I call them the bridge dwellers. They are the 6 kids and 4 adults from South Africa we met a few days ago just hanging out under a bridge in Spain like they owned the place, not seeming to think they needed to be anywhere anytime soon. Then there are the guys. Just the guys (even though we know their names). Two college age young men from Arizona who were trying to start out in St. Jean just like us, they pointed us toward the Pilgrim office on our very first day and have been zooming past us utilizing Mercury's wings only to meet us again in another town. Crazy but true. Finally, we have the Irish contingency. Just two, but what a pair! Martin and Jackie are rascally rascals, full of mischief but with big hearts that let us know they care, that is unless we get ahead of them. Then it's back to business they go, with a brief howdy do and a wave of the hand mid air. These are only a few examples of the many dozens of friendships made along the Camino, where names fade quickly, while country of origin usually sticks. We hear "Hey, it's Georgia!" a lot more than our first names, and that is fine by us, as it is with everyone here. Names aren't nearly as important as finding out about these folks, who have such varied and interesting stories that fill our days with the spice of life.
Country of origin aside, the uniqueness of the people here becomes one huge, beautiful tapestry, with colors and textures from around the world. Turn it over, a person would most definitely see knots, loose threads, and frayed ends, not a pretty sight for sure; however, it is the raw truth. We pilgrims of the Way thrive on that raw truth, sans makeup, clean clothes, style. We know here what matters: love, connectedness, blister care... Seriously though, perhaps off the merry go round for a while, here we are better able to take a step back, look at the big picture, and see a little more clearly the Weaver's handiwork. The whole picture, the tapestry of His creation, is a living, breathing miracle. My prayer is that I can translate this knowledge to everyday life after the Camino. In my own strength, impossible, but through God, the ultimate Weaver of men, nothing is impossible! Buen Camino!
Country of origin aside, the uniqueness of the people here becomes one huge, beautiful tapestry, with colors and textures from around the world. Turn it over, a person would most definitely see knots, loose threads, and frayed ends, not a pretty sight for sure; however, it is the raw truth. We pilgrims of the Way thrive on that raw truth, sans makeup, clean clothes, style. We know here what matters: love, connectedness, blister care... Seriously though, perhaps off the merry go round for a while, here we are better able to take a step back, look at the big picture, and see a little more clearly the Weaver's handiwork. The whole picture, the tapestry of His creation, is a living, breathing miracle. My prayer is that I can translate this knowledge to everyday life after the Camino. In my own strength, impossible, but through God, the ultimate Weaver of men, nothing is impossible! Buen Camino!