My fellow pilgrims on the Camino

As I reflect on my Camino de Santiago experience, I want to share about my fellow pilgrims. 

Something became obvious quickly - our brief time on the Camino would impact the opportunity to get to know other pilgrims on the way. The day before we began we were in Santiago doing laundry. We met two pilgrims that had just completed the journey after beginning in St Jean, France more than a month before. 

They shared stories about their experience and how a group had become friends during the long trek. The young woman shared that she was sad for the trip to end, even though they had walked hundreds of miles, and she was envious that we were just beginning. 

During our journey we did meet a number of interesting fellow pilgrims. They came from all over the world and had a variety of different life experiences that brought them to the pilgrimage. 

There was a woman from New York who began in France, but a chronic health condition flared up and she needed to end early and get home for treatment. She had traveled to Sarria so she could walk the last few days and arrive at the Cathedral. We each had conversations with her and saw her each day of our Camino. 

We also met an older man named John, from New Jersey, who was walking with his teenage grandson. They walked at different rates, but the grandson would wait for John at the cafes or benches along the way. I saw them reconnecting a few times. John had bracelets with a quote by Walt Whitman that he gave to the pilgrims he met. 

One evening we spent an hour or so before dinner at our B&B talking with a man from the Netherlands who was biking the Camino with his wife and a friend. He had only been to the U.S. one time and spent that trip in Florida. We had an interesting conversation and learned about each other’s homelands. 

Some of the other memorable encounters were with a couple from Australia, a group from Minnesota, a family from California, and a woman from France. 

What was interesting about our interactions with people from around the world was their perception of life in America. I’m sure it is no different that our perceptions of life in their countries. There was certainly some truth but also some stereotypes or simplifications.  

A couple of our conversations turned to the topic of mass shootings, especially school shootings.  In each case our fellow pilgrims couldn’t understand how we could live with the fear of gun violence daily. When Eliza shared that there was a shooting at her university this year and that one of her friends was a surviving victim, I found the response interesting. They were sad and sorry, but there didn’t seem to be a sense of shock, or even surprise. It was almost as if they assume everyone in America has been directly affected by gun violence. I guess in reality they are not far from the truth. 

In hindsight I think a longer pilgrimage could have been very rewarding in the time spent meeting and getting to know new people. If I ever do another Camino I will keep that in mind as I plan. 

I’m so grateful for my own group of pilgrims that made my journey meaningful and unforgettable. I will hold my time with each of them in my heart. 

First, there was my new friend, Lora. 

Lora is a friend and fellow teacher of Carrie and Jerry in Temecula, California. I enjoyed getting to know her and appreciated the energy and happiness she brought to the experience. Her outgoing nature allowed us to meet several people that she connected with on her journey and we had many good laughs together. 

Jerry has been an important part of my life since midway through my time at MSU when he started dating my best friend, Carrie. Jerry was a drum major in the Spartan Marching Band. Having been in the marching band in high school I felt we had a common interest. Together with Carrie, Jerry has created a beautiful family that I love very much. I am happy for the time we spend together, no matter where it is. International travel and a pilgrimage were a new experience for sure and I’m very glad that Jerry was part of our Camino team. 

And Carrie…. As I shared in an earlier post, Carrie and I have been friends since about 1980. We have stuck together even after her family moved into the East Lansing school district, meaning we went to different middle and high schools. After four years together at MSU we have lived on opposite sides of the country, yet our friendship has not just endured the distance, I think it has thrived. We have been with each other through happy times, difficult times, and terribly sad times. Having Carrie by my side just days after my mom’s death was comforting in so many ways. She shared memories of my mom, some from decades ago. It’s a special bond for sure and it was incredibley healing for me. 

Celebrating my 50th birthday by spending two weeks traveling with my adult daughters was fabulous!

Claire incredible strength and determination. Driven by goals. Compassionate and concerned about everyone in our group. She wanted to make sure everyone was safe and happy… especially her sister, which I deeply appreciate. The love the girls have for each other is something I’m so grateful for. Claire was an encourager throughout and her Spanish skills proved very helpful for our whole group on a number of occasions. 

Eliza- I’m not even sure where to start. Through much of middle school and part of high school Eliza couldn’t walk at all without the help of crutches. At times she was wheel chair bound. The fact that she made it to the Cathedral was remarkable! Certainly there were some times of doubt and tears, but her determination and positive attitude were sn inspiration to us all! At the end I emailed a picture of Eliza to Dr. Novacheck, her surgeon at Gillette