Home

Sometimes the longing for home is irresistible and you begin to wonder: well, why resist? Derby Cathedral's service had been so wonderful it seemed like it might be a beautiful ending to this second pilgrimage. So I got on my bike and rode.

Around 8.30pm I rang the doorbell and a rather surprised Sally opened the door.

During two pilgrimages, which took about a month and a half, I've covered around 3,500 km on two 50cc mopeds. I've travelled through five countries, crossed the Alps, lived in monastic communities, joined worship in dozens of churches and cathedrals and prayed alone in countless others. I've met people across Europe and made friends across language and culture barriers. I've slept rough in fields, woods, verges, once in a hammock, and twice in bike parks. I've prayed the Jesus Prayer until it's lodged in my heart like the devotional equivalent of an ear worm. I've travelled through a 42°C heatwave in central Italy and shivered through cold, wet nights in the rain in Scotland. It feels like enough. 

I'm home. It's good.

Comments

  1. Welcome home Chris

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  2. Sounds like a great break! I hope the benefits stay with you for a long time as you return to work, unlike a conventional holiday where in my case the effects go shortly after return to work!!

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  3. A momentous achievement, ecclesiastically, mentally, and physically. As you well know I am very often
    wrong about things, but in this case I am sure I am right “your many followers would greatly appreciate a
    Bill Bryson style publication of your 50cc ventures”. We want more! What do we want? MORE! But first, take a break to get your breath then go for it!

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  4. Welcome home! And I agree with your Dad! See you soon, Jo x

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  5. Wonderful, enjoy being home and your collating of memories you've made, to share more widely or simply for yourself. Exploring the peak district? We live on the edge near Ashbourne and you are always welcome to visit.

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