The Phillipines, The icy Arctic, and in between: The Way...

alexwalker · Nov 4, 2014

What a strange experience:

Last night, I was set up as skipper for a Northern Light cruise, out in the seas of the Arctic night, and we only had 2 guests; Catholics from the Phillipines... Very nice people! Now, we pride ourself with going out anyway, even with only 2 persons; people are travelling from far away to join our trips, so we never cancel, although last night, there was little hope of seeing the light. But I headed for the sea anyway.

So, I sent my crew member up on the bridge to keep watchout, and tried to talk to my guests as best I could. They revealed that they were keen walkers, and wanted to do something called the Camino in Spain... So what happened? Instead of talking about the Northern Lights (or lack of it this evening) we spent the evening talking about the Camino and its possible purposes and meanings!

Can you imagine: Those 2 nice 50-something beautiful couple went to the Arctic for the Northern Lights, and met with a captain who is a Camino veteran!

So there we were, up in the Arctic, in a boat at sea, in the dark night at sea, having a conversation/education about the Camino, staying in pitch dark out at sea, talking about a dirt road in Spain! How crazy is that!

The lady also told me that after talking with me, her determination was very much strengthened. They had been feeling the call of the Camino for many years, It was really in them.

What do you think? A coincidence? Or the Camino at work? Giving the right people signals? Heck, I find it strange: Being sought by people from literally the other side of the world, with the same ideas, the same wishes, and the same determination to do the Camino. And then, finding me as a captain of a boat they had randomly chosen, on literally the other side of the world.

I find it strange... But then again, strange things happen on the Camino and its surroundings. Last night, the Camino surroundings were in the Arctic...

Deleted member 3000 · Nov 4, 2014

Over Norway:

alexwalker · Nov 4, 2014

Beautiful, Falcon: That is what I see many nights (the lights: That person on the hilltop is simply spectalular...). But that night with the Phillipino couple was somewhat very important, for me, and them... Because now I believe they are starting on their way, and they have attitudes that will make their Way a complete joy.

Mark Lee · Nov 4, 2014

Coincidence? No way.

alexwalker · Nov 4, 2014

I do not believe it was a coincidence. I am still sitting here, confused. But i think it was meant: Somehow, it was the Camino. Now I have a pair under my wings, but most importantly: There is a very dedicated couple out there who'll walk the Way. It gives me good feelings.
ting on

Mark Lee said:
Coincidence? No way.

Indeed. My (scary) feeling too. How strange life is, and how close the Camino is to us,,,

Mark Lee said:
Coincidence? No way.

Indeed. My /scary feeling too)

lormah said:
Wow Alex. That is just down right awesome. I sincerely think the Camino spirit was with you and I don't think that was merely coincidence. Awesome. Perfect. Lorrie.

Indeed. I am still reflecting upon this. How strange. For a man my caliber with my personal reflections, this was somewhat very strange.

Mark Lee · Nov 4, 2014

Sounds like they were a very nice couple. I've made a few trips to the Philippines, and they have some beautiful beaches with great scuba diving. Also, many Filipinos are deeply religious, spiritual people.

Mike Savage · Nov 4, 2014

Coincidence? I think not!

Deacon Harbey Santiago · Nov 4, 2014

alexwalker said:
What do you think? A coincidence?

There are no coincidences, only God-incidents.

alexwalker said:
The lady also told me that after talking with me, her determination was very much strengthened. They had been feeling the call of the Camino for many years, It was really in them.

There is an old Blessed Mother Teresa blessing which goes like this: "May the Lord use you even without you knowing it"

"Viva Cristo Rey!!"
DHS

Icacos · Nov 4, 2014

I'm not a very religious person, but I do believe that the Lord works in mysterious ways; I've seen it happen time and time again. Not that one has to take any particular course of action .... just accept with gratitude.

jmcarp · Nov 4, 2014

Our former parish priest defined a coincidence as "a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous." The real "small miracle" in Alex's story may not be the fact that he encountered these potential pilgrims in the manner and location that he did, but in the eventual outcome of their Camino: will it change their lives, help them to overcome some obstacle, or one of the many outcomes that people experience on the Camino? We'll probably never know, but at least Alex has had the blessing of having nurtured the seed that had been planted, but lain fallow until his encounter with them.

alexwalker · Nov 4, 2014

jmcarp said:
Our former parish priest defined a coincidence as "a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous." The real "small miracle" in Alex's story may not be the fact that he encountered these potential pilgrims in the manner and location that he did, but in the eventual outcome of their Camino: will it change their lives, help them to overcome some obstacle, or one of the many outcomes that people experience on the Camino? We'll probably never know, but at least Alex has had the blessing of having nurtured the seed that had been planted, but lain fallow until his encounter with them.

It will. I just know it. And who knows: One day they may tell you, right here...

Kiwi-family · Nov 5, 2014

LOVE stories like this - so much so that I couldn't just hit the like button! I believe it is one of the many graces God gifts to each of us every day - actually - there are bucketloads of grace in that story!

alexwalker · Nov 5, 2014

Kiwi-family said:
actually - there are bucketloads of grace in that story!

Yep. It was a special evening, very close to the heart of the Camino.

And for an old Arctic salty dog, this one's perfect... My next Camino aid: I can visualize myself anchored to the best cafe between Burgos and Leon with (a few) beers....

