Handoff complete and off to Madrid

We made a handoff to the new hospitaleros, Rafael and Sylvia. He is from Spain and she from France. Phil and I have the advantage of working always with a teammate we know well. These two have to develop a rhythm quickly and divide the tasks. We had a wonderful 15 days and the Sisters have invited us back any time.

Yesterday on our last day it was cold and even snowing further up the valley. Sr. Marisol asked us to open at 12:15 and to feed 6 pilgrims something warm. This was right before a special meal they planned for us as a kind of Hail and Farewell for the new hospis and for us. And so I heated up all the leftover soup, put out a little leftover salad, bread, and hummus and left the 6 pilgrims in the albergue until after our lunch with the Sisters.

It was a busy, rainy day of showing the new hospis the ropes and welcoming 14 pilgrims. At the evening prayer service, Phil and I were asked to close us in song so we lead a rousing few verses of Do Lord which brought on clapping in time.

We've served more than 190 pilgrims from 28 countries this 15 days. What a blessing and gift to ourselves it has been. We're tired, but happy.

We turned in our rental car near the train station and had 2 cups of coffee and some snacks. We taxied to the airport. Its small, but comfortable so we'll fly out to Madrid tonight at about 10 pm. A day of rest at a luxury hotel in Madrid and then home on Monday.Read more