This morning, we packed up all our stuff and headed off to Glendalough, which means the valley of two lakes. Our bus driver said it was a very scenic drive, but most of us slept through it. When we arrived in Glendalough, we met up with our guide, Fr. Michael Rodgers. He has been a priest for 50 years and is very knowledgeable about the roots of Christianity. He took us on the Pilgrim’s Walk and he taught us a lot about spirituality and being kind. We walked in silence so we could listen to God and our own thoughts, we stopped along the way and our guide shared his wisdom with us. He talked a lot about how you don’t need material objects in life and he said that if you have too much, somebody has too little. I really liked everything that he said about bettering yourself and connecting with God on a personal level.
We also went up to St. Kevin’s cell, and we prayed inside it
together. Then we headed back down the mountain, and met back up with our bus
driver. Mother Nikki got separated from the group, but she found her way back.
Owen, our bus driver, brought us back some delicious food, including
sandwiches, chips, and red lemonade, an Irish specialty. Since it was Alex’s
birthday, Owen brought him an ice cream cone as a birthday treat.
After that, we looked in the museum and watched a video
about the monasteries in Ireland. Then we took a guided tour around the
Monastic City. We learned a lot of facts about the life of St. Kevin and
medieval monasticism. Next, we drove to the Glendalough International Hostel
and we settled in. Some of us decided to read, take naps, or talk to people.
A
few hours later, Owen came to pick us up and we went to the Glendalough Hotel
for dinner. It was a great meal and afterward we tried some delectable Irish
pie. We gave Alex two donuts with
candles for his second birthday surprise and we all sang Happy Birthday,
including the waitresses. We then walked in the rain back to our hostel for our
reflection time. Overall, it was a good day. We learned a lot and today was
definitely the most pilgrimage-like day so far. I can feel our group growing closer
to each other and to God every day.
Elisabeth Ashton
Thanks for making Alex's birthday so special! I know this will be one of his most memorable birthdays ever!!!
ReplyDeleteWalking in silence, listening to God, taking stock of all that we have and how much others are in need...good stuff happening on this pilgrimage!
Owen at Fr. Michael are two of my all time favorites. Glad to know they are part of your journey. -JFH
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elisabeth! :D
ReplyDelete- DDSC
Forgot to comment on my own child's entry! Loved what you wrote, Elisabeth! I love you! Sounds like you have been having a great pilgrimage! (Tracie Bedwell-Graham)
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