"THE DEEP RICHNESS OF HISTORY AND THE SIMPLICITY OF NOW" (from June 28, 2014)

While walking around Santiago, Izabela ran into one of our trail buddies who very excitedly showed us her Compostela from the San Francisco Monastery.  The Monk, Saint Francis, walked the El Camino Trail 800 years ago and to commemorate that, the Monastery issues a Compostela (certificate of recognition and proof that the walk was done) every 100 years and this was the year. 

(San Francisco Monastery is not too far from the Cathedral 

 and silently invites the Pilgrims, "Come In.")

Izabela and I sought the Monastery out and went inside this sacred space to investigate.  The beauty and grandeur within takes your breath away.  What looks ordinary on the outside, is actually the holder of great history and spiritual beauty.  The Door opens to a surprising display of art and, sculpture and architecture that lifts us to a high place.

.

We entered a small door off the right of the main alter.  There sat two monks in a dim lighted area quietly waiting to honor our 500 Mile Walk.One was younger and wore a wool shawl against the dank cold, the other was older and complained that the Peregrinos were not donating enough for receiving their Compostela.  Still, there was a quiet air of dignity;  Izabela and I approached with our filled out passports to receive this special certificate.

To receive something that is only issued every 100 years was an honor.  Izabela wanted to be sure of the correct spelling of her name and I wanted to have both my family name (Randolph) and married name (Bonvallet) on this Compostela.  It is hard to explain this deep feeling connected with 800 years of history.

Walking along the El Camino, we were aware that we were actually following in the footsteps of the Apostle James.  That is heavy and awesome stuff.  Millions of pilgrims have walked on that path, over those same rocks . . .   We were part of that history now.

(Compostela issued every 100 years.)

With our certificates in hand, Izabela and I made our way back to the Cathedral for a meeting with a few of our friends that had gotten in the same day as we did.  We planned a farewell dinner and celebration of our completion.

L to R John Goble, Vanessa Johnston, Sidney, Izabela, Alexa, Maria, not shown:  Joan and Mary.

It was a glorious reunion . . .  We had all accomplished our 500 Mile Goal.  Happy as it was, there was the sweet sorrow of saying "goodbye."  But we decided to live "in the moment," and all responded to the question, "What had we gained . . .  What had we learned for ourselves . . .  What would we take home with us."  The answers were thoughtful and heartfelt.  Below is a brief summary of our responses:

John: To bring home the joyful anticipation of seeing something beautiful afar off (like the mountains) and knowing that by continuing on his path he would reach them.  So he wants that joy, without judgement.

Vanessa: To simplify my life and to accept who I really am . . .  and to live that truth.  To be in the present and not have expectations so I can enjoy "what is."

Sidney: To express my appreciation for the loyal and enduring love I receive from Wayne.  To simplify my surroundings to unclutter my mind.  Serve in our Villages with the sure knowledge we are doing what God has assigned us to do.  And to continue this closer intimacy with God.

Izabela: To say "yes," then figure out "how."  I don't have to do everything FAST . . .  Slow it down and adjust my tempo.  I will still get to the finish.  Letting go of control and trusting myself.

Alexa: To reclaim my power and grow the  confidence I've gained by walking the Camino.  Stand my ground and be strong for myself.

Maria: To have self love and also to allow the confidence I've gained to grow.  Have an appreciation for the people I meet.

Joan (not shown) To plant a garden.  All the gardens we saw spoke of a simple life of beauty.  Live more simply knowing I don't need so much.  I want to live in gratitude for what I have.

Mary (not shown) To be more open to relationships.  Consider letting a man in my life.  No rush... just consider it.  Also to be more open to my family.

SIMPLICITY WAS THE WINNER IN EVERYONE'S HEART.  The Camino taught us we carry too much "stuff," think we need so much more than we really do.  Living more simply is liberating and frees up energy for the more important things in life.

Until next time, with love,  

Sidney

"SACRED TRADITIONS TO MOVE THE SOUL" (from 6/25/2014)

Entering Santiago, triumphant that we had just walked 500 miles across northern Spain, is not the end of the story.  It seems the experience must "unfold" slowly even in its ending.  To become the reality of 6 weeks walking about 15 miles a day, little events have to unfurl like rose petals, revealing many smaller beautiful parts.

