and then she said welcome to a place where you are close to heaven...

After getting settled I went out searching for shoes. In this city of color. 

I stopped for lunch, took a few more photos:

and then headed across the river. Where I found the store but they were closed until 5 pm. So I went and  sat awhile again to watch people. Sylvia, who I met yesterday came by and sat with me. She is riding the Camino. She started in Frankfurt and has already put in more than 3000 kms. 

At 4:45 we headed back across the river. The man In the store directed me to a pair of shoes. And they were okay. But I asked to try something else. He said they would be to wide and too large because they only come in men's. We finally convinced him to let me try. And they seem to fit great with all the swelling. I also bought another pair of sandals, Tevas. :)  I'm not going to throw the other hiking shoes away just yet, just in case. But I feel a little better about my prospects. And they follow the theme of the day. COLOR!!!

I'm going to try to walk just 13 kms (about 10 miles) tomorrow. I walked 5 miles Wednesday and 6 today. And my feet are okay. I will wear sandals. And take many breaks. 

Thanks for all your good thoughts and prayers. 

Reflections on the Camino...thankful for even adversity

Reflections on this post...reflections on the Camino...

I re-read this post...out loud to my grown children tonight. It made me so grateful for the mountains that I climbed, the adversity that was overcome. And made me remember that it was because of others that I did so. Thank you all! 


Yesterday as we made our way out of San Juan de Ortega I was thinking about my father and his birthday. He turned 92. It helped me to concentrate on something other than the fact that I hadn't been able to get my shoes on and I was going to walk 9-10 miles in Chakas (over rocks and gravel and asphalt). And yes even in my Chakas I couldn't wear the same sockwear 

(William be proud of the colorful statement!) because my right foot was so swollen. 

As we headed out of San Juan we entered the forest again. And the music started. Joelle sang a bit. But when she stopped the birds started. And we were headed up, up, up again. 

Then it got quiet. 

You could hear the click, click of the walkers sticks. The crunch, crunch of our shoes but otherwise we were silent...walking along...walking...

And then in the distance, "cuckoo, cuckoo". And a response. "cuckoo, cuckoo". Again. "cuckoo, cuckoo...cuckoo, cuckoo". 

I suddenly felt as if the birds were calling to us pilgrims. " Hey you!! You are...cuckoo, cuckoo". They wouldn't stop. It wasn't just one but several. You are crazy pilgrims. Especially you, with your mismatched socks and your sandals. You are climbing mountains. You are doing the impossible. You are cuckoo. Little do you know you are going to walk 15 miles not 9...Turn back now. 

And I thought of all those who have been told they are crazy as they struggled for peace or justice; freedom or equal rights. I thought of those who stand against oppression, against the bully; who do what is right when another path is easier. "Cuckoo, cuckoo". I thought about how someone tries to say they are wrong or crazy or discounts what they are doing. 

"Cuckoo, cuckoo" they sang to us all the way up the mountain. 

Yesterday was a tough day. It was 15 miles instead of 9. I said goodbye to my friends. I was going to be in the city alone. Maybe I was cuckoo. 

Yes, I had to say goodbye to my Camino companions for a time, go seek some medical attention, let my feet heal and get some rest. But I am still on the way, perhaps still hearing the voices of those who criticize, but only in the distance, for they cannot overwhelm the joy...of tripping into grace and bringing others with you. ;)

Refelections on the Camino-Happy 93rd Birthday

June 2, 2015

Happy Birthday daddy. 92 years old. You have seen a lot of changes in this world. As a child of the depression you know how to conserve. As a man of faith you know how to pray. As a man who learned early how to work and how to work well you know never to waste a moment. You have gifted your children through your example and your life.

Thank you. 

But what I want today to comment on is my walk...the Camino de Compostella (which you were all in favor of me coming on until you found out I was coming alone). As I walked today my 12th day of walking, pushing 200 miles in 12 days and celebrating in my mind your birthday I thought of your time during World War 2. 

Here are my thoughts: On the Camino. My pack is half the size of yours 20 lbs compared to 40 lbs) and my walking sticks don't weigh any where near your 12 pound rifle. I can stop for coffee when I want to, or at the pharmacy when I have a blister, or even 

decide to take a rest day. You didn't have that luxury fighting during the Battle of the Bulge or any other time. 

You, and other soldiers, or for that matter refugees, or prisoners of war, can't stop but must keep going against the weather, the enemy, the threats that come. 

I walked today in honor of you. But it just doesn't seem enough for all you've done. 

As a soldier who fought for others..as a servant of God who has worked faithfully ...as person who has pursued  justice and taught others to do the same. 

So I will simply say I love you, daddy. Happy Birthday!!