Day Before The First Day

Jet Lag Day

We arrived at our little hotel—Itzalpea—around 11 pm last night. After a good night’s sleep we set out to explore the town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the traditional starting point for the Camino Frances. First things first, I bought a hat—always need a hat with meaning. Already we have experienced the kindness of people along the way. After our problems with the flight cancelation and connections we were helped by so many airline folks who went beyond their jobs to get us here. And the Camino Ways team—the company that arranged this trip for us—has been excellent with their support. This morning I received a test from Lidia, and it read ”Good morning, dear Marlin …” Don’t know Lidia, but I’d like to, wouldn’t you?

The Hat

Sally and I love Catholic churches. When in Jerusalem we were introduced to the wonder and significance of the various images and practices. Yesterday was the 28th anniversary of the death of Don Hoekstra, Sally’s father. Today Sally lit a candle in Norte Dame Cathedral, the beautiful church in the community of SJPP (St-Jean-Pied-de-Port). We used to do this in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for these kind of occasions, many times for friends. As is my custom, I took a photo of Madonna and Child. I’m always curious as to Mary’s expression in these depictions of her and baby Jesus.

Mother Mary and Baby Jesus

Mary has a nice expression here, I think. You can just make it out behind the child. Often she is depicted with a very sad expression, because of the ”… sword through your own heart” prophecy. I love Mary! She was given a very difficult role and she played it about as well as one could. Her raging at the injustices in her world (the Magnificat)—whether her own words or Luke’s—are so brave and so fearless. I can picture a young Palestinian girl raising her fist in the face of an Israeli soldier invading her home at four o’clock in the morning scaring her little brother out of sleep. Or for that matter, a migrant worker’s daughter laboring away in a Michigan blueberry patch. I love Mary!

Day 1 Tomorrow

We will set out after breakfast, around 8 am. That seems a little late to me, but I’m going with the group decision here. This is me not being me! We trekked down the first mile of the path today. It will be a challenging climb, and probably in the rain. At least we hope for rain because this region badly needs it. We’ll end up—God willing—in Roncesvalles, the ”valley of the thorns”. Roncesvalles is said to receive “All pilgrims … sick and well, Catholics, Jews, pagans, heretics and vagabonds …” I think that covers everyone in our group. I’m the heretic, I think, and the rest of the group are pagans—being Protestants. We do have a seminary president in our group, so maybe she’s the vagabond.

Baguettes Everywhere

An actual baguette vending machine with baguettes for one euro—and warm. We bought three and after adding cheese and some amazing dried pork had one left over.

Again, thanks for your encouraging words. I’ll try to keep you on the trail with us. And for you who need a candle lit—please let me know and we’ll do it for you in one of the many, many Catholic churches along the journey.

So Buen Camino!