A room at the inn

There are countless blessings in the daily task of finding a bed to sleep in at the local albergue.  And with those blessings come many people and stories... too many to all be told.... but a little glimpse is important.   Several folks have asked about accommodations on the Camino.   Each afternoon we have to ask at the local albergue if there is room in the inn for us.  For the most part, they don't take reservations.... first come, first served.   The first blessing is receiving a bed for the night.

Each albergue has its own floor plan, but the variations are from two variables..... how many beds in the room.... beds or bunk beds.   it is co-ed living with multiple generations in the room each night.  From four to seven languages can be heard as people unload their backpacks.

As the days unfold, we see familiar faces at times... but every evening there are new neighbors in the room.  As we all unpack...take showers...do laundry by hand in the sink...catch a nap.... charge our cell phones.... a simple dance unfolds, back and forth.... making room for the other; each taking their turn.

There is a courtesy and respect among pilgrims that is amazing.... all of us strangers in each other's personal space... and no fights break out.  But the night brings great humor and humbling truth.  We are in bunkhouses...all sleeping together....when the songs of the night are sung.  The beans from dinner make for great trumpets.   After all the walking during the day,  many saw wood through the night.  Many stumble in the dark to find the needed relief in the bathroom down the hall.  I certainly contribute my fair share of musical notes.  What a grace to love and forgive the many others singing in the chorus each night.

And then we arise, generally before dawn, to walk again.  Each goes their own pace, each with their own schedule.... some we see every day, others never again.   But there was a room in the inn for us.... to encounter the One humble enough to walk with us.... to love us completely.