Day 13: Burgos

Today, we walked about 27km.  We left from San Juan de Ortega around 6:45am, and we arrived at our albergue in the middle of Burgos around 2pm, where we were welcomed by a parade.

As I was scrolling through pictures from the day and thinking about what to write about, I didn't think so much of the scenery, the cities, the walking, or my own condition as I did about our pilgrim family.  Today, we had to say goodbye to almost all of them.  Some are are taking a bus farther ahead, while others are staying here for an extra day to visit the city.  

These lovely ladies are two teachers that graduated together from Aquinas College in Nashville, TN.  We met them on Day 2, and we've been buddies ever since.  These women are authentic, loving, generous, patient, and brave pilgrims.  

This is Angie.  Angie is from South Africa and lives in Germany.  We met her on Day 1.  When I talk about brave open pilgrims, I think of this woman.  She is persistent when the going gets tough, and she's not afraid to ask questions.  She's also observant, a good listener, and very funny.  She inspires me to be a pilgrim who is alive!

Roy and Silvia.  I am so grateful for this beautiful couple and the time we were able to spend together.  These teachers from California have been planning this Camino for 10 years, and they are living it to the fullest, just like they seem to live every day of their lives.  "The glory of God is man fully alive." Take a look, people, becaue Roy and Silvia are what that looks like.

Finally, we have Gille, aka French Boss.  Gille has been out wise man, our inspiration, our motivation.  With the little bit of English that he speaks, he imparts his wisdom upon us and tells is jokes.  He also has the best facial expressions.  His feet are getting pretty beat up, so he is taking an extra day in Burgos to rest.  I don't know how we will go on without Gille!!

We lost our California pilgrim sisters today too.  Jade, Savannah, and Robin graduated high school together two years ago, and they came to do the Camino together this summer.  We will miss you guys!!

While it is super sad to say goodbye to these pilgrims, it has been such a joyful surprise to get to know them.  One thing that is very clear about our pilgrim family is that it has been chosen for us by Jesus.  Sure, we struck up conversations with each other and chose to share a few meals together, but there is no way we could have arranged to start walking at the same time.  Really, what are the chances that of all the days, of all the years any of us could have done this, we all are here right now?  I have no doubt it is the design of Divine Providence, and what a beautiful design He has.  Thank You, Jesus, for our pilgrim family!!  And now, as we go our separate ways (or rather, the same way, just at different paces) I am confident that the Lord will keep placing the right people in our path.  And maybe we'll see some of the old fam in Santiago.  It's a lot like our earthly pilgrimage.  People come and go in and out of our lives, but the real hope and goal is to end up together in the same place at the end of our pilgrimage, where we will rejoice together in the joy of the Lord. Heaven is going to be so great!

These spires on the beautiful cathedral of Burgos point the way up ;)  Let's go!

Pilgrim family, if any of you ever find this, well, I'm kind of embarrassed, but I am pretty sure you all already know how much I admire you and how thankful I am for you!  Buen Camino!

+JMJ+