Just arrived from Santhia in Vercelli today. Will have to write more later to recapture the last few weeks. But the climb across the Alps was hard, but delicious! The weather was perfect and I was accompanied by 4 beautiful Belgian men; Geert, Laurent, Karl, and little Jonathon (16 years old). I lost my way as I crossed the alps and had to backtrack (a 3 hour detour- ay ay ay). After that, Geert and the others made sure I didn't get lost again.
Sam is doing well, but the descent was murder. We walked 30km from the top at Grand Saint Bernard to Aosta, Italy in one day. Then Geert, Sam, and I returned to Bourg Saint Pierre by bus to retrieve Geert's car. We joined the other guys around Nus and Chatillon, Italy.
I've been incredibly blessed to meet with so many wonderful people along the way. God is good! Just as I was feeling sad about leaving behind my four gorgeous Belgian men, I ran into Marie-Josephine (last name?) and Michel Hoeken, 2 other pilgrims which I met in Saint Maurice at the Abby with Laurent and Jonathon. I had been on the road for a month and had not met any other pilgrims. My first via francigena pilgrim friends!!!! Lovely.
So happy to see them again in Santhia where I thought I would have to travel alone for the rest of the route. Even better news is that Michel and M-J have called ahead for the next week or so and have made reservations at abbeys and hostelleries where we can stay (pilgrims just pay a suggested donation). So I have a place to stay for the next 10 days or so until I reach Campriano in Tuscany, where I will stay at Ranuccio Neri's vineyard for a few days.
I will have to take the train again to keep on track to get to Rome before September 14th. I need a day to find a new dog kennel for the airplane. All is well. God continues to provide in so many wonderful ways. Today, just as it began to rain, a woman stopped and insisted that Marie-Josephine and Sam and I get in her car. She took us on to Vercelli, then drove us to the convento where we are staying tonight. Father Roberto is sooo kind and gentle-hearted. Again, even though they do not accept dogs, he said they had room enough for me and Sam. Sweet! M-J even prayed that the priest would say, 'yes' and he did. So we are warm and dry for the moment.
My heart is full. I spend most of the days walking and singing and praying for you all. You are in my thoughts everyday. I wish I could be there with you now to hug you and let you know that you are loved and appreciated. Peace and love and joy be yours in overflowing abundance today,
