At last my feet are standing at your gates, Jerusalem.
What a long way to come by foot, passing through the wilderness, coursing through the millennia, mingling with distant neighbors. Love your neighbor, we're all told. Easy to do when our neighbor lives next door and looks just like us; more interesting to go far afield to meet the ones that are less like ourselves. I've met a lot of neighbors. It's overwhelming, really, as always at the end of the path.
It was not possible to know when I started out that I'd arrive in Jerusalem during the 'high season' when pilgrims are plentiful but accommodations harder to find - bus pilgrims, of course, I haven't seen any other foot pilgrims or even bicycle pilgrims. Pushing outward, I found a quiet monastery of St Martha outside the walls in Bethany at the traditional site where Mary and her sister Martha lived when their brother Lazarus was raised from the dead. The three Passionist priests give me just the solitude I need for the conclusion of my trek. See the sights, plan the return...
I sit with mixed feelings, of course: I've arrived! Yeah!! Delivered from evil!! Yeah!! but the pilgrimage is over. Boo =( Time to make my way back across the globe.
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14 comments:
Dear Ann,
Congratulations! I cannot imagine myself doing such pilgrimages as you have done but I walked along with you virtually, reading your blog, worrying when several days passed without new information and rejoicing in each new challenge you overcame. Thank you and God bless you!
Michèle (Ottawa, ON) Canada
Oh my goodness! He says yet again. God bless you indeed! So many congratulations. I've been walking with you in spirit...
Yea! What a journey it's been, and I'm just talking about the virtual journey. Your spirit and grace are indomitable. May this period of solitude and planning for return serve you well. So happy for you.
So glad that your faith in the kindness of strangers has once again proven to be true.
How wonderful to learn that you have made it safely! Thank you for sharing all your dreams and adventures during these last months. Peace.
Thank you for sharing your journey Anne. I'm afraid you've become one of my winter habits -I curl up and read your posts and seed catalogues.......armchair pilgrimages of the best kind
looking forward to coffee when you return... to catch up and to hear from you in person!
thanks for 5 months of fascinating reading and itchy feet, i hope the return treats you well
all the best
adam
I have once again enjoyed reading one of your pilgrimages. Now I wonder what you will do next!
Hola Ann!
Desde que coincidí contigo en Avila,junto a Santa Teresa de Jesús,he seguido tu peregrinación como si yo formara parte de tu camino a Jerusalen.Gracias por permitirnos caminar contigo hacia la Tierra Santa, por tu compañia y por tus palabras.
Que Jesucristo que caminó por esas tierras te conceda la paz y la alegría.
Gracias Ann!
anna miss u so much,congrats u arrived safely ,thanx god although some stupids annoyed u but u r safe now but plz anna dnt leave there before easter.i explained why in a mail check ur inbox and u will understand ,i wasnt able to be updated from ur site coz i was so busy along the past weeks
gbwu anna,its very important to check ur google inbox
Dear Ann,
Cousin Judy here, and I am so proud of you. Your pilgrimages are beautiful, adventurous, courageous,and uplifting!
Doroha Anna! No pilgrim like you!!! What stories to write about--can't wait to share wine and/or coffee and catchup. I've been on a cruise and was not able to follow your path. Dopobachen'ia, Nadja
Wonderful! I enjoyed watching your interview (in Spanish) about your pilgrimage to Guadalupe - any chance of hearing it in English & enjoying it even more?
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