March 25, 2016: Good Friday: The long flight home

Morning came early with a wake-up call at 3:00 and the taxi arrived at 3:45. It was a very short night. When we arrive at the Air Terminal it is very confusing. There are no agents at the KLM check-in. An Italiano Air employee tells us to go to baggage. We are confused but they push us through only to learn we have to go back out to check our bags. 

We finally found someone who can help us and he told us to check in through Italiano Airlines. Who knew? After much stress we have gone through baggage 2 times, had our passport checked 3 times, had our yogurt taken away along with Scotti's peanut butter and string cheese!

When we arrive in Amsterdam we stop briefly to pick-up chocolate for Easter. We make a beeline for the gate and find a long line and 3 addition security checks. We are getting nervous. We finally make it through the line with  3 more passport checks and they tell us to hurry to the gate. We are almost running.

When we arrive in Seattle it takes an hour and a half to get through customs. It is a total zoo. Our passports are checked 3 more times. We realize that the world has shifted since we left. We are now living in the aftermath of the killing of people in the Brussels airport and train stations. It is very sad. Amazing the people waiting in lines are very patient and willing to do what is asked. 

We are now on the flight to Boise and it is time to reflect back on this Pilgrimage. To be a Pilgrim is to seek God. We traveled to an ancient Pilgrimage site to seek and to be found. In each site we encountered the incarnate God in the creative works and acts of service by other followers and seekers. We experienced a deep connection to those who came before us and in some ways a smallness to the grand and awe inspiring work that has been done in the name of Jesus. 

Over the years Scotti and I have shared many experiences, some joyous and some deeply challenging. Life, is the the real pilgrimage. It is a blessing to have traveled this pilgrimage together. 

Lessons Learned: To be on pilgrimage...

Affirming and honoring our true feelings means that we listen to and honor as well as follow our true feelings, knowing that they are answers to our prayers.