So many "unfinished" stories need the witness of their ultimate completion.  Did Deideia ever get past O Cebreiro?  Were Sharon and Linda from South Africa still in the game?  What about Alexa and Maria, our little Angels of Mercy?  Where were John and Vanessa?  Did our Alex with the flat feet make it in?  How about Pat?  Would we see our precious Texans again?  And what ever happened to the man from Senegal who thought he'd have to quit because he had giant blisters on the bottom of both feet?  Did Dane the cellist finish?  IS THIS IT with the Compostela, or is something unique trying to happen?

(In the square again to see if it was all real.)  

So, Izabela and I had our moment of glory and celebration.  And with it came this great release and laying down of our burdens.  We did not have to walk tomorrow.  We were free to bring form and meaning to the El Camino for ourselves.   Going back to the Cathedral did just that because we saw many of the friends we had made in the beginning of our Camino.  It was a joyous reunion.  Look closely at the lady in the purple shirt on the right.  That is Kristina Stamler.

Now that we are on the Cathedral Square, let's talk about some interesting history. 

(The cathedral)

The Cathedral stands stalwart in its grandeur for the weary Pilgrim.  With all the struggles 

and danger the Pilgrim faced, this buoyed up their spirit and filled them with a mystery larger than themselves.  They found sanctuary for their weary soul and experienced an overwhelming awe that made the whole thing worthwhile. 

Let me share how one holy tradition just might have started.
 
Back in days of old, people did not bathe every day.  Actually, back then, people only bathed once a year for the most part.  You can imagine the smell in a crowded Church on a hot day.  The Monks started swinging an incense burner to cover up the stench from all the ripening bodies.  Gradually, even though people started practicing better hygiene, the swinging incense burner (censer) morphed into the tradition of purifying the worshipers and making them feel Holy.  I am very glad this all happened because of what we got to witness when the Mass was dedicated especially to us Pilgrims. Watch these brief videos and photos to taste a little part of the spiritual beauty we experienced.

(The sweetness of the singing and the pageantry of the entering procession.)

(A Monk lights the incense in the censer preparing us for a holy cleansing)

(The burning censer is raised.)

(Monks position themselves and take a rope.  They start the swinging of this great censer with incense smoke beginning to billow out . . .  it is an awe inspiring ritual.  They must carefully coordinate their ropes to lift the censer above the alter with each revolution).  

(The censer starts a slow rhythmic swing . . .  It picks up speed as the Monks pull the ropes in perfect tandem . . .   It literally causes us to gasp as this giant burning censer swings down, swoops past us, then swooshes high above us.  It is an awesome and holy moment!)

(Angelic voices sing of higher things and the drama is complete in its transformation.)

It felt as if gates that had been tightly closed swung open with an amazing "Welcome Home" sensation filling my soul.  I am humbled by the sanctity in my heart.  I am grateful for such a glorious completion.

There is more to come, with love,

Sidney/Mom/Grandma

"ON THE WAY TO SANTIAGO" (from 6/21/2014)

We are on the "countdown" now.

(The last morning)

Izabela leading the way.  We hadn't yet reached the woods, so we were brave.

(The dark woods)

This is the 16.9 kilometer marker. Still feeling strong. 

(16.9 km to go)

Light began to appear through the trees, and we didn't feel so alone.  

(The light on the path)

The sunrise was worth waiting for. 

(God's gracious gift)

(The way of Saint James)

The graffiti got more philosophical. 

(El Camino graffiti)

Izabela and I are in Santiago!  We can see the awesome cathedral in the distance, but it is still far away.  And I know I can't make it without nourishment. 

(Almost, but not quite.)

Had a doughnut and a coca cola.  We are quite emotional!  We are in Santiago de Compostela!!! We have walked the 500 miles!!!  We are overwhelmed!  Now we must walk the final steps to get our
Compostela.  The feelings are so strong, and they are all trying to tumble out at the same time. 

(A welcome snack)

The walk to the Cathedral was long . . .  And we were tired from the 4:30 am wake-up.  But
WE MADE IT!!!  We cried, laughed, were introspective, felt joy and sorrow.  The feelings really were too big to hold them.  Tears continue to flow even as I write this.  It seems we started this journey so long ago and in a far away place.   Here, I asked Izabela how she felt . . . 

(Izabela at the end of the journey)

Then, I tried to express my feelings, but the enormity of them overpowered me.  I still haven't sorted them all out yet.  

(Sidney at the end of the journey)

Izabela and I had a little victory celebration and then had to go to the Pilgrim's Office to apply
for our Compostela (the certificate showing we had finished). 

(Celebrate!)

Izabela and I had to find the Pilgrim's Office ( more walking on poor, busted feet).  Many of our Camino friends were in the line, too.  We often marveled at how the timing kept bringing us into each other's space all along the Camino. 

