Yesterday was rough--not the path--we were the problem. Dad lost his character buff (you know how he loves that buff)--Dad found his character buff. We took a wrong turn and had to retrace our steps....A BIG Camino downer......and the list of petty problems goes on! But then we were in Carrion at the Albergue supported by the Madres Clarisas. Santa Clara is credited with creating the first Nativity Set. Attached to the Albergue is a museum with over 1000; some stirring, some tacky, but all delightful. Let me tell you about some more of our best day-changers: • I arrive limping--the duct tape on my glasses has seen better days. Dad is bleeding from a head wound he achieved walking into a low door way. Our host approaches--shuffling. Two different coloured socks and two different flip-flops adorn his feet. His grey track pants are cut off Capri style. "Ray-mund from Canada?", he asks. Apparently Ray-mund was a very famous movie hero in the 1940's, or so we learn. He and a Dad are instant friends. We pay our 7 Euros each. He leads us to the windowsill where they keep the single door key for everyone to use. Then past the dorms up the stone staircase. Tucked away is a small room for two with a tiny window poking through the thick walls into the courtyard. A room of our own--with a real door and our own lights and electrical outlet--a real Camino blessing. • We call him Mr. Israel. He walks fast but often stops to talk. He is twenty-four. We have connected, but today was different. "Hot day, but I can't roll up my sleeves--just got a tattoo", he offers. Of course I am curious. He briefly pushes up his sleeve to show me "live;". He wonders if I know about the semi-colon. Yes, we have the semicolon campaign in a Canada too. He tells me that even though he is young he has had many physical and emotional struggles. I ask if the Camino helps. "Yes and No--somethings are clearer and some struggles are new ones", he says. He tells me he didn't want to put a word after the semicolon so that he could change it as his strength grows. Dad suggests, "Live Fully". He thinks that is quite good but that right now he is still working on "Live; on". Mr. Israel, our wish for you is that you can live intentionally and love extravagantly. Blessings. Allegedly St Francis of Assisi once stayed where we did last night. Which reminds me--Final shout-out Blessing of the day is for Tyler Schaefer (and Mary Smith). Your duet, Instrument of Peace, is at the top of our Camino playlist and is becoming somewhat of our anthem each and every day. The gift of music😄 You are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom.
6 Comments
Nano
9/26/2017 04:46:22 am
Loving dad's beard! Miss y'all!
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Mom
9/26/2017 05:23:11 am
Still lots of Red in the Grey! Wifi tonight...yippee. Love you.
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Tyler Schaefer
9/28/2017 06:15:14 pm
What an honour! I love the song too. Sometimes, it is annoying to listen to your own singing, but truth be told... I love that song and the recording.
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Diane
9/28/2017 09:56:08 pm
😀
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Mary Smith
9/28/2017 07:06:48 pm
So glad our duet gives you inspiration! Thanks for the shout-out!
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Diane and Ray
9/28/2017 09:55:39 pm
We , of course have the whole Cristmas Album....love it all, but it is a little hot on the Meseta to think of sleigh bells😀
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Ray & Diane HomewoodSharing the Blessing of Travel Archives
January 2018
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