On the Camino, you quickly find yourself hiking with a traveling village.
You see each other at every café.
You share in community dinner at night.
You sleep in the same room.
You hear and see each others hearts.
You uncover what pains them and what gives them joy.
You get to know each other's stories – the good, bad, and ugly.
You discover the dirty details of their lives.
As you begin to know each other, it doesn't take long before everything is exposed.
Each person becomes known for something on the Camino.
I'm sure you can see why…
As days go by, we find ourselves arriving at towns and Albergues looking for our Peregrino friends.
When spotted, it's like the excitement of that highly anticipated class reunion that you have waited on for years.
Bags hit the floor, arms flail, names are yelled,
and you hobble to one another for the warmest greetings once again.
It's best described as communion of the Camino.
In this communion, you find out that nothing is your own.
Not food.
Not living quarters.
Not comfort.
Not money.
Not even struggles and pains.
I've had Peregrinos gladly
stuff my pockets with medicine,
doctor my feet,
give me massages,
carry my bag,
fill my stomach,
give up equipment,
all letting go of their 'rights'
in the name of others – it's the Way.
From soul searching to the 'set in stone',
we have met them all.
We have met:
a friar,
a priest,
Atheists,
Universalists,
Buddhists,
Catholics,
Muslims,
Spiritualists,
Christians,
and the 'non-religious'.
In this atmosphere I find it interesting, the presence of God – Kingdom – is itching to break out all over the place, all over these people…
So, what happens when these people cross paths day after day with presence-seeking Christians?
Stick around for more…
