Bustillo del Páramo de Carrión

250 miles down, 250 to go! It’s hard to believe I’m halfway to Santiago already. I’ve walked the equivalent of Washington DC to New York City so far. To get to Santiago means I will eventually continue to walk to Boston by foot, by comparison. It’s five days in the Meseta and all-in-all the experience has been far less challenging than I thought (what a relief!)

Part of the reason is because while the USA is undergoing a heat wave, Spain is experiencing unseasonably mild temperatures. Typical temperatures during this period is 90’s and above. But I’ve been walking consistently in 60 and 70 degree weather. The conditions have been amazing! Especially since at least the next two stops will not have air conditioning!

I thought I’d have a third day of the Meseta without a conversation partner but a mid-morning espresso and juice break at…..A FOOD TRUCK…led to me meeting and speaking with a just retired history teacher from northern California named Rick. He was a pleasure to walk with and hear his story.

Rick is with his two young adult boys. Aden is 24 and Alex is turning 20 in a few days. They are traveling to Santiago too, then to France and other European stops, joined by the boys two girlfriends. I heard about his survival of bladder Cancer, his travels, but most importantly his faith journey.

A Catholic by birth, Rick refused Confirmation just days before the sacrament. Later in life, he met a Jehovah’s Witness who became a sort-of-mentor to Rick at work. While attending a bible study Rick was invited to accepted Jesus in his heart. He did and while he said he doesn’t see himself as an overly religious person today, he felt a strong religious experience when he did. Interestingly, when I asked why he decided to do that at that time given his rejection of Confirmation a few years earlier he said it was because of the person he met. He said he was so kind, never pushed his faith onto him, and always invited Rick to explore opportunities of faith.

Later in life he rejected organized religion again when he traveled to Israel and saw how the three mono-theistic religions all fought against each other. When his soon to be Methodist wife said it was important for Rick to be Christian and raise their children in the Christian faith they both went to several pastors to help Rick explore his faith. When asked by one Protestant pastor, “What keeps you from any door of a religion, regardless of the tradition?” Rick found it hard to answer.

Ultimately he was looking for a faith home where he was able to explore his faith and remain included despite his questions and reservations. Since then he’s participated in book groups to learn about his faith and the Bible and has been inspired by the genuine faith of others he’s met in his Church.

It’s a great reminder for me and all who are interested in supporting others in their faith journey to make room for those who are questioning their faith. Rick made frequent statements about the Catholic faith that were incorrect (such as how Catholics believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible and that the Catholic faith has difficulty with science). I don’t correct any of them. I just listened and agreed with elements that he expressed were challenging for him. He picked up these erroneous ideas about Catholicism from some unfortunate experiences he had, possibly from uninformed individuals. If given the chance, I look forward to sharing my experience of faith to see how he responds. But I’ll wait until he invites the questions. In life I’ve tried to witness my faith first through my actions and then, if and when curious, share my beliefs. 😁

I connected with him really well. He’s such a nice guy and has such a great manner about him. We caught up with his two boys (they walked ahead because he’s a bit slower) and I had the chance to get to know them briefly too. Great young adults! Tomorrow we will be staying in the same town. A parishioner at Mt. Carmel had given me money to share a meal with someone on the Camino. I’ve invited Rick and his kids for dinner tomorrow to continue the conversation. I’m looking forward to this gift of time with them. And I am grateful to the person at Mt. Carmel who so thoughtfully in her own prayer life thought of this very generous act to enhance my own spiritual journey. Today, my gratitude is to this special person who has gifted me with her life and witness.Read more