Adios, Espana...Day Eleven

The map said Bilboa-final resting point before an early a.m. departure tomorrow (August 3rd)--was only 175 kilometers or so from Pamplona. If one travels in a more or less straight line and observed all speed limits, the journey should take no more than two hours. Traveling a far more circuitous route, we managed to turn the trip into an eleven hour adventure.

Rather than head west toward Bilboa, we elected to travel east, tracing the Camino de Santiago to its source: St. Jean Pied de Port in southern France. This required travel along a two lane highway that seesawed back and forth across the Pyrenees in a way that tested how tightly I could grip the steering wheel without breaking it (or my hand)! As we climbed up (and up and up and up) this mountain trail, Camino-travelers became more frequent. As we twisted and turned downward along roads where there was little margin for error (lest a long drop ensure), some travelers still early in their adventure were struggling up the mountain slope. I wondered what that might bode for their Camino success. [BTW...a really great website for information about the Camino can be found at: http://www.caminodesantiago.me.uk/].

St. Jean Pied de Port proved far too busy for our taste. Passing through, we navigated north to a small town where a pleasant noon day meal was consumed. From there it was back into the Pyrenees--back and forth up to the summit at Ispiguey (think “Miss Piggie”). While I took pictures throughout the mountains, I doubt they do justice to the grandeur evident when standing along the side of the road, gazing at God’s handiwork across the many miles visible. No one the folks who populated these mountains and trails centuries ago found it easy to erect churches and monasteries to celebrate gifts with which they were confronted every time they rose and looked out the window.

Traveling northward through the Pyrenees we finally reach Irun, on the north Atlantic coast. This gave us one more chance to spend time along the coast so we jumped on two lane highways that---you guessed it---seesawed up and down the coastline. Quite frankly, today’s travel made me long for a quick trip up US 30 from Fort Wayne to Valparaiso. I may take Monday off and do so!

I still find Spain fascinating; southern France had some charm as well. Given the intensity with which I usually work and the breadth of the tasks to which I am always committed, this journey away afforded opportunities to refresh and nourish my soul. Remote places (curves and all) were especially helpful. When I can strip away the “noisiness” of daily living and hang out in the natural, unblemished world, the spirit that has dampened within me can fed by the Spirit that surrounds me. Our Spanish journey reminded me how important those opportunities are to me and gave me a good swift kick in the ---- toward making a better effort at doing so.

For those of you who have traveled with us as we flitted from town to town, I thank you for your time, thoughts, and prayers. We had several chances to stroll along Spanish parkways and river walks where it seemed as if the entire community had turned out looking for connections with family and neighbors. Far too often our rugged American individualism leaves us thinking that we can go it alone and our experience are personal only. This blog was a deliberate attempt to build community; I offered up travel photos, personal tidbits, and some serious reflection hoping to start a conversation trend. If you’ve heard that call, you have my special thanks.

And, as the Spanish folks say “Buenvenidos.”

Day Eleven photos can be found at:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157601176659920/

Camino de Santiago...(Days Nine and Ten)

James the apostle worked the Spanish venue. Legend holds that his bones were brought to Galacia upon his death in the early first century where they were “discovered” anew in about 837 CE. A cathedral built in Santiago to hold these relics soon became the site of regular pilgrimages. During Middle Ages roughly a half million people annually traveled from what is now the border between Spain and France.

Though pilgrimage slowed to a trickle in the 1960s, more than 100,000 people travel the ancient routes each summer. Some come on foot. Others on horseback. Moderns travel by motorcycle, car, or bus. Many make the journey as a whole; others take it in stages--a little each year.

Most folks travel along the “French route,” a path that begins at Roncevalles and passes through Pamplona, Burgos, Leon. The road includes cities with origins that date back to Roman times. Along the way, on the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) encounters churches, monasteries, castles, and communities, the origins of which cover a gamut of time, style, and significance.

We traveled this path in reverse, heading from Santiago to Pamplona across the last few days of our trip. We enjoyed our stops in Leon and Burgos; indeed, we were especially enchanted by Burgos with its expansive riverfront parkway. Burgos has Spain’s third largest cathedral, an imposing religious edifice founded in 1221 and completed almost three centuries later. Our cursory visit was not long enough to appreciate Burgos or its cathedral fully.

