St. Olaf’s Way, Norway Summer 2019
Pilgrimage Preparation Post day #2
As we took the first steps of our journey on The Tochar in Ireland in 2011, we came upon a series of signs. These signs were Rules of the Road for Pilgrims. Every 5 – 10 miles of hiking through very rural terrain we would come upon one of these signs: Rules of the Road for Pilgrim
- Go out with the intention of being changed
- No complaints, everything a lesson for the Good, finally
- Give thanks at all times and in all situations
- Bless everyone you meet
- Share what you have
- Help others along the Way
- Include everyone
- Go out with the intention of being changed
Much has changed for me since I bought my first pair of Merrill boots and set off my first pilgrimage ten years ago. I have lost my mother in law, father in law, brother in law, and tragically my nephew. However, I am now the grandmother of two with two more granddaughters on the way, thanks be to God. Last summer, I suffered a very unexpected illness from a tick bite which left my immune system in shambles. However, I have been strong enough this summer to train in the Nashville heat for this pilgrimage, thanks be to God. Ten year ago, I was comfortable and confident in the state of our United States and proud to introduce myself to those abroad as an American. I was proud of Mr. and Mrs. Obama and the dignity, love and compassion they brought to the oval office. Now, I am wary, of telling those I meet abroad that I am an American. I have retired from teaching school and I miss my students, the energy of a school setting, and my faculty friends everyday. However, I do now have the time to sit and write this. The ying and yang of life has been made clear to me in the past ten years. Each path I leave behind has presented me with deeper appreciation for the new paths ahead. I take nothing for granted. I no longer believe in coincidences. I am no longer afraid of “being changed” but actually hoping to be changed again and again and again.
The Chocolate Drawer 