Santiago to Finistere: October 8, 2014: Day 39

Santiago to Finistere: October 8, 2014:  Day 39

Today we went to the kitchen in the Monestary to have a bowl of porridge (oatmeal) with Hubert before he leaves. I have always loved Ireland with both my grandfathers having been Irish.  It has been such a joy to be with Hubert, to listen to all his Irish expressions and to hear his stories.  I can hardly wait to go back and tell my grand kids about the fairies.

We also said goodbye to Ursela and Jergen.  Ursela and I formed a special attachment since the moment we met.  I would love to go to Germany and see them.

It is the time for good byes.  We knew this time would come. They have all brought such joy to me.  They will all have a special place in my heart. But today there is sadness in letting them go.


The minute we walked out the Monestary it began raining.  Hubert and I needed to go to the Pilgrim's office to get our Compostelo.  We walked with Myles and Don to their hotel the Monestary Minor where Angie and I will move to on the 8th.  Hubert had to tell them good bye or rather see you later.  Then we went to get our Compostela.  We only had to wait about 20 minutes in line in the rain.  :)  It was wonderful and rewarding to get the certificate.

We then met Angie, Ursula and Jergan for coffee and goodbyes or better yet see you later.  Then Hubert graciously said he would go with me to find the autobus station so that I could go to Finistere, the end of the world.  He needed to be at the airport at 4:00.  It took us 30 minutes of walking at a fast pace to make it just in the nick of time.  I could not have found it without his help.  Walking into the Autobus Stationhe saw an American woman he had met who was going to Finistere. He said stay with her.  I think he was worried about me.  We said a quick good bye.  I will miss him and his Irish stories.

It turns out Jill the American woman is going home on October 14th from Madrid.  She is very nervous because her traveling companions are going on to Germany.  I invited her to join Angie and I for the rest of the trip.

Two years ago Jill's partner was tragically killed in an accident.  She made this pilgrimage to help her heal. After a three hour bus ride we arrived in Finistere.  Her friends Anne, Larry, and Jill and I had a woman approach us on the street about a room on her her house.  We checked it out and it is a good deal for 10 euro. Jill and I are sharing a room.  There are only 4 of us and 1 bathroom.  Yea!

We went to dinner and took a walk on the boardwalk.  They are all from Michigan and great companions.  Anne is a recently retired elementary teacher and Larry is a hospice worker.

I am glad I made the trip to the ocean and equally glad to have more new friends.  Tomorrow I will carry my prayers to the end of the earth for the people I love.

Lesson Learned:  Instead of wrapping yourself in problems, wrap yourself in the joy of the moment and the anticipation of the good things to come just around the next corner.  There are always grand things yet to come.