Our journey ends in Pamplona, a city given imaginative treatment by Ernest Hemingway in his novel, The Sun Also Rises. Elevated temperatures kept us from exploring this town as much as we would have liked. We made it as far as the fortified walls of the city’s citadel, a contemporary reminder (1571 CE !) that this community’s strategic importance dates back to its founding by Roman general Pompey in 75 BC.

Day Eleven will return us to Bilboa where, after a dreadfully short night, we’ll pick up our air transport home. Eleven days was not enough time in this wonderful country. We sampled just enough of the terrain to know that there’s more worth visiting. Indeed, the entire Camino experience awaits....

 Day 9 and 10 photos can be found at:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157601145028101/

Spanish Collage....(Days Five to Eight)

Pictures alone do not capture the incredible diversity among the sites visited across the past few days. Awakening early last Thursday (Day 5), I sat outdoors along a small bubbling river that graces Parador Congas de Onis where I chose, like the brethren who cloistered there, to open my day with meditation, reflection, and prayer. By mid-day, we were at the old City in Oviedo touring historical sites. Just up the road from Oviedo was the port city Gijon, a town about the size of Fort Wayne but possessing a much more attractive waterfront. We spent a lot of time wandering the mile long waterfront way.

On Day Six we traded waterfront and other coastal treasures for historic sites along the route to Santiago. We stopped in small mountain town and visited the walled city in Lugos before heading on to Santiago. I took no pictures in Santiago on Day Seven even though it is the ending site for the Camino de Santiago (more later). I didn't care much for this city.

From Santiago, we headed east through the Galacian countryside on Day Eight. Traveling along two way highways, we ventured up and down and around mountains on paths that would make a James Bond car chase seem tame. At every hairpin curve (and there were many) we looked down gorges that dropped more than a 1000 feet. I’ll confess that my nerves were rattled and my stomach churned some.

Day Eight offered up many quaint villages, historical sites, and a bewildering array of small (very old) churches. When we could speak (without losing our breakfast), Jan and I pulled together some thoughts about our travels thus far, especially those things that we found consistent across the many different terrains. They include:

        1. GRACE: Spanish folks seem to be a gracious lot. We have traveled in Spain without knowing the languages, yet everyone we met tried to be helpful in spite of this arrogance. I cannot with confidence claim that travels in America would result in a comparable level of grace for someone who did not speak the language.
        2. LITTER: Streets, alleys, and sidewalks have been almost completely litter-free. Even though Spain hosts a hearty crop of smokers, you don’t see cigarette butts tossed casually on lawns or at entry ways. While there’s some chance that publicly paid workers attend vigorously to outdoor care, I haven’t noticed people tossing things on the public or private ways with callously similar to that which I see at home. What is it that compels an American cigarette smoker to litter every space they enter? Why don’t people in our country take better care of properties that belong to others? It sure would be nice if we could teach the folks who visit our Magnavox Way and Lynn Street offices to refrain from such piggish behavior.
        3. RELIGION: Spain’s religious roots run deep. Christian witness has been present in various Spanish communities since the first century. With little exception, this witness has been carried by the Roman Catholic church. While its influence has declined in recent years, the Roman Catholic church carried a message to the people in communities both large and small. Spain’s countryside is dotted with ancient church buildings, some of which date back more than 800 years. Within its larger church buildings, an effort has been made to make the biblical story come alive through pictures, sculpture, and other artifacts. We were struck by the vivid depictions of events related to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Though I tried to explain the argument made by my Protestant forebears in favor of bland architecture, I found myself less convinced that the argument had merit. White walls and “modern” styling avoid confronting the average church goer with the fundamental stories and myths associated with our religious faith. I wonder if that’s such a good idea. Maybe our worship experience would be more intense if surrounded by reminders of the lengths to which our predecessors in faith were willing to go.

Day Eight ended in Leon, site of Spain’s third largest cathedral housed within a walled city that dates to the mid first century. We plan to explore it tomorrow before heading off the Burgos. From this point in our journey we will be backwalking (via car) the “Camino de Santiago,” an ancient pilgrimage route that begins just in France near the Spanish border and travels (by foot originally) through the countryside to the city of Santiago. I will try to offer a thought or two about that experience over the next few days.

