I have checked into St Meinrad for a week of silent retreat. The monastery was founded in 1854 by monks from the thousand-year old Swiss abbey of Einsiedeln. St Meinrad Archabbey is Benedictine. The facility commands a grand view of the rolling hills in southern Indiana. I am thankful for this week of prayer and …
Paris and Versailles
After the excitement at the top of the Eiffel Tower, we took a lunch cruise on the Siene river in Paris. It was a perfect setting to celebrate our engagement with a champagne toast. The cruise provides a new perspective of many great sites in Paris. The next day we toured the Palace of Versailles. …
Picasso, Chocolate & Catacombs
From the Philly airport, Inam trying to catch up on sabbatical happenings. In Barcelona... we visited the Picasso museum. The talent he demonstrated at age 13 is astounding! I truly enjoyed the collection of his works, though some stretched my appreciation of art. Here is a fun picture of the family waiting to go in …
Sharks!
Before arriving in Paris, I went scuba diving with Joseph and Kendal... and sharks at the aquarium in Barcelona. WOW! None of us (nor Victoria from England who randomly joined our group) had ever been scuba diving. After suiting up, we were given a quick lesson on how to use the gear. Then we swam …
Paris Proposal
I asked, she said "Yes"
Sagrada Familia
After connecting with family in Santiago de Compostela, we flew to Barcelona for a couple of days. We began our visit with a tour of Sagrada Familia. Construction began in the mid-1800s. The construction should be complete by 2026. It is difficult to capture the scale of this sacred space, which is a goal of …
Transition is Tough
I had been warned. The transition out of pilgrim life can be surprising and difficult. It is true. Our celebration lunch was a wonderful prelude to an amazing post-Camino party! Our Camino family of 40 some pilgrims booked out an entire restaurant. It was a bittersweet beautiful bash! My wonderful family met me in Santiago …
A Camino Consequence
Among the most visible Camino consequences on my person is not my amazing Camino tan lines. In sandals, my sock line is quite amusing. Weight loss has been my most dramatic physical change. I am wearing a tie in early May 2018. The second picture is from late June 2018. Honestly, my experience with severe …
Santiago de Compostela
Yesterday, June 29th, I completed the Camino Frances. It is difficult to explain how it felt to walk into the plaza. Maybe these pictures will help. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me along The Way... pilgrims and those back home. Special shout out to my Camino family. We booked out an entire restaurant with …
Arzua!
Last two days have brought us to Arzua! We are less than 40km (25 miles) from our destination. The Way has changed much since Sarria. It is flooded with new pilgrims. Herds of middle school and high school youth. Big influx of Spaniards. I am thankful The Way is accessible to those unable to start …
Sacred Stirrings 