Monday, July 30, 2007

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!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

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/

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

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/

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

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/.