A walk in the Waldensians valleys.

We walked like ‘Barbas,’ meaning uncles down the stone-scattered road. The Waldensians called their preaches this to show their roles as spiritual guides and teachers. There are no cars on this rough road, and we wanted to get this walk from Bobbie Pellice to Villar Pellice done by 10 am. The nights are fine, and we had slept well, but we all need shade by 11 am.

The farmers of the valley are busy in June. Irrigating with tall pole-like structures that rise about five feet and forcefully throw out water as they turn. These are very much what my Uncle Fred used on his farm in the pea fields. Then a couple of tractors passed with hooks for turning hay which is lying cut and golden in the sun.

This old route used by the Woldensians kept close to the river. A wide river is like a motorway when a couple of lanes aren’t used for different reasons. I guess spring melts fill them all up with gushing water but there is no snow now at the end of June. The ‘creature’ ice has gone.

Looking back and forward from left to right there is the green tree-covered Alps. The top three trees are chestnuts, beech, larch and then the others, are plane tree, cherry, fig, lemon and Scot’s Pine just a few.

Villar Pellice, a shady veranda, green tea and a chocolate croissant. A bus back. It is too hot already.

 

Note from the author.  The photographs were taken before. Morning light is much stronger.

I was looking for quotes by Peter Waldo the founder of the Waldensians (the people who lived here for more than 1,000 years) but these points were all I found.

1 He emphasised following Jesus’s teachings and living a life of poverty and simplicity.

2 He prioritised obedience to God over obedience to human authority.

3 He believed in the authority of the scriptures.

4 Know Christ. ( This seems to be separated because it is not just intellectual knowledge. )

5 The need for repentance and forgiveness.

Here is something I appreciated:

‘The blessings of salvation are for every person. Nothing but their own choice prevents any person from sharing the promise in Christ by the gospel.‘ EG White.

Acts 17:26,27 The people of the nations are made with one blood.

Galatians 3:28 We are all one in Christ, there are no bosses and slaves, no genders, no nationalities!

Proverbs 22:3 The rich and the poor meet together, the LORD made them all.

Romans 10: 11- 13 When we call to God, it doesn’t matter about our nationality. He is genorous,rich,bountiful to those who call!

Sandy’s reading of these verses. I made them my own. Read them for yourself, you may say something different. It is good to make God’s words yours.

Take care,

Sandy 🙂

Ps

While looking for sayings I also found this poem read aloud. It was written by John Milton, Sonnet XVIII is also known as ‘ On the late Massacre in Piedmont.’ It is sad and graphic. Be warned.