The whole.
POINT.
How convenient it is to be distracted and start talking about, that thing or person or people we all want to talk about. No that’s not my point. That was just the bonus. The distraction though, made me realize on what mattered most.
Since there are too many highlights to mention, these are the highest-lights:
1. MAGIS Pilgrimage
- Started in Loyola, Spain- the picturesque Basilica and Castle of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits on August 5, 2011.
“No expectations is one of the keys to happiness”
I was blown away by the experience of walking the way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8yRlN9FpIE (a movie about the pilgrimage)
We walked 130KM for 6 days. It was not easy with the back pack, the heat, the up hill and down hill, the blisters but it was the most rewarding, beautiful God experience. I read about it first in the book of Paolo Coelho’s- The Pilgrimage. It was a pleasant surprise that it was the “experiment” (Pre- WYD experience of MAGIS), I was going for.
Thousands of people in all walks of life walk the camino every year for various reasons, mostly religious. They say miracles happen in that road, for me, it was life changing, in all aspects.
2. The Awesome People
- Not only met, but got to spend quality time with my co-pilgrims. The moments, i’ll cherish always. We prayed, sang, heard mass, ate, cooked, swam, walked, laughed, teased, played, conversed and learned from each other. I felt genuiness & sincerity that is so rare these days.
What a wonderful world to be in a world with no strangers.
3. Experienced Europe
Fell in love with Spain, Italy & France. Just like how we see it in the movies, it was magnificent & there were angels who were extremely nice in every turn.
Everything else was a bonus from a gracious God.