Arn · Nov 5, 2014

What one person may call "coincidence" I call heightened awareness.
I've lived in the Philippines, am a "Blue nose" and have taken the plunge near Kirkenes in Norway.
Alex, your experience is just another Camino door opening. Invite them in, as should we all.

alexwalker · Nov 5, 2014

I love you too, Arn.
Here is Arn;

Mike Savage · Nov 5, 2014

That walker is great Alexwalker!

susanawee · Nov 5, 2014

alexwalker said:
What a strange experience:

Last night, I was set up as skipper for a Northern Light cruise, out in the seas of the Arctic night, and we only had 2 guests; Catholics from the Phillipines... Very nice people! Now, we pride ourself with going out anyway, even with only 2 persons; people are travelling from far away to join our trips, so we never cancel, although last night, there was little hope of seeing the light. But I headed for the sea anyway.

So, I sent my crew member up on the bridge to keep watchout, and tried to talk to my guests as best I could. They revealed that they were keen walkers, and wanted to do something called the Camino in Spain... So what happened? Instead of talking about the Northern Lights (or lack of it this evening) we spent the evening talking about the Camino and its possible purposes and meanings!

Can you imagine: Those 2 nice 50-something beautiful couple went to the Arctic for the Northern Lights, and met with a captain who is a Camino veteran!

So there we were, up in the Arctic, in a boat at sea, in the dark night at sea, having a conversation/education about the Camino, staying in pitch dark out at sea, talking about a dirt road in Spain! How crazy is that!

The lady also told me that after talking with me, her determination was very much strengthened. They had been feeling the call of the Camino for many years, It was really in them.

What do you think? A coincidence? Or the Camino at work? Giving the right people signals? Heck, I find it strange: Being sought by people from literally the other side of the world, with the same ideas, the same wishes, and the same determination to do the Camino. And then, finding me as a captain of a boat they had randomly chosen, on literally the other side of the world.

I find it strange... But then again, strange things happen on the Camino and its surroundings. Last night, the Camino surroundings were in the Arctic...

What is meant to be WILL be....You are a special person Alexwalker and these two souls were MEANT to be aboard your vessel last night and you were the One Chosen to talk with them about the Magic and the Mystery of The Camino - whichever route they take....Camino Hugs.

Arn · Nov 5, 2014

The ending of the story left me with mixed emotions...
Thanks very much Alex and all.

gracie · Nov 6, 2014

alexwalker said:
What a strange experience:

Last night, I was set up as skipper for a Northern Light cruise, out in the seas of the Arctic night, and we only had 2 guests; Catholics from the Phillipines... Very nice people! Now, we pride ourself with going out anyway, even with only 2 persons; people are travelling from far away to join our trips, so we never cancel, although last night, there was little hope of seeing the light. But I headed for the sea anyway.

So, I sent my crew member up on the bridge to keep watchout, and tried to talk to my guests as best I could. They revealed that they were keen walkers, and wanted to do something called the Camino in Spain... So what happened? Instead of talking about the Northern Lights (or lack of it this evening) we spent the evening talking about the Camino and its possible purposes and meanings!

Can you imagine: Those 2 nice 50-something beautiful couple went to the Arctic for the Northern Lights, and met with a captain who is a Camino veteran!

So there we were, up in the Arctic, in a boat at sea, in the dark night at sea, having a conversation/education about the Camino, staying in pitch dark out at sea, talking about a dirt road in Spain! How crazy is that!

Hei Alex, how often do you do these arctic tours? can you elaborate on these? I like to know the schedule of the tours, prices, places that are visited....do you have a website?

The lady also told me that after talking with me, her determination was very much strengthened. They had been feeling the call of the Camino for many years, It was really in them.

What do you think? A coincidence? Or the Camino at work? Giving the right people signals? Heck, I find it strange: Being sought by people from literally the other side of the world, with the same ideas, the same wishes, and the same determination to do the Camino. And then, finding me as a captain of a boat they had randomly chosen, on literally the other side of the world.

I find it strange... But then again, strange things happen on the Camino and its surroundings. Last night, the Camino surroundings were in the Arctic...

hikingmd_05 · Nov 8, 2014

Greetings from a future peregrina in the Philippines. My country was previously colonized by Spain for 350 yrs at the height of the Spanish empire. It was named by a Spanish explorer, Ruy Lopez de Villalobos in honor of then Spanish king, Philip II. The predominant religion is Roman Catholic for which we are thankful for Spain for bringing it here. The treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American war in the Philippines (with the US paying $20 million to Spain) and ended the Spanish empire in other Pacific Islands like Guam and the Americas.

Mark Lee · Nov 8, 2014

hikingmd_05 said:
Greetings from a future peregrina in the Philippines. My country was previously colonized by Spain for 350 yrs at the height of the Spanish empire. It was named by a Spanish explorer, Ruy Lopez de Villalobos in honor of then Spanish king, Philip II. The predominant religion is Roman Catholic for which we are thankful for Spain for bringing it here. The treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American war in the Philippines (with the US paying $20 million to Spain) and ended the Spanish empire in other Pacific Islands like Guam and the Americas.

Kamusta.
And let's not forget the wonderful San Miguel beer the Spanish brought to the Philippines. I have enjoyed a cold bottle of it in both countries.

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