Giving Thanks

Once again, before I continue with narrative, I want to stop for a moment and send out a written and formal "thank you" to those people who have helped me or tried to help me along The Way. First of all, to the lady on the train to Bordeaux who had had major dental work, but did her best to talk to me anyway and tell me where I should get off the wrong train and turn around. Thanks to the bartender in Bayonne, who knew I needed a room with a shower. To the agent in the pilgrim´s office in St. Jean, who called to the alburgue in Orisson, even though she thought it would be filled up. To Ari and Lisa, for finding me to say good-bye, after your "event" in the alburgue in St. Jean. To Trish from Ireland for the sunscreen--it´s been a lifesaver! To all the day hikers and other pilgrims who asked about me as I inched my way up to Orisson from St. Jean. Your concern about my having enough water, and generally being okay was what kept me going on that utterly exhausting climb. To the French lady who gave the innkeeper at Orisson the message that I was coming. To the lady who passed me on her way up and then again on her way down, and who told me, in French and sign language that the alburgue REALLY was just a little way further. To the employee of Orisson, a wonderful sad-faced man who drove me to Roncesvalles, got me to a hotel, bought me a coffee, and wished me well, I will never forget you, monsieur! To everyone who has said "Buen Camino" as I walked through their town. To the gentleman from Jakarta who "hallooed" me from atop the big hill on the way to Lorca to let me know that I was on the right road. To Ramon at the alburgue in Lorca, for letting me get to the room, get a shower, and try to recover a bit before having to pay for the room. To the woman in Cirauqui, who took me to her house, and filled up my water bottle for me because she could see I did not want to walk back into the town to find the fountain, even though she told me where it was. To all the people I have spoken to on Ingeborg´s cell phone in order to make reservations, who could understand my rather broken Spanish and my uncontrollable lapses into English on the phone. To the ladies in the bus station rest room today, who insisted that I go ahead, and held open the door to the pay toilet so I wouldn´t have to search for change--muchas, muchas gracias, mujeres!!! To the gentleman who came across the street to make sure I got on the right bus today, after I had asked him where mine left from. To the ladies in Navarette who pretty much led us to our place today because we couldn´t see the street signs and were going the wrong way. Such small things that people do to help someone who is not native, but the things mean so much. My prayers will go for you in every church I am in, and also all along the Way as I walk. If we all did these things to help each other every day, the world would be healed very quickly.
Much love to all,
Crone

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