Message from Jenni

Disappointed by our first flight changes, and not wanting our initial departure delays to dampen our sense of community, I said to at least one of the travel teams before leaving St. John's for their flight, "This isn't the pilgrimage, it's just how we are getting to the pilgrimage."

I've changed my mind.

This is all pilgrimage. Every moment since we gathered in the Historic Church on June 21 has been -- is -- our pilgrimage. The experiences among pilgrims so far have been more varied than in past years, but they have been real, lived, memorable experiences. And I do know from past pilgrims that it can be those unplanned ones that are the most meaningful, looking back.

Even my own "lucky" team 3 -- the last to fly out only to encounter a missed connection, indescribable airport-line-waiting, re-booking logistics, and a night in an airport hotel with only our carry-ons and airport-issued T-shirts and toiletries -- has had an incredible international experience. We are all well-seasoned world-travelers now...

...world travelers who have had opportunities for trust, care, conversations, jokes, laughs and time (oh wow, time) to be. Together. On a journey of hope, faith, and openness to the unknowns to come. Pilgrims.

It wouldn't be fair for me to say I wouldn't have exchanged it for the more ideal planned itinerary, yet the disappointment is gone.

Instead there is gratitude for all of these unplanned experiences, and for each pilgrim whose humor, responsiveness, resilience and trust I have gotten to experience in these last few days. That has been truly amazing. I know the other leaders have experienced the same in their various ways.
Our pilgrimage is well underway.

Blessings,
Jenni +