The 17 pilgrims who stayed with us last night left this morning with big smiles, warm hugs, and heartfelt “thank you’s.” They took the time to write beautiful messages in our guest book.

Yesterday, Ilaria from Italy told us how she had lost her wallet. She retraced her steps for an hour, hoping to find it, but she didn’t. Despite this setback, the “Camino provided” – a phrase often used on the Camino. Fellow pilgrims generously offered Ilaria money to tide her over until she got things sorted out. Thanks to their kindness, Ilaria can continue her journey rather than return home to Italy early. Things like this remind us that the Camino is about more than just walking—it’s about people helping one another along the way.

Our first two pilgrims today arrived from Azerbaijan, believe it or not! They were soon followed by two from Ireland. As I was explaining to Rosaleen from Ireland about our tradition of having afternoon tea and cake in the garden and that we had celebrated two birthdays this week, she said she already knew. Apparently, Refugio Guacelmo’s reputation for celebrating birthdays with cake has made it through the Camino grapevine.

This was another gorgeous day that was perfect for tea and apple cake and connections with people from seven different countries in the garden.

We have 11 pilgrims staying with us tonight: three from Spain, two each from Azerbaijan and Ireland, and one each from Germany, Nederlands, Denmark, and New Zealand.

Mary from our Victoria Chapter of the CCOP emailed, asking if I could do a FaceTime call next weekend during hospitalero training. She thought the participants would benefit from hearing about our firsthand experience volunteering. Janine was immediately on board to do this with me which Mary sounded pleased about.  Maybe we can inspire the next wave of volunteers.