Choices I Make


In 2016 I had an 8 week live-in sabbatical at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska (earlier posts on this blog are from my time in Omaha). At the start of that year I was filling out my application form for the college dorm and I had the option of a shared suite (own bedroom and shared bathroom / kitchenette / lounge) or to get a single suite for an additional cost. The diocese was paying. Nobody would know if I chose the single room. Nobody would ask why. And I was tempted to choose the single room. After all, it would be a risk to share an apartment with a random stranger for 8 weeks. 

But I chose to share. I try to use other people's money wisely, including the diocese's (or the parish's). And even though it can be a challenge to share with a stranger, it is good to stretch myself in that way. 

I sent in the application and thought no more about it, until the week before I arrived I got a confirmation email telling me my room number and the name of my roommate, a clearly Vietnamese name. I arrived at the dorm, picked up my key, and went up the stairs. I opened the door to find a surprised looking man named Kevin whose complexion, hair colour and surname marked him out as being of Irish descent. My first words were a startled "You're not Vietnamese!". 

I don't know what happened with the room allocation or where my original roommate went, but it was all uphill from there. Kevin was a remarkable man and we forged a fantastic friendship, continuing as roommates over the next two years of the program.  Kevin is a very much an introvert who was the yin to my extrovert yang. He said that if we weren't room mates and I didn't encourage him to get out he would have hardly left his room, and we would likely not have made the friendship we did. We still stay in touch many years later. 

This comes to mind as I consider the options for the Camino. While a pilgrim can choose to stay in hotels, or in a private room in an albergue (hostel), the traditional way is to stay in a bunk room with many others which will be a stretch, but one which I hope to do. I can afford to stay in private rooms, but I want to live simply and get out of my comfort zone. 

If I can meet another Kevin on the way it will be well worth it. 

Comments

  1. Anonymous23 August 2024 at 18:24

    Hi Fr Jim, just heard your news, what a wonderful way to celebrate 25 years as a priest.to walk the Camino de Santiago. I recently watched The Way, My Way. We will pray for you ! We were very touched that along the way , you will reflect on St Mary’s Parish, the feelings are mutual, you did wonderful work in our parish, meeting new friends, changing people lives and being a great support for people , whether in need of help or just as a friend. We all have such special memories of your short time with us all. I just spoke to Mitchel , his friends mum is doing the walk at present, so he was very interested. We will follow your blog, God Bless you and well done, you have achieved so much in your 25 years as a priest!l David, Joanne, Mitchell,Luke and Evelyn 🙏

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jim25 August 2024 at 00:20

      Hi Jo and family - you were one of the highlights of my time in Toukley, and it's so lovely to hear from you! Say hi to the boys from me. God bless - Jim

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