"Today we met all but one of our pilgrims in the Madrid Airport (one pilgrim’s flight was delayed and she will be meeting us tomorrow). From Madrid we took a train into Leon where we toured the Cathedral and received our pilgrim credencials from the Basilica in Leon. The credencials will be stamped twice a day each day so that when we arrive in Santiago we can present them to the pilgrim office. From Leon we took a bus into Hospital de Orbigo where we had a pilgrim dinner of potato purée and veggies (it was way better than it sounds). We are staying in Albergue Verde. Today’s theme was begin with the end in mind. The question is what is God wanting to do during these 16 days and how can we receive and respond to what he his grace."
Today we traveled from Hospital de Orbigo to Astorga, a 16 KM walk. This Sunday morning began the day with a simple breakfast followed by Mass outside the hostile. Beginning our first day of waking on the solemnity of the most holy trinity has great meaning. The pilgrimage is all about experiencing real community. The fact is that God is a community of Persons. When we experience true community in some way we experience God. Close to Astorga, we passed by a beautiful cross (pictured). Also pictured is a government building in one of Astorga’s seven city squares. We took the afternoon to shower, wash clothes, and explore the city. We ended the day at a quaint pub restaurant. Today’s theme was experiencing community as participation in Gods life. The question is what does real community mean to you?