10. Jul 2025

Gatauciai - Ruslial

Photo 1: I certainly did not expect to see this sign in Lithuania! To do so I had to walk at least 1.5 kolometers in the wrong direction. I had missed a turn in the early morning and walked down a very busy road that led me to where I did not want to go. It reminded me of what Jesus said (Matthew 7:13-14):

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

What I learned today: Turn at the sign that points to Jesus.

Photo 2: Old wooden village house...

Photo 3: Old village mill...

Photo 4: Towards lunchtime it was windy and a bit rainy. There was absolutely no place to sit near the road that was dry. I said to myself: "God's got a place for me." I then notice this white plastic bucket in the brush surrounded by trees. I was so happy. The trees protected me from the wind and rain, and the bucket gave me a place to sit off the ground. As a pilgrim one learns to be thankful for simple things.

Photo 5: I met Paulius at a pilgrim stopping place that he provided. You could have a cup of tee or coffee if you wanted. He also had a special pilgrim stamp. And there was a bed if needed. Paulius is a Russian. I am an American. He is Catholic. I am Protestant. In that moment we were brothers. Understanding and respecting people from different cultures and backgrounds can be so simple...