Route: Boadilla del Camino – Carrión de los Condes
Distance: 25 km (Total: 321 km)

Just like there comes sunshine after rain, so after every pain comes feeling of relief. I was hoping for such a transition today.

Last night was uneventful. We had an interesting conversation with an Italian film documentalist, Simone, for whom it is one of his many Caminos.

The dinner ended with some argument with the albergueowner, who brusquely let us know that we were no longer welcome in the dining room. That it was time to go to bed. You can tell he feels misrable in his business. Before falling asleep Simone declared it would be a fine weather today according to the forecasts.

Leaving the hostel in the morning it did not look like that at all. It was drizzlining intensly.

Henry set quite I pace. After half an hour, because of my continuing pain, I started dropping behind him. I could focus on my daily Rosary and meditation. The pain, though smaller, was still nagging me.

Crossing the channel. Film

After reaching the first town on the way, Frómista, we did some small shopping at Dia supermarket and continued our journey. After about 90 min it finally stopped raining and started clearing up. The same was happening with my pain, which started dissipating.

After pilgrims’s brunch on the way by having a baguette, a can of sardines, orange juice and a banana I resumed my walk meditating on the power of prayer. I am so glad I have regained regularity in it on the Camino. I realize many people are praying for me now, for which I am so grateful. Thank you so much! BTW, my parents do pray for me all the time whenver, especially whenever something important is happenig in my life. I know the power of such an intercession is unthinkable.

After another lonely march today I reach Villalcazár de Sirga. I decide to have lunch somewhere in that town and find fast internet connection to watch the final round of ski jumping at the Winter Games in Korea. Poland has a chance to win a medal today. Admiring another beautiful piece of architecture I suddenly hear a familiar voice calling my from a local bar. It’s Henry.

Upon entering the eatery I am struck by incredible commotion inside. Nevertheless it is a nice atmosphere. As a bonus they are showing my favorite cartoon series, the Simpsons. For years I have watched this in the original version with my kids. Thanks to, among others, that they both speak English very well today. Learning foreign languages is not a science fiction. You have to speak a bit, listen and read a lot and write a little bit as well in a new language. I have tested this method successfully on a few languages. It works.

Bar. Film

Yippi! Kamil Stoch wins gold in ski jump. First medal for Poland during the games in Korea

Brawo Kamil z Hiszpanii. Film

We celebrated so much this success and enjoyed the bar atmosphere that we stayed there for over two hours. I am not rushing anywhere. What a bliss! Even if I wanted I could not rush now because of my hurting leg.

Then we had about 7 km to our next albergue in Carrión de los Condes.

Winter continues. Film

Meditation XII. Power of unity in prayer

I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them

MT 18, 19-20

The above excerpt is a powerful promise and an ecouragment for unity. It is amazing how much more a group of people working together can do vs. even the smartest individual.

There is power in community, especially one that is asking/praying for something in unison.

The promise here is pretty obvious: my Father in heaven will do it for you.

For years I have been avoiding watching talking heads or news on tv etc. One thing missing in all of that is unity, let alone prayer. I highly recommend such a media diet. The satisfaction is guranteed.

I try to turn my attention now to things, situations, where there is a chance to establish at least some mutual understanding. After all, United we stand, divided we fall.

Walking El Camino with Henry I think that the two of us meet the minimum quorum required to have a community here. Alone, I cold get lost …