December 6, Santa Cruz

 Word for the day: Communion:  the sharing of intimate thoughts on a spiritual level!  

the pilgrims (me included) ready for another walk following lunch, quick rest, and reflection. The walk did become a communion (not of saints, but of pilgrims).  Our walk was from Eguino to Santa Cruz.

My roomie Veronica, from Australia 🇦🇺.  She was one fast walker, and became a great companion!   

Our Jesuit friend, Nielsen from Columbia.  He stayed at the back of the pack to quietly urge us paddylasts along

This was the Mountain View partway through our walk

I spent my 2 hours of silent reflection praying the rosary as we made our climb.  Many parts of the walk were challenging for me.  Quiet prayer, asking mom for guidance and strength; we’re a daily part of the hike.  And mom blessed me with her presence every day.  At least one or more butterflies accompanied me on the journey. 🦋 

Flowers 💐 flowers everywhere along the way

               And farmland!

                              And more flowers 🌺 

                       And garlic 🧄 

Poncho time again, due to the mist.  Luckily not rain

      Jim, another companion, and communion! He too worked at juvenile court as a judge, so we had much in common regarding our work lives!  

The spot for lunch, quiet again, once we all prepared for our walk again!  Yes, ponchos on!

 A break  in this small town.  We had some fruit and a few minutes to rest our tired feet, and for me; my tired soul!  The steps were getting more difficult and my stamina seemed to be diminishing.

   The double barreled bells in the church tower!

     And of course, groves of trees! I could have stayed in this quiet and pensive place for hours!  But, as it was, we had to scurry on our way!  

                       Trees, both living and dead.

    Trees, broken and damaged, so like so many people within  our world.  Struggling to find communion!

        And this trunk, if  you look closely, looks like a 

        Bear standing up and facing the world!

      And trees with 🪺 nests.   Our living community!

     The walk allowed me to contemplate nature.  But,   for some reason, I was extremely anxious this day!!!

Our prayer guide stated that, “we should not be in a hurry while meditating.”  And yet, each day I was feeling more and more rushed.  I was unable to find peace in the walk.  Perhaps because I wanted to remember the moments. So, I was always playing catch up.  Maybe technology got in the way of my reflection But, I do believe a picture paints a thousand words.  And I feel blessed now, that I am able to reflect on these moments in the quiet of my humble abode!  

  Communion with our grandkids opening their presents from Spain 🇪🇸 and Morocco 🇲🇦 (how about those Lions world up win over Spain in shootout!)

               And the joy of opening the treasure chest!

And picking out ornaments to place on the tree!

    They did a great job of filling the bottom part of tree.  They specifically requested candy canes, to eat too!

Ignatius talked about being “indifferent” which he likened to being free from attachment.  I think the word detachment works better for me.  I cannot be indifferent  to the beauty of this tree.  But I can learn to be detached

The reflection for this day stated, “we want to live a balanced life.” One which provides us with “proper relationship” with both people and material objects, and above all, God.  The statement Father repeated throughout the pilgrimage was that we need to do all;

“FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD”.  

       Makes sense!     Jeez Louise!