elleley
Active Member
- Camino(s) past & future
- Frances (16); Leon-Sarria, Ourense-SdC (17), Burgos-Leon (17), Porto-SdC (18), SalvadorPrimitivo(19)
I completed my first volunteer experience in the Oficina de Peregrinos a couple of weeks ago and wanted to give an update. We were told that we were the last group to have accommodations at the Convento de Santa Clara on Rua San Roque. They have identified new digs somewhere in San Lorenzo about 4 KMs from the Oficina. We were told that it would be a big improvement with "new everything..." Frankly, it makes me a bit sad. We were a group of 6, two Americanas (my sister and me), an Irishman, a Spaniard, Portuguesa, and a Francesa. We called it our albergue and even though our work schedules varied, made a point of eating together (sharing the shopping, cooking and cleaning duties) every evening. Each night was filled with laughter, story telling and pilgrim love. I think that being in that beautiful, ancient building, sharing it with the cloistered nuns and taking in some incredible spiritual energy made the volunteer experience even better. I am not judging the new accommodations, for I don't even know where it is or how it is organized, but, for me, I feel grateful to have had the experience living in Convento Santa Clara. So, please, don't be discouraged to apply for this experience. BTW, we all were assigned to completing Compostelas but made a decision that we would take the time we needed to TALK with each peregrino and not just STAMP STAMP, WHAM BAM THANK YOU M'AM...the paid staff are under a bit more pressure to keep the line moving, but I would urge any of you who may be future volunteers there to take the time to ask and LISTEN.
Ultreia, elle