Meanwhile, to view the pictures for the last few days, check out:

Day Five:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157601101288430/

Day Six:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157601104489785/

Day Eight:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157601104704057/

Enjoy!

Finding the future in our past...(Day Four)

Paradores framed today’s travels, from arising at the Parador Santillana de Gil Blas to dining on regional cuisine at the Parador Congas de Onis. Totaling ninety-two at present, the Paradores offer delightful board and room accommodations within significant historic structures. These hotels result from national government efforts that date to the 1920s and continue with vigor presently. Castles, monasteries, and grand estates have been modernized and used to offer dining and lodging that offers a stylish blend of past and present.

Located near the heart of Picos de Europa, Parador Conga de Onis was once the Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva. Stone carvings on the main archway of the monastery’s church suggest that the religious order which served there came into existence around 739 C.E. (A.D, if you are not used to this reference). Parts of the present structure date to the 12th century and the entire property demonstrates a gradual program of improvement from the mid-1600s to present.

Both Santillana del Mar (opposite) and Congas de Onis provide an architectural glimpse into Spain’s past. Separated by only 75 kilometers, travel between these two historic towns did not require much time. Travel brevity aside, the journey along the sea between these two spots offered glimpses of other historical structures as well as the gradual accretion upon them by modern tourism. Everywhere one looks there’s a great looking castle, church, or manor. Though some twelfth century churches lie abandoned, signs remain that hard working people once worked, played, and worshipped in this area.

An old church represents more than an architectural monument. I believe that some residue from the folks who predate us remains every present at each church. I sometimes challenge the folks I pastor to remember the souls that once occupied the pews where they now sit.
Remembering the faithfulness that abounded twenty, fifty, or one hundred years ago provides a strong anchor for whatever size community happens to occupy the sanctuary that day. But imagine, however, consciously reconnecting with one’s religious forebears across more than eight centuries. How many prayers and how much dedicated work took place in a church whose origins date that far back?

Somewhere inside all of us long for a connection to something bigger and more significant than ourselves. Ancient churches and monasteries stand as witness both to the enduring truth of this fact and to the reality that long lasting significance comes through communities rooted in otherness (as opposed to selfishness).

For more pics, see:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157601024534104/

Go, see, and....oops! (Day Three)

Today’s journey across northern Spain involved lots of driving. Following a short drive along the Basque coastline, we headed inward for a visit to the Santuario de Loiola. That complex once served as the birth home for Inigo de Loiola (St. Ignatius), founder of the Jesuit religious order. Between 1681 and 1738 the original manor home evolved into a religious shrine. Later, a Baroque Basilica was added.

St. Ignatius remains well known among Catholics; fruits of his labor and that of the Jesuit order are evident in educational institutions scattered throughout many countries. Of equal importance is his book of Spiritual Exercises intended to help one develop spiritual discipline across a 28 to 30 day period spent in meditative retreat. One underlying premise of this work is the thesis that “God” and the “Devil” are presented as active players in the world at all times and both players find home in every human psyche.

The main aim of the Exercises is the development within the human psyche of "discernment" (discernio), the ability to discern between good and evil spirits (made contemporary: good and bad thinking). Discernment is achieved in order to act "with the Grace of God;“ i.e. to base action on what discernment says is right. During the exercises (and later as part of systematic discernment) one thinks about humility, selflessness for the sake of the religious life, everyone's tendency to fall into sin. Ignatius felt that the human soul is continually drawn in two directions: both drawn towards Godliness, and at the same time tempted toward wickedness or base self-absorbtion. The exercises help one develop or improve skill at identifying what motivates an action or inclination.

Whether it’s through Ignatius’ formula or some other system, all of us could benefit from greater discipline when evaluating what we want or do. I think ”reflective practice“ stands at the heart of all professional callings. Though our work loads press us into routines where we do without thinking, good professional work necessitates time to think about what was done, why it was done, and how it could have been done better. In short, we need to learn from each adventure something that will help improve our effectiveness in service to others.

From the Santuario we traveled to Bilboa to spend time at the Guggenheim museum. While I love modern art, the displays did not really ”grab“ me so the visit was short. The display that caught my attention most sat at the front entrance. There, a thirty foot high dog adorned in colorful spring flowers greets the museum’s many visitors. How many different flowers do you count in the picture that accompanies this post?

