Over the years we have had a remarkable run of safe travel. There have been the odd “hairy” moments in traffic and the nights when we haven’t arrived at our accommodation. There was an occasion when our plane was just about to land, and when it was a few metres off the ground it suddenly lurched back into the air under full thrust. We learnt after the German and French explanations that there was another plane on the runway. And there have been times when being together for 24 hours a day was just a fewhours too many.
So having our car broken into and, we estimate, $3000 of camera equipment, presents and souvenirs stolen plus the car damaged, was quite a shock. It occurred in a village that even many of locals hadn’t heard of!
It is true that we are in one piece and the items are relatively unimportant. However I have watched my wife carefully search for things for members of the family and friends – something just right for them. She carefully and lovingly packs them so that they can withstand travel. My camera equipment is easy to replace although not the photos on the cards, but the items purchased in diverse places are impossible to re-collect. That hurts.
The police were great but we pressed this good will. Initially we thought it was a snatch and grab raid on the camera bag, however it was only later that we discovered two other backpacks missing and we had to return to the police station. Their English and our French did not make for an easy conversation. We needed their certificates for the car and our insurance because the receipts were in one of the bags stolen. So we had to persevere.
I have mentioned previously how at moments like that I have learned about myself and my wife. My wife is amazing. She was hurt and teary but straight away went into “this is what we have to next mode” as well as forbidding me to drive for a while because I was seething and anger and I do not mix well. It took me a sleepless and prayerful night to get over that. (I was allowed to drive us back to the campsite but I was watched and monitored like a high security prisoner.)
Each day we pray and each day we are made to realise that we have a God who does care for us – even down to the hairs on our head. And I have to remember that even if the worst does occur, He still cares more than I can ever imagine.
Monthly Archives: November 2015
Some days are diamonds, some days are coal
Seeing the truth
We have now spent about three weeks in Spain and Portugal and I have come to the conclusion that many people on the Iberian peninsula are deeply religious. It is a religion steeped in history and tradition. You can see glimpses of the gospel but on the whole it is overlaid with stories and myths and age old patterns.
The story of St James in Santiago is connected with Mary the mother of Jesus bringing a marble pillar to build a church Zaragoza, in order to encourage James. Icons and relics are treasured in many churches. The worship of Mary dominates. One wonders at the psychology of that.
And yet, there are glimpses of the heart of the gospel:
* “God is honoured in this place” was written over the front door of a convent
* John 3:16 emblazoned in a Cathedral
* many of the windows and frescoes relate Bible stories
But a question remains: what is at the heart of the faith of the people that attend these churches? Is it a Romans 1:16 faith or is it laden with works and deeds and right behaviours to gain salvation?
In nearly every church we enter I spend some time praying that the gospel may be heard clearly.
Portugal to Spain
Over the last week we have had a leisurely jaunt from the end of our Camino walk at Logrono down through Portugal and into Spain. The national park at the north end of Portugal was our first stop and very attractive. By staying off the “freeway” system we have gone through many villages … And saved money.
We loved driving along the Douro valley toward Porto. The terraced grape vines on steep hills with the river below is spectacular. Lisbon too is a vibrant city. We attended the Story of Lisbon exhibition which gave us a good introduction to the city. Lisbon celebrates its colonial past but is also a modern city looking to the future
We also explored the impression the Romans left in this part of the country. The ruins at Evora, Badajoz and Merida are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Roman influence.
Next, we are going to look more closely at the impact of the Moors in this area.
Days 6& 7 on the Camino
One of the discussions we have while walking is, would we do it again. When the the joints are aching and the feet are sore we answer in the negative but when reflecting in calmer moments we realise the achievements we have made.
I would still love to walk the whole Camino from France but have come to the conclusion that I would do it without a 14 kg backpack.
We went from Villamajor to Torres del Rio. The walk was uneventful. We passed many vines and olive groves. The albergue was fancy but not good for the independent pilgrim. No kitchen or communal facilities. From Torres del Rio we went into Logrono. There were some steep climbs and steep descents. The descents are tougher on the knees than the ascents.
We ended our walk at Logrono and took the bus back to Pamplona. 120 kms of walking was undone in a two hour bus trip.
It was great to meet some fantastic people and to pray intently for certain people and circumstances.
We are back in our tent and looking forward to more of Spain and Portugal.
Travels from Ur 