I’m starting out this morning a little bit late but again what a glorious day! I was the last one to leave our Albergue. There was a decent breakfast but was on your own at this place ... everything was there but there’s no one there catering to you so when I got done I set the dishes aside and cleaned off all the tables with wet rag and put on my backpack and departed. On the way I went took a picture of the street and of the Catholic Church as I left town.
There have been a few times already today when I wondered if I was on the right trail doubting myself, I would see either a Camino marker or a yellow painted arrow which are both pretty dependable signs that you’re on the Camino. The thought occurs that life is like that. Sometimes God sends us down the path and lets us be for a while as long as we’re on His path. Other times, we need directions very regularly. On the Camino, many times it is difficult to determine if we are on a road or a trail until a car comes.
Walking along, I hear this little noise, not sure what it is, but I stopped to look, and my shell had dropped to the ground. The shell (scallop shells are symbolic on the Camino and I have one on my backpack), is 2 or maybe 3 inches in diameter, so not very big. Doesn’t make a loud noise when it drops. But it does make a noise and I was maybe blessed enough to be able to hear it. Otherwise I might’ve ended up at the end of my day, when I took my backpack off, noticed it was gone. I guess the lesson is to be listening. Not knowing necessarily what you’re listening for but listen and I aim to do that the rest of this day and every day. There’s probably a similar lesson for watching. Keep your eyes open, paying attention to life as compared to having life just go by when you’re busy just getting done whatever you need to get done.
I’m seeing lots of vineyards as I walk. Earlier was a gentleman working the vineyard at 9 o’clock adjusting the vines so they grow the right way. I was gonna take a picture but I didn’t. So a few minutes later, I see a vineyard on the left with rocks everywhere and on the other side of the dirt road, a vineyard with seemingly all dirt... not sure what that’s all about but it sure seems like it would get a healthier crop from the dirt. Time will tell but it’s probably a lesson to be learned there too, ha ha, lots of time to think and I am thankful for it ...
Walked by a hillside that drains into a culvert and there’s a slab of concrete there. I took a picture of it... reminded me of some of the wisdom that you often hear. If you give a man a fish, you provide him a meal... if you teach him to fish, he can eat for life. these folks were having a problem with the water bringing the hillside down, so they put concrete there and that fixes that problem. I’m not sure that it cures the whole situation. and that saying somehow came to mind when I saw the slab of concrete poured weirdly. You may not be with me, but you get to benefit (?) from my musings.
A gent just walked by me... we spoke a little bit on the way. I said I was trying to develop some better communication and direction with my God and he said I am in very good hands... yes indeed I am.
Another hillside... just over the top sits a gentleman playing guitar with a music stand with a lady sitting behind him I think painting or drawing. I took a picture and left him some money... beautiful singing in beautiful sunshine. Over the next hill are more views, I think the next city is in the background. There’s a mountain with snow on top way back in the background even further.
It is now about 2 o’clock I think or approaching it. I met a gentleman a couple three hours ago: Gerhard from Austria we had a very nice walk and talk and then had lunch together. Took a picture of him and got an email address for him. Gerhard, he is not a believer but he started reading the Bible after he divorced a year or so ago. He has a child and was very receptive to the words that I shared about Jesus. It was very inspiring to be on the sending side of that and have him be so receptive... so I will pray for him in the future... I have his email address.
I’m about 30 minutes outside of there now on my way to the next town, Azofra. I’ve made arrangements for a room…a single! As for my hands, if I wear gloves in the sun, they feel better. When I take pics, though, I must take the gloves off and that is not a comfortable process. Hydrocortisone does seem to be helping. My foot blister feels like it’s doing OK, will keep an eye on it when I get to my room tonight!
Once again, I’m walking in faith wondering where the signs are and if I’m on the right road and they show up like they always do. Sometimes it’s too long and I have two little faith but they always show up. Walked with Birgitte for 10 minutes or so; she’s from Sweden we had dinner together last night. Sometimes she is behind me, sometimes in front of me. She reminded me that we need to turn around and look back sometimes another metaphor for life.
Met the couple in the room next to mine, Terry and Pete from Texas, Christian folks... I shared some Camino experiences as did they... Showered and relaxed a bit and went to dinner with 2 ladies from last night... Mieke from Holland and Birgette from Sweden. Then some more talk with the folks next door ending with a call to Jean and Jillian! Texted with Halley earlier…Nice way to top off the day. Sweet dreams.
See the town in the distance?
another musician...
Aha... my Albergue for the night!