The rest of the day was spent riding along the Basque and Cantabrian coasts. Views were breath-taking at times, and disappointing at others. Quaint village communities and beautiful beaches have been squandered in some areas by mostly unregulated growth. Beach side towns no longer partake of the ”out of the way“ character that drew folks to them initially.

Great views remain, however. I tried to document a few of them when road conditions allowed a off shoulder stop. On the last stop, I took the picture featured in this post. As I was descending a small rise. I tripped over my own feet and had another ”hard fall.“ The last one blew apart my elbow; this time I merely twisted my ankle and did some damage to one or more ribs. I am moving gingerly this evening and plan to be more cautious in the days ahead. Tomorrow’s required travel involves a short journey up the coast (90 minutes) so I expect to the day as a recuperation period.

For access to the day's best pics, see:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157601008797097/

Way of the Cross... (Day Two)

Travel across the southern French countryside
occupied most of day two. Getting a late start on account of a little too much “jet lag,” we journeyed to Lourdes. Rolling countryside farms and villages abutted the Pyrenees mountains which remained in view throughout the day. By happenstance lunch time was spent in Pau, France, a site on the day’s Tour de France route. No riders were observed, but signs, costumes, and official looking vehicles were in abundance. Pau made for a great stopover as it is a quaint village with deep history and a wonderful patisserie that provided a great traveling lunch.

A short drive took us southeast to Lourdes, a site where a teenager (Bernadette) claimed in 1853 to have religious visions. Lourdes is a frequent stop for Catholic pilgrims, especially those individuals who experience physical or other difficulties. For the hundreds who come each day, the spiritual power of the religious assembly and historical experience in proximity to it lend support to the hope that there own spiritual or physical condition can receive blessing and uplift.

While some may scoff at the notion that particular sites provide a more direct connection with our creative center, no one should decry the strong faith and fervent hope that causes hundreds of thousands of people to journey each summer long distances to say prayers, participate in worship, or aid other travelers with a loving hand. As I watched the “processional” that is part of each day’s activities, I found myself in awe watching pilgrims from across the European community--both able-bodied and those who were not---join together in a testimony of “belief” (in the original sense of the term--to give my life). Much of the work I do, both in my private and religious roles, involves pressing people to such seriousness of purpose and deed.

At Lourdes, I saw folks (not just a few...but a lot) who had given up their holiday and traveled from the far points of the European community to accompany a person who could not travel on his or her own just so that other person would have a chance to reach out toward something she or he felt was bigger and potentially more powerful than her or his battered shell. Imagine a world in which each of us would undertake an equally powerful act of bonding with those in need at least once in our lifetime!

For a few more pics of Pau, France, see:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157600992845362/

For a more extensive view of Lourdes, France, check out:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157600995341549/

Into every adventure some rain may fall... (Day One)

Air travel is not without some hassles. Every traveler knows the list: flight delays, crying babies, lost luggage, and, of course, those continuously shrinking seats. While you never know how many “calamities” may befall you on a single travel adventure, there’s no use sweating over what might or will or did happen. Your travel mood is largely what you make it--by whatever you decide is “just too much” or about which you say, “aw, not that big a deal.”

Our journey from Fort Wayne to Bilbao, Spain was mostly uneventful. Flights ran on time at every leg. While we heard a crying baby or two during our brief layovers, they did not make a sound (as far as I can tell) during the flights. I’ll grant that we had a more challenging surrogate during the Chicago to Paris run--we were surrounded by a high school soccer team and a large group of their classmates. But the Air France stewardi played tough with them and they were mostly quiet during that long overnight flight. It was raining in Paris and in Bilbao upon our arrival. Our luggage decided to avoid the extra moisture by remaining in Paris; but it showed up later that evening.

San Sebastian, Spain represents the first stop on tour across northern Spain. That town sits right on the Atlantic Ocean near the Spanish/French border. Once a quaint town that sat largely around a protected inlet, San Sebastian has become a popular stopping point for Europeans on holiday. As we arrived, the town was ramping up for the 42nd annual Heiniken Internal Jazz Festival. While rain and high winds caused cancellation of the pre-opening night free concert at the beach, great jazz blasted away on the second night of our stay.