(Camino friends)

Juan asked us all the questions, examined our Camino Passports, and he issued the regular Compostela and the one that showed how far we walked.  I didn't want one inch taken off. 

(It's official!)

With Compostela in hand we went in search of our hotel.  Wayne insisted on putting us up in one where we could be a little more comfortable.

That is when we ran into our Texas boys again.  And guess what they had found?!  That's right,
Burger King.  My mouth watered for one. 

So Izabela and I reached our final destination.  I couldn't have had a  better partner.  We learned so much from this experience and want to share more later.  I still have a piece to write about the Cruz Ferro . . .  For now, we just wanted to let you know that we are here!!!  It was one heck of a ride. Your prayers and encouragement lifted us up and carried us across the Finish Line.   Please let us hear from you now.  You can contact me direct on email sid4wayne@gmail.com and contact Izabela on izabela.jaworska@yahoo.com.

Until next time, with love, 

Sidney/Mom/Grandma

"COUNTDOWN!" ONLY 11 MORE MILES TO GO!!!! (from 6/20/2014)

(Sidney checks out kilometers to Santiago.) 

We will March into Santiago on Saturday and go listen to our Cellist friend, Dane Johansen, play at the great Cathedral in Santiago.  Izabela and I are overwhelmed with so many mixed emotions.  We laugh, cry and get weepy all over again.  It is going to be very hard to be through but at the same time, thrilling because we have completed it.  So many vivid memories.

Just for laughs, watch the next three videos.

For the first video, you must go to the following Link

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=893384117345725

( This  is officially the "Llama Hop."  Keep it in mind when you watch the next video). 

(Izabela, my energizer "Llama" on steroids.  

We were laughing about the Llama Hop when she decided to try it . . .  

With her backpack on!)

(Meanwhile, I am on so much pain, I can barely put one hurting foot in front of the other.)

"TODAY WAS ALL ABOUT MAKING THE MILES"

(Vanessa and John caught up with us AGAIN!  We had a great visit and made plans to meet Sunday on the steps of Santiago Cathedral on Sunday night.   Don't have photo, but we also ran into Jan from Germany, then Sharon and Linda from South Africa.  They all agreed to meet too). 

(We had to travel a lot in the "Black Forest" today 

with a storm threatening, which never occurred).

(Then we had to descend into the pit. 

For all the altitude we clambered up, we knew we had to come down that same amount. 

Such was the "see a day and we didn't get to our room until 7:00 pm). 

(The graffiti can move us to tears.  This one really catches the heart and soul of the Camino). 

("El Dolor es auto temporalLa Gloria es para siempre!)

My friends Marco and Regi need to translate this.  But loosely, it means:  Sadness is only temporary, but, Joy (or Glory) is forever!!

I want to revisit my precious Texas A & M Group. They impress me at so many levels. I call this small story:  

"WHEN COMPASSION COLLIDES WITH LOVE"

I told you a little about their interaction with Deideia.  This next piece is best told with photos.  My new, wonderful friend, Alexa Gordon is a professional journalist in Australia.  She graciously agreed to let me share these photos with you. Alexa masterfully captured the human spirit in her work.  But, let me get right to the story. 

These young people have totally won my heart.  I will put my faith and money on them any day, their hearts are so big,  they have a "can do" spirit and their attitude is "IT SHALL BE DONE!!

Deideia came to a stand still.  He could not push his own chair over the rocks.  The Texans were deciding how to help him.

(David [off screen], Cameran , and Scott make a plan and decide 

how to get Deideia over the rocks.  Maria looks on as Alexa takes the photos). 

(Chelsea leads the way as the girls took on the task of carrying the guy's backpacks. 

That meant they were carrying over 44 pounds each!)

(Scott holds Deideia in place [there is no back on his special chair]

while Cameran attaches the rope system). 

(David and Cameran pull the ropes while Scott holds onto Deideia and pushes). 

(Ultimately, the Texans had to lift the chair with Deideia in it 

 over the rocks to the top of the hill). 

This gives me such pride and hope in our younger generation 

I feel privileged to know these exceptional young people. 

Until next time, with love, 

Sidney

"DEEP IN A TEXAS HEART" (from 6/19/2014)

As Of June 19, 2014, Izabela and I have walked 473.2 miles.  Only 26.8 more miles to go!!!

(With all the encouragement you have given us, we will make it in our last two days). 

