The Web of Humanity

We had a clear God-moment yesterday. Charlie really wanted to hike to Guemes and stay in the Albergue Abuelo Peuto, directed by Padre Ernesto. It is located in a fairly isolated area that isn’t well-marked. We lost the Camino for some time but wound our way around to the general area. We stopped at a restaurant/bar to try and get something to eat but the kitchen had just closed. It was packed with locals eating and drinking and having a merry time. As we were preparing to leave, a man (Bernar) approached us, asked where we were going and offered to accompany us to this same albergue where he and his friends were getting ready to have a communal meal. He invited us to join them!

As we walked to the albergue, Bernar and Miguel Angel explained that they are part of a larger ministry group that works with Padre Ernesto in the local prisons. The inmates grow a special red bean that is highly valued in Spain and the proceeds go to support the hungry in Guatemala. Inmates also raise and sell vegetables to help feed homeless people in the area. The group has also been fundamental in building the albergue and inmates in their program come to the albergue for respite and to see a different way of life. Several inmates were part of the group that day and shared their experiences. It was deeply moving to hear their stories and dreams.

And then Padre Ernesto shared his story. He has traveled the world, working in all sorts of places with poor and vulnerable people and now has this albergue where he ministers to peregrinos, trying to awaken in them the gift and responsibility they possess. To not see the Camino as a task to arrive at a specific destination, Santiago de Compestela, but to see the Camino as a process for life. To always be searching and open. To form community with those they meet along the way. To care and devote themselves to something bigger than themselves. His words and example were deeply inspiring and we felt blessed to have met him and Bernar and the others.

What a lovely web to be part of that stretches all around the world, connecting each to the other and all invited to contribute our small but important part.

~ Terri

p.s. We leave tomorrow for Santiago then Finisterre and Muxia, some of our favorite places in Northern Spain. We’ve decided to not do the Camino Primitivo on this trip. The timing is just not right. I wonder what God has for us in this next part of our trip?! Thank you for your prayers. We need them!

Photos include Padre Ernesto and Charlie, a mural in the chapel at the albergue and along the way to Guemes, Somo and Santander.