Santiago de Compostella: October 6, 2014, Day 38

Santiago de Compostella:  October 6, 2014, Day 38

Wow we have arrived!  It is such a mix of emotions.  Joy though is the most prevalent feeling.  I feel so happy.

This morning we woke up in our albergay rooms in the Monestary.  This is the 1st night without snoring and all assortment of noise in 37 days.  We all have rooms right next to each other and we all share the same toilets and showers but we have just a wee bit of luxury with some privacy, a closet, sink and an outlet to charge our phones.  A few weeks ago I felt deprived not having these things.  Now it feels like a luxury.

Walking up the steps to the Cathedral was thrilling.  It was wonderful to see all the pilgrims arriving.  It is so unifying to know that we have all shared in this experience along with hundreds of thousand who traveled before us.  This is holy ground.

The church was full, we had to search for a seat. But the beauty was that as we were looking for a seat we saw so many people we had walked with along the way. We greeted each other with big smiles and hand shakes.  We made it!
Just after sitting down Angie looked up and said there is Ursula from Germany.  We thought we would never see each other again.  She came and sat with us.  We were so happy.

I sat in the service that is all in Spanish and thought even though I don't know the words I can feel the presence of all the people. Everyone was very quiet but there was a deep sense of gratitude and reverence.  We have all come so far but not without each other and the Spirit of the Camino.

While on the Camino whenever we had a need it was provided. While sitting in the pew with all the others I felt a deep sense that God is always there always providing, but it was on the Camino that it was made visible to me day after day. Sitting here I feel bathed in love and care.  God is indeed with us.

After the service we went to the Crypt to see the casket with the remains of St. James.  I lit a candle and prayed for the healing of Doug, Tom, Emily, Gay, Jen, Carolyn, Ron, and Diane and all who have auto- immune diseases and all who cannot walk.  I walked for them and with them.

After mass our whole group decided to meet for dinner to celebrate.  Our group included Canadians, Irish, Indian, German and the States.  The symbol for St. James is the clam.  One meaning of the clam is many paths, one God.  We all agreed the Camino teaches us that we are indeed all one.

Lesson Learned: Though we are many we are one and we are never alone.