"DEEP IN A TEXAS HEART"

I have to tell you about a whole group of Texas A & M students on this trip.  Izabela and I met the first one, Chris, in a restaurant during lunch one day. There are 12 young people, 2 professors and one "Tag Along" as Billy likes to think of himself. So far, I have met Chris, David, Scott, Cameran, Chelsea, Taylor, Kelly, Steve and Billy.

(We walked together for a spell.)

Their energy is so positive!  And they asked lots of questions - books I would recommend, good movies to see, and simply thoughts about life.

(It was a fascinating "walk and talk" session.)

I asked Billy, David, Scott, and Chelsea to tell me from their heart why they were doing the El Camino Pilgrimage.  Their answers touched me spiritually and gave me a chance to learn from them.

(Billy and his wife live in the South of Spain doing Missionary work. He is a Texas A & M Alumni and asked if he could "tag along with the group. The kids really "cotton" to his down home wisdom). 

(David gives such a heartfelt answer. I love the freshness with the depth. 

What a blend of the vigor of youth with a heart for God). 

(Scott shares the freshness of his thinking and wisdom for a young man his age). 

(Chelsea reaches inside to share her "why?"  This sweet young lady is an "old  Soul . . . " 

And that is a compliment). 

Like all young people they still have the soul to "play."

(They played Haversack at the bars where we eat, rest and get our passports stamped. 

Ever since the 100 kilometer mark, we have had to get our Camino passport stamped twice a day.)

(We only have a few spaces left to fill. If this isn't done correctly, 

the Pilgrim will NOT be granted their Compostela). 

These are extraordinary Pilgrims!  They are so full of life and positive energy. Hearing their precious accent was like music to my ears. I think I intrigue them a little bit because I am such an old Texan.
Their hearts are as big as Texas and I believe this is something that will forever be woven into the fabric of their life that they can draw from for the rest of their days.


They are the ones who gave us the term "Dirty Thirty" for the first 30 steps because they are so painful.

(I was experiencing the "Dirty Thirty" as Izabela taped me crossing the stream. 

 It somehow helps when we label things.  Then it doesn't hurt so bad.)

This group distinguished themselves with their love and compassion. There is a man on the Trail from France. He is in a wheelchair and doing it like a true Pilgrim (with no money). His name is Deideia  (probably spelled wrong but is pronounced like Dee-Dee-A).  Deideia has a degenerative disease and has played in the Para-Olympics. He has an unusual spirit. With all the rocks and really tough paths, he patiently waits until someone helps him. Often the bars give him food or other people do and he either sleeps in his sleeping bag or occasionally he is given a bed.

(Helping to get Deideia into the bar so he could eat.) 

Chelsea shared with us that Deideia had lost his cell phone and it had all the photos of his El Camino on it.  This discouraged him so badly, Deideia considered quitting and he was down at the mouth."  Usually, they greeted each other with, "AH SANTIAGO!!!"  But Deideia didn't feel like doing it today.  Chelsea stayed with him and insisted they were going to Santiago together.  And she insisted that he yell from his heart as usual, "AH SANTIAGO!!"  He finally got a semi good one out.  Then when Chelsea got to the bottom of the stairs, Deideia yelled "AH SANTIAGO!!!" out with his whole heart.  He is back on the Trail again.

So all these kids have enlivened the Camino and given love and compassion along the way.  Their VERY LATEST is from Chelsea and Scott.  When we needed the encouragement they sent us this
Photo.

(Along with this message - "Sidney and Izabela.This might not be the most encouraging message you receive, but we hope it makes you smile!!!  You two are strong and we believe in you both!! ")

Now how could you NOT go into hysterical laughter with that?  Aren't they the cutest things?  You gotta love 'em.  My feet stopped hurting with all that love and  laughter). 

Before we shut down for the night, let me also share our experience with Kristina Stramler.

Izabela and I were taking various photos at a huge bronze statue of an early Pilgrim.

(Pilgrim defies the elements to continue on his way.)

I noticed this sweet little lady looking at the statue but not taking any photos.  I asked her if she would like for me to take her photo with her camera.  She said, "No.  My charger got stolen and I'm having to be very selective of the photos I take."  I then asked if she had an email.  I would take some photos and send them to her.  Which we did.   Then I asked Kristina to tell me what happened.  Someone, not another pilgrim, stole her entire backpack with everything in it.  She said she sat down and thought about it.  Whether she should just go home.  And she decided, "They stole my backpack, but I'm not going to let them steal my 'Camino' as well."  So Kristina went out, bought herself another backpack, and she continued on her pilgrimage.

(Kristine is also a brave Pilgrim.)

Listen to her answer as to why she is doing this.

