Camino II — We Begin

Yep, that Saint James, the patron saint that we will be walking with on the Camino — starting today — 4/29. We look ready, right?

What awaits? We don’t know! And that’s the beauty of this. We’ll feel things we didn’t think we would, or maybe even could. We’re see things that we could not see except here along the coast of Portugal. The best of all is that we are traveling with five friends and we know we will get to know them as only fellow pilgrims can. They will encourage us and we them.

I will experience pain. This is a reality. My scoliosis will cause pain on my right side. There is nothing I can do about that. But I’ll experience grace too. Sally will come along side. My companions will care. I’ll make it and I’ll be the better for the pain. Pain is a test, yes, but also a gift. Pain reminds us that we are alive and that living is not without struggle.

Pilgrims along the Way

This is Ricardo. He is from Porto. Around his neck is a keffiyeh, the traditional scarf worn in the Middle East. He is a guide to Camino travelers. I met him in an official spot for pilgrims seeking the credentials needed to receive your documentation of the walk. I asked him about the keffiyeh. Here’s what he told me — “I received this as gift from a Palestinian friend. I wear it this weekend where we here in Portugal are celebrating Freedom Day. We have a bad history of treatment of Jewish people so I want to be clear that I am not against Jews. But I want Palestinians to be free too.”

See? Stuff like that happens on the Camino!

I’ll Do My Best!

I’ll try post each day, but only if I have something to say. And I’m wearing this hat because it has history. It looks good on me too. I’m sporting the scruffy look. I’m in St James mode.

Love to you each and all! Thank you for caring about Sally and me. We are grateful to have friends. After all, life is short, and when it’s over all that matters in what you leave behind, is those you loved and those who loved you too.

Yeah, I’m taking a selfie while Bob is doing the same.