The trek

When last heard from, I was heading out to the U.S. to pick up a pickup from California. I flew into L.A. where I had the pleasure of taking a bus downtown to meet up with Catherine Morris from the Catholic Worker house. What a joyous time. Jeff, Catherine, Jesse, Anna, Sheena and Manuel made my time there a wondrous one. I am always astonished at what good there is in the world, yet to see the works of mercy that these people do each day is a cause of more wonder. If only we, in Chiapas, cand do have the good these folks do in their daily lives we will be successful. Whatever successful means.. I spent my days in L.A. wandering around East L.A., picking up the truck and than visiting the Delores Mission- an amazing little church in the midst of the chaos of L.A.
Jeremy Seifert and Gerry Straub welcomed me to the studios and space of San Damiano Foundation in Burbank. A lovely time was had by all as I toured the studios and spoke with the filmmakers who, they promised me, will one day come and record what it is we are doing in Chiapas. Though I have to confess, I will probably get a better vision of what it is we are actually doing after I see what they film. Should anyone be interested they have a splendid web site (see the links here).
From L.A. I made it out to Corona and Chino Hills to visit and stay with my friend Debbie X and her son Garrett. Debbie, a single mom who is a teacher as well, is incredibly active in the immigration issues. From Chino I went to the Glen Ivy Spa and community of the Emissaries of Divine Light.
What a high falutin' title for such gracious hosts and truly holy people. Bob, Norm, Nancy,Yosef and Laurie all touched me deeply. I stayed for a couple of days and got to go to one of their prayer services. A wonderful retreat the folks there collected money and sent me on my way..
In Banning I met up with my old friend, Luis Castillo and his son. They run a body shop restoring old cars on the side. Luis put me in touch with some old friends and I moved on up the hill to the site of my parents house in Poppet Flats where I met again with Paul and Kathy. Kathy had stored the darkroom and cameras of My old school chum Gary Snyder. After a great dinner, talks and a decnt sleep I went on up to Idyllwild to visit Maureen and my child, Caitlin. A beauty she is and all of eleven years old. Oh, how time passes.
From Idyllwild I made my way across the Mohave desert at night and went to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Ty Worsham, his wife Mercy and two of their three children hosted me for my time there. I got to met several friends of Ty's, most importantly Arturo.
The Vietnam war scarred those of us involved in it in such strange ways. For me, it forced me to confront my own violence and led me to a life with the Catholic Church as the only place I could find redemption. Others have found only pain. Others, a mixture of pain and grief. Such a trial for us all as we each search on the roadmap the scriptures give us to follow..
At the La ko ta lodge in Albuquerque Ty, Arturo and their friends invited me to take part in a Sweat Lodge ceremony. Oh such joy and ardor. It was for me, a special honor to sweat, to suffer breathing those heat filled scented breaths, to be a part of something so grand. The prayers were simple, heartfelt and totally appropriate for the world we inhabited. As I often say in Chiapas- I feel so humble when confronted by such faith and hope.
From Santa Fe I set out for Texas. Not just Texas but for San Antonio and the world of Jim Groff who hosts this site.. Jim, his wife Pat and Chris (their son) were all there to welcome me.. More later on the Texas time.....
Saludos, Richard