Viana & Navarette

Last night we stayed in a parochial albergue in Viana. There are three types of albergues: municipal (run by the town), private, and parochial (by a church). The albergue was actually connected to the Church and it was donation only & included a shared meal. The volunteers who greeted us and cooked for us were named Jean & Elvira. Jean is from Ireland & Elvira is originally from CT! Small world! Also staying in the albergue with us were our new friends from California. We met Dale & Paul and their sons Ben & Nick in Estella and at the Los Arcos albergue we played guitar & ukulele and sang together. It was Camino magic & I'll never forget it. Ben & Nick are both 16 and they've been having a great Camino and definitely added some fun to our group. The parochial albergue had simple facilities (ie. mat on the ground) but it was great. We all went to Mass in the beautiful Church & we went to confession to the gentlest & kindest priest. He gave all the pilgrims a very personal blessing after Mass & it was a true experience of God's love. The shared dinner was fun & delicious and the priest joined us all. After, he let us into the choir loft and Deacon Joe played the organ & everyone sang. We ended the night with "Salve Regina." we have really been feeling Mary's hand guiding us & she really is wrapping us in her mantle of protective clouds & gentle breezes. We know the temperature is going to spike tomorrow but these two days have been a grace. Tonight we are at a really nice albergue in Navarette. Siesta time is ending soon and we'll go to dinner & Mass, or vice versa, and definitely have a restful sleep. We plan to wake up early tomorrow to try to beat the heat! Please pray that we stay fuerte (strong) & injury/illness free & that we are open to what the Lorr has in store for us! We are praying for you!