It is not unusual to find trailside vendors selling light snacks and fruits to exhausted pilgrims. For several years now, one noteworthy vendor has gained great attention, and for good reason. David, a young man in his early thirties, completed the Camino himself and afterwards determined to give his life in service for pilgrims along The Way.
Located just before the small city of Astorga, David mans a fruit cart parked along the dusty trail. While this is not unique, David is unique. He sleeps in a makeshift tent alongside the farm’s storage barn in order to afford more supplies for the pilgrims who visit. There is a small shed alongside the trail with a canvass covering for pilgrims to escape the sun’s rays. As pilgrims round the curve, they catch their first glance of the cart and David.
When David spots the new pilgrim nearing, he runs to his cart and rings the bell hanging from it. In a quick about-face, he runs—wide armed—to welcome the approaching pilgrim. After determining their country origin, he throws one hand on their shoulder. Then he looks caringly into their eyes. His sparkling blue eyes rivet an authentic interest in them. There’s nothing fake in his inquiry. He makes each pilgrim feel so important, so cared for. Then a series of gently laid questions begins, often in the pilgrim’s native language. “Are you good friend? Are your feet OK? Have you eaten? Please, come find refreshment. You need to rest a bit. Please, sit here for a while. Rest. Can I bring something to you? Here, I just cooked this my meal. Please eat, I’ll make another.” Most refuse to take his meal.
Typically, there are dozens of pilgrims sitting alongside the shed and under the shade trees surrounding his trailside stand. David welcomes one pilgrim after another and settles each in a restful spot. If a pilgrim makes it to the cart before his warm welcome, it is common for the new arrival to lift a piece of fruit or snack and call out, “How much?”
David’s standard response follows, “Take it. I don’t care about the money. It’s not important.”
This amazes all within earshot, not only because it flies in the face of anything resembling good business, but they realize that coming from him, it’s entirely believable. This is who David is. There is no sign of attachment to anything- comfort, security, or material “stuff.” Even though there is a small donation box that pilgrims use to reward their host, David lives free of money concerns.
This played out in truth for me before my eyes. The town of Astorga is a short walk from David’s stand. I got to my Albergue there, showered, and had my Menu de Peregrino. It was time for relaxation and to enjoy the town’s festivities, shops, and local culture. Of all people to bump into, I witnessed David shopping. He was buying supplies for his stand. Carefully he was counting his Euros, bargaining with the merchants, and seeking the most supplies with what he could bring back to his stand with the donations he collected that day.
I witnessed David, behind the scenes, on his sole mission dedicated to serving others. The beauty and simplicity of his dedication touched me deeply. It was not for himself, but for the weary pilgrim who stumbled along the Camino near his stand. Wow! To be free like David!
