4 posts tagged “pilgrims”
so I'm signing off from Spain, and will reconnect somewhere in Kenya, God willing, or when I return to the States. I'm not sure I can go a full month without bloging! After a summer with almost no rain, Galician weather caught up to me, and I got a little damp on the feast day. Yet, just before 11:30pm last night, right when the fireworks were set to start, the wind pushed the rain away, and we had a star-filled night punctuated with the extravangaza of lazers, fireworks, music, and fiesta.
I did buy one "recuerdo" from this excursion. I've been wanting a Basque hat to wear, because they are solid black (always appropriate), and very similar in style to my personal favorite, the "golf" cap, in teh Scottish and Irish tradition. I wasn't going to, but I passed a hat shop, and they had one with the cathedral imprinted on the silk inside, so I decided this would make a good alternative to the mortar board if I finally get done with this DMin., so it's something I carry with me from this project to the celebration that emerges from completion of my research and reflection.
Now, a VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to the Evangelical Education Society. Not only did they enable my work in Spain this summer through one of the educational grants, but I also received an award through the previous grant cycle to go to Kenya. Having postponed that trip from last January, it's now time to follow up and follow through on that grant.
I am very excited, a little nervous, and very hopeful.
Of course, I will continue (if not in Kenya, then certinaly in the many months following my return) to reflect on and grow from this experience in Spain, as I will I am sure of my time in Kenya. Thanks to all who have kept with me in reading this far, for your comments and prayers. I hope you will enjoy what may come in the future!
Though I hate pics of myself, typically, I thought I'd give you a little treat and humor, so here is one of me and my hat:) Maybe this will help prevent skin cancer! And no, it's not a French beannie. They are quite different
One thing a couple of pilgrims have commented on is the candles I burn for each of them. I have a little prayer table where I set up candles, and when they arrive, I welcome them by inviting them to light a candle, which I will use to pray for them while they are stay and on their pilgrimage.
Some have commented that they were disappointed with the electric candles in the cathedral – you drop a coin in and it lights up, not sure for how long. The tactice act of lighting a candle is different from the arcade-game feeling of electric votives. Perhaps it is more economical, and less pollution. Yet, there is something elemental about striking a match, like the first time a human being made a spark?
R. made a peace crane to contribute to the altar, and one of our pilgrims donated a few shells collected at Finistrere – the “end of the world” – the symbol of this pilgrimage.
Well, I'm in the Seattle airport, waiting to board for Heathrow, then Madrid. From there, a bus to Santiago. I'm excited to be spending time moving forward with this dream of ministry to pilgrims. I hope to keep you posted on what's going on while I'm on the ground there. Maybe some fun pictures, too.