For more pics of San Sebastion, see:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157600988098788

Gatherin' at the bunkhouse

YFN’s professional and administrative teams gathered together at our Fort Wayne offices for two days (July 19th and 20th) to explore our company’s history, culture, systems, and service expectations. This annual treat offered Pamela and I a chance to spend time with a mostly new administrative team sharing our deeply held values and commitments. We view that effort as the most important thing we do each time our team has a chance to gather. Our organization functions best when each person charged with an administrative or professional role understands that he or she functions as a steward for the dreams and visions that inspired the creation and two decade plus experience of our special organization.

Working the “YFN Way” represents a hard challenge for many folks who pass our way. Our services have always been guided by a strong service philosophy, the contours of which occasionally collide with one another and otherwise press us well beyond the regulatory requirements to which our services are subject. We think it important that our professionals understand that meeting governmental regulations represents the bare minimum of that which they must do; it is hardly unique nor significant when it happens. Retaining our accreditation status is likewise not enough--there are others who can achieve that level of performance without breaking a sweat. We look for something much bolder; as our mission statement says, “we hope to make a positive difference in the lives of every person our services touch.” That mission cannot be met if we leave any person (person supported, the staff, or an outside party) discarded along the road with needs or interests unmet.

Our workshop got off to a great start through the facilitation efforts of Jo Krippenstapel. She led folks on day one as the built a shared version of the organization’s historical timeline from it founding in 1985 by Ethel Beal to its current configuration, including recent expansions in northwest and central Indiana. Each person brought something to this exercise as we identified the historical moment that we joined YFN and the events that were then occurring. With energies high from this exercise, we explored three critical YFN systems. By evening, folks were ready to play...and they did!

Day two focused on tools that facilitate some of our uniqueness. Folks were challenged by Pamela and me to undertake a special project using some of those tools that we believe with transform the organization across the next 24 months. I plan to write specially on that assignment in a few months. Meanwhile, check out the great pictures taken throughout our learning exercise.

You can find our 2007 Professional Retreat photos at:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157600994927573/.

Never a dull moment

You might think we have seen it all during YFN's two-plus decades in operation. In a sense that might be true, but we continue to be surprised--sometimes pleasantly and sometimes not--by new variations on old themes. With the benefit of our historical experience and the broader perspective it engenders, we seldom get rocked by the various bumps that happen periodically.

For example, our Indiana growth spurt resulted in a rapid increase in "professional" employees. I use the term "professional" referring to roles not incumbents. Until we have a chance to get acquainted fully with each new person, we cannot know whether the role fits the character and values of the occupant. There are clues, of course, in each person's work habits, stance toward work obligations, and demonstrated responsibility, as well as in the lack thereof. An obvious indication that someone claiming to be professional lacks the requisite character (in my view) emerges whenever a worker exits our employment without much notice, care for the obligations left behind, or restraint from doing organizational damage post employment.

Such leavings have happened throughout our history. I confess that I am still surprised each time it happens. Given that I come to my role deeply influenced by professionalism, I remain baffled by those who put on professional clothing yet lack a professional soul. Though we have tried, YFN has not come up with a magic formula for instilling professional character and inculcating related values. Within the limits of traditional employer-employee relationship, I fear that this may be a truly daunting task.

Though we may not successfully impart professional dictates to every person who comes our way, we can and should identify transgressions and reflect on their lessons each and every time they occur. Errors and omissions by those who pass through our organization without leaving much positive effect may prove valuable to those of us who remain, laboring on behalf of the fragile individuals we have been graced to support. Even if we cannot do much for our former workmates' professionalism, we can do something for ours.

SB Work Day

SB Work Day...a few pics....
Originally uploaded by embeal.

Work days have been a YFN tradition since our founding. If you haven't had the chance to participate in one of them I would urge you to push for a work day at a setting you know needs serious attention. When we all work together on a single project we can accomplish marvelous things. We also get a chance to become better acquainted. Somehow our various roles seem unimportant while shoveling and sweating. Our common work produces a magical link that lasts well beyond any work day.

For some pics of our 2007 FW Magnavox Way work day, see:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157600256427957/