A Village Comes to the Rescue
A Village Comes to the Rescue
by Ken Privratsky | Anchorage, AK
In Spring 2023, my wife, Kathy, and I participated in the first cultural experience journey to Spain arranged by American Pilgrims on the Camino. Little did we know friendships made during that trip would deeply influence our lives.
Three months later, we got off the train in St. Jean Pied de Port full of anticipation for our fourth pilgrimage walk. Unfortunately, I became ill after reaching Pamplona, and it was not possible for me to continue. That’s when we learned how community forms the foundation of Spanish culture in some villages on the Camino Francés.
We had made many friends in Estella during the cultural journey. Kathy contacted them and said we needed help. They took us to the hospital in Estella. More friends from our cultural journey arrived as doctors conducted tests. Later that day, they admitted me for what would become a two-week stay. The municipal albergue in Estella offered Kathy a private room. Every day thereafter, friends would transport her to the hospital and back, often twice a day.
We were impressed by such outpouring of assistance but had no idea how others in Estella would rally in support too. It is customary there for the community, not just family and friends, to visit patients. During my stay in the hospital, I had three different roommates. This meant many people came to visit those patients, and in the process, they befriended me as well. It became an amazing outpouring of support.
When I was discharged, doctors urged me to stay in Estella a while longer to regain strength before flying home. A journalist visited us to write an article about our ordeal for the village’s monthly magazine. As Kathy and I walked the streets or sat in squares in the days thereafter, many people recognized us and wished us well.
Perhaps the most touching part of our stay occurred the evening before we departed. We walked out of our albergue into the adjoining square to find two couples waiting to say goodbye. Their brother had been one of my roommates; he had passed away. They were still grieving but learned we were leaving and simply wanted to wish us safe travels.
The Camino has touched us in many ways during our walks. Nothing will top the help we received in Autumn 2023. The caring community of Estella will forever remain in our hearts.