(Kristina May be tiny, but she has the courageous heart of a lion). 

Another reason to tell Kristina's story is because she too knows the fabulous Texas A & M guys.  It is one of the interesting things about the Camino.  Although there are several thousands of people on this trail, we often reconnect on the trail.

(Kristina knows our young people. Her husband was from Texas 

so she has lived there for some time but she now lives in Arizona). 

The biggest thrill has been the wonderful interactions with so many truly great people who are on their personal journey in the El Camino Trail.

Until next time, with love,

Sidney/Mom/Grandma

THE FINAL PUSH!! (from 6/18/2014)

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT TO WALK 67 KILOMETERS.

Izabela and I NEED your encouragement for this FINAL PUSH.   Our Bodies, legs and feet are really experiencing the wear and tear of 450 miles.  We have literally walked across the country of Spain.

This marker shows 68 kilometers, but we walked another kilometer or two after taking this photo.

You can send you encouragement directly
to me at.  sid4wayne@gmail.com
I will share them with Izabela

We surely appreciate it.

Love, Sidney/Mom/Grandma

TODAY (from 6/17/2014)

I must briefly tell you about today. I know all of you are praying for me and Wayne has done the same, because today was so foreboding.

(Elevation of our climb and descent for today.)

With my sore, blistered feet and bum knee, this was a wee bit threatening.  All of you know, I strongly believe God answers prayers.  So did my prayers get answered?

Yesterday, we saw a man washing his feet in a park at a fountain and called out a happy greeting to him.  While in the Farmacia, trying to make the lady understand what we needed -band aids, foot Vaseline, leg and feet massage lotion, etc., that same Pilgrim came up behind us and asked if we wanted him to help us with interpretation . . .  And he told the pharmacist exactly what we needed and she had it all for us.

(All the"stuff" I needed to keep my feet and legs going.) 

I badly needed all these things because neither my feet or legs have had the recuperation time before we punish them again with another 15 miles.
 
Today, to start, the day, it was not sweltering hot, as usual . . . it was cool and foggy. 

(Izabela and I leave Sarria, and head into the cool fog.) 

I remembered to tie my shoes correctly so my toes wouldn't touch the end of my boots.

(Wrapping the lace around twice at two places then crossing over, secures the foot in place). 

At mid day, I took the time to massage my feet with the massage cream for muscles . . .
And, for no apparent reason, my energy was strong and steady all day today.

Also, I continue to heed the words of my friends Sabina, Jeff and Andy- "you first win or lose in your mind."  So I kept telling myself, "No matter what, I will make it today."  (Izabela is so strong, she does not have these struggles).

GUESS WHAT?   I MADE IT!!  I am not suffering tonight any where near the way I was last night and it was a really tough day.

God is good. He answers prayers and miracles still happen. 

So, let me just share a little about today...

(Ascent so steep, cyclists had to dismount and push.) 

Sarria is the last point a Pilgrim can"start" and still receive a certificate when they reach Santiago.

(Here a whole class of high school students join us on the Trail.) 

(Izabela and I enjoy the beauty in a Spanish country home. Of course, 

the constant smell of cow patties can bring water to your eyes.)

(Jan, pronounced, Yan, answers "The" question.)

Jan is considering a change in direction for his life and he felt the Camino would help him find that answer within himself.  Jan found the piece of wood for his staff.  Then he has spent 3 days so far carving the top of the staff. He is not finished, but it is obvious he is a very talented carver.

(Izabela and I had a lovely picnic in the shade.)

We had bought ham, cheese, bread and tomato to make a sandwich, with M & M peanuts for dessert. Yum! Yum!

(Many shrines can be found along the Camino and we always stop to show our respect.)

(This one looks like someone had to rig up a splint and it now hangs in a tree.  No one bothers these memorials. There is a quiet sadness and sacredness about them.)

("Do you wanna dance?"   Would you believe it?? Alfred, a Brazilian, was showing Izabela how to Samba on the Camino Trail. Then he figured out she knew a thing or two.)

(An exhausted Pilgrim grabs his chance to take a nap.)

(First Lake we've seen in Spain.  It was a really welcome sight.)

We came off the Trail and neither of us felt too bad, though we were "spent."  And just when we thought we were home free, there was another "mountain."

(If I ever find the guy who put these stairs here, I will punch his lights out!). 

We finally found the center of town and the square where our Pension with a delicious bath and bed waited for us.  O the sweet pleasures of life!

(The Medieval Church dominates the square and is a magnificent landmark.)

Until next time, with love,


Sidney/Mom/Grandma