Even the Kansans are about done with the excessive winds of late. Constant high winds make the day's distance seem doubled, but what pilgrim doesn't like a challenge? It's been a great workout for my abs.
The good people of Kansas have been particularly pampering lately... one friendly woman scooped me out of a dry and not-uncomfortable church basement to install me for the night in her warm and loving family home next door - scrumptious dinner, hot shower, laundry, grand conversation filled with joy and laughter, and - jackpot for any pilgrim - a foot massage. Alighting on cloudlike feet for another full day in the rainy strong wind, I entered the next farmland village yesterday tired and happy, and after resting a few minutes on a bench in the cemetery on the edge of town, two senior women pulled alongside me in a pickup with a cheerful - where ya headin', stranger? To the church I should think, I'm a pilgrim going to Chimayo (so far, not many have heard of the famous shrine) past Santa Fe. Okay, on the left up ahead, can't miss it. How friendly are countryfolk! The ladies circled the block, pulling alongside again as I continued to walk... would you like to come to my house and stay the night with us? It'll cost ya no more than a story. Well, butter my biscuit! How pilgrim-friendly the people have been since I began this walk back from the Annual Pilgrim Gathering.
In this culture generally inexperienced in pilgrimage, I've been explaining the salient points as I greet people - the credencial, the scallop shell, the peaceful simplicity and tradition stretching back 1,200 years in Europe and existing in all the major religions of the world... Pilgrims be on the lookout, at least some family homes in central Kansas will be putting scallop shells out on their front door to inform pilgrims of a safe and fun place to pass a pilgrim night.
Just at 500 miles into the journey back to Chimayo now - the halfway point is coming up soon and the rolling hills are flattening out as I step closer to the Great Plains.
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6 comments:
It was a complete blessing to have met you and have you share with our family your adventures and experiences. You will continually be in our prayers. God bless you in your travels.
Kimber Mellinger
Thanks for sharing so much of your experiences at APOC in Belleville. We pray for you on your continuing pilgrimage(s) wherever they may go.
It is always heartwarming to be received and taken care of by local people. It is great to see a photo of you! Bueno Camino and as we say in french Bonne continuation!
My mom just told me of picking you up in wind blown Canton. She is a wonder, my mom. You don't know how blessed and honored she felt for your presence in her home. She and my cousin speak highly of you! Now that I know of you...I will be following your travel blog. Be safe and blessed in your travels. We call our family the "prayer warriors." Consider yourself on the top of our list to be cared for and guided through your path. Sharon
May you continue to have good traveling! Let me know when you are back in New Mexico!
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