Family

Folegandros, Saturday 11th June 2011

Meeting with the family in Santiago immediately the Camino finished was wonderful. It was also a timely reminder to me of the meaning of family, and the many ways in which family is now significant to me.

My first family was the one I was born into. In time this was extended by a most wonderful step family (though I prefer not to use the prefix 'step').

Through the years time with this, my natural family, has lessened (largely due to my moving to the other side of the globe) so time spent with them now is particularly cherished. During our few days together we had a great time. Simply "catching up" was enough in itself, but sharing meals, outings and common experiences was a bonus.

Many Camino pilgrims proceed from Santiago to complete the trek to Finisterre, the fabled "end of the world". Some walk, whilst others go by 'bus or share a taxi. My visit was rather different. I went with family, driven by my brother. Additionally, whereas the pilgrim route is generally from east to west, we drove from the south enjoying spectacular coastal scenery on the way. For some reason Edward and I had both envisioned Finisterre as a bleak and barren place, ideally suited to the moniker "earth's end". This was not the case. The coast was sparkling with the greens of the land and the blues of the sea. The settlements were clean, bright and inviting. Of course, the weather helped. It was glorious. The lack of commercialism was also obvious, and most pleasing. I've not been to Land's End in Cornwall but I'm told of crass commercialism, tatty souvenirs and the like. Finisterre had a couple of 'wayside merchants' but nothing overly offensive.

Kate, Huw and I ventured a walk up the hill above the Cap Finisterre lighthouse (I must keep my feet in trim!) On reaching the peak, we found we could have gone on, and on! We chose not to. Kate returned the way we came to meet up with Edward who had stayed with the car. Huw and I undertook our own 'adventure', finding a path down the side of the cliff which took us into the township of Finisterre. This was fun, which we both enjoyed. As Huw is my Godson as well as nephew, I particularly cherish these times of connecting with him.

And this brings me to the rest of my family. As well as biological and step family, I am privileged to have a large number of friends - in so many places. And God has particularly blessed me with a HUGE spiritual family. I have countless brothers and sisters, sons and daughters with whom I share the most wonderful and precious relationship (there's that word again!).

My Camino experience has seen my family increase even further. And I'm sure this is not the end of it. I thank God for each and every individual He has brought me into relationship with. May He protect, guide and prosper all, to the glory of His wonderful name.