An honest, to goodness bed!
I even hung up the clothes I was wearing
There have been a few times already today when I wondered if I was on the right trail doubting myself, I would see either a Camino marker or a yellow painted arrow which are both pretty dependable signs that you’re on the Camino. The thought occurs that life is like that. Sometimes God sends us down the path and lets us be for a while as long as we’re on His path. Other times, we need directions very regularly. On the Camino, many times it is difficult to determine if we are on a road or a trail until a car comes.
Walking along, I hear this little noise, not sure what it is, but I stopped to look, and my shell had dropped to the ground. The shell (scallop shells are symbolic on the Camino and I have one on my backpack), is 2 or maybe 3 inches in diameter, so not very big. Doesn’t make a loud noise when it drops. But it does make a noise and I was maybe blessed enough to be able to hear it. Otherwise I might’ve ended up at the end of my day, when I took my backpack off, noticed it was gone. I guess the lesson is to be listening. Not knowing necessarily what you’re listening for but listen and I aim to do that the rest of this day and every day. There’s probably a similar lesson for watching. Keep your eyes open, paying attention to life as compared to having life just go by when you’re busy just getting done whatever you need to get done.
I’m seeing lots of vineyards as I walk. Earlier was a gentleman working the vineyard at 9 o’clock adjusting the vines so they grow the right way. I was gonna take a picture but I didn’t. So a few minutes later, I see a vineyard on the left with rocks everywhere and on the other side of the dirt road, a vineyard with seemingly all dirt... not sure what that’s all about but it sure seems like it would get a healthier crop from the dirt. Time will tell but it’s probably a lesson to be learned there too, ha ha, lots of time to think and I am thankful for it ...
Walked by a hillside that drains into a culvert and there’s a slab of concrete there. I took a picture of it... reminded me of some of the wisdom that you often hear. If you give a man a fish, you provide him a meal... if you teach him to fish, he can eat for life. these folks were having a problem with the water bringing the hillside down, so they put concrete there and that fixes that problem. I’m not sure that it cures the whole situation. and that saying somehow came to mind when I saw the slab of concrete poured weirdly. You may not be with me, but you get to benefit (?) from my musings.
A gent just walked by me... we spoke a little bit on the way. I said I was trying to develop some better communication and direction with my God and he said I am in very good hands... yes indeed I am.
Another hillside... just over the top sits a gentleman playing guitar with a music stand with a lady sitting behind him I think painting or drawing. I took a picture and left him some money... beautiful singing in beautiful sunshine. Over the next hill are more views, I think the next city is in the background. There’s a mountain with snow on top way back in the background even further.
It is now about 2 o’clock I think or approaching it. I met a gentleman a couple three hours ago: Gerhard from Austria we had a very nice walk and talk and then had lunch together. Took a picture of him and got an email address for him. Gerhard, he is not a believer but he started reading the Bible after he divorced a year or so ago. He has a child and was very receptive to the words that I shared about Jesus. It was very inspiring to be on the sending side of that and have him be so receptive... so I will pray for him in the future... I have his email address.
I’m about 30 minutes outside of there now on my way to the next town, Azofra. I’ve made arrangements for a room…a single! As for my hands, if I wear gloves in the sun, they feel better. When I take pics, though, I must take the gloves off and that is not a comfortable process. Hydrocortisone does seem to be helping. My foot blister feels like it’s doing OK, will keep an eye on it when I get to my room tonight!
Once again, I’m walking in faith wondering where the signs are and if I’m on the right road and they show up like they always do. Sometimes it’s too long and I have two little faith but they always show up. Walked with Birgitte for 10 minutes or so; she’s from Sweden we had dinner together last night. Sometimes she is behind me, sometimes in front of me. She reminded me that we need to turn around and look back sometimes another metaphor for life.
Met the couple in the room next to mine, Terry and Pete from Texas, Christian folks... I shared some Camino experiences as did they... Showered and relaxed a bit and went to dinner with 2 ladies from last night... Mieke from Holland and Birgette from Sweden. Then some more talk with the folks next door ending with a call to Jean and Jillian! Texted with Halley earlier…Nice way to top off the day. Sweet dreams.
See the town in the distance?
Upon arrival to Azofra... a nice cold one! Got to talk with Jean as I enjoyed this one!
Aha... my Albergue for the night!
I am enjoying your blog, Jerry. I have hiked the Camino several times, but each time is so different. Glad you are doing this. It was very important for me.
ReplyDeleteAnother great day on the way....Walk on...
ReplyDeletepmJudy