It is now 10:45AM here in Me?ugorje. Tomorrow morning at 7:30 I board the bus for the Croatian Coast. By this time tomorrow I will be pulling into the bus station in Split. What a relief to be back on the road!
The next day I fly to Budapest on Malev Airlines. There is an English speaking AA meeting that evening in Budapest that I will be attending, so I am looking forward to that.
My experience here has been amazing. There is so much to admire and be inspired by, but at the same time there is much to avoid and walk away from politely. It will take several weeks at home to process this information and be able to speak about it in an organized and linear fashion.
Last night I had dinner with my co-workers Janet and Joe. As I was raising my water glass for a toast, they bowed their heads in prayer. They blessed the food, and then prayed for me and my safety, and the well-being of my mother. I was so moved I almost cried. That is part of what I admire here–a quiet faith and benevolent devotion to their own Higher Power. All the tourist shops, the egos trying to control the scene, and the throngs of pilgrims all elbowing their way to-and-from church is a mere facade. Janet and Joe’s prayer reminded me of my own Higher Power and how it moves me to service and compassion.
I guess the above is part of the processing. More to come. I’ll update from Budapest.
Johnnyboy