In the 1970's we lived in Damascus, Syria. We made many friends among the Syrians and still have contact with some, both in the country and 'safely' outside. We found them a warm, generous and 'low key' people. The tragedy that has been envolving over the last few years has left thousands with no choice but to emigrate and seek refugee status in a European country, a lot of which has come to a head this first week of September 2015 .
As I watched the news today, I thought about all of us Pilgrims walking to Santiago. with our newly broken in boots, hoping that we don't get blisters (but we take all the necessary measures to treat them, should we be unfortunate to get the ) our comfortable backpack (here we are worrying about size, shape and weight. Should we take two or more pairs of pants - and should they have zip off legs? And what else? High tec T- Shirts, fleece., Rain gear, an
Altus rain coat, extra sandals or Crocs, and so on!
Most of these people are walking with their only clothes, carrying children, who must be exhausted, sometimes loosing each other in the throng and hoping once in a while to find a toilet!
Personally, I think this is food for thought.
It is not my intention here to start any political or religious commentary.
However, please pray for these people and think about how fortunate we are, even when we find ourselves with problems or set backs during our Pilgrimage.