Last

 I climbed a mountain today! 15.4 miles up and down and to the town we’re staying in! A group of 4 of us left at 7 this morning… in the dark… to begin the journey. I immediately lagged behind. I used to be the one in front but now I’m definitely not! Our group actually arrived last. It wasn’t just me… we stopped and enjoyed the experience and ate several times along the way. We went in several churches and cemeteries, stopped by a stream, and took lots of pictures. 

Yesterday, the leader said the people that don’t enjoy the experience on the Camino are usually runners. They calculate their distance in their head- if I was running 10 miles instead of walking, I’d get there this much faster. That used to be me. Whenever I walked, or was deciding when to walk or run for a workout, that’s exactly what I did!

7 months ago, everything changed when I broke my back! Running stopped and I was grateful to be walking. But I couldn’t walk far or fast and while I can walk distances now, I’m not fast. It’s humbling to be last. But I have to be grateful! If I was still in the same place I was before I fell, would I be enjoying the moment.. taking advantage of stopping to have these amazing experiences? I don’t know! 

But I do know that God is trying to teach me to be humble and grateful! Tomorrow I will probably be at the back of the pack again. But, I will be enjoying the journey and being grateful for all of it!

So where was God today? He kept me safe and I was reminded that He is with me and I can do all things through Him.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Worship

 Today was a beautiful day! I got to experience worship in 3 completely different ways and they were all so beautiful and spiritual! It reminds me that there are so many ways to worship and one is no better than another! If God is in it and we feel the spirit moving, all is good! 

Started with mass in Spanish and I understood words here and there, but the music and what I did understand, and the Beauty of the iglesia gave me a sense of awe. Another cool thing was that I kept hearing my son’s name during part of the service. From what I could pick up, the priest was talking about angels Rafael, Gabriel, and Miguel and how they were the eyes and hands of God. I found out afterwards that today was a special day- feast of the archangels! 

This evening, I watched my service on YouTube live sitting by a stream in the beautiful scenery of villafranca Spain and got to see one of the youth baptized! The service mentioned the walk to Emmaus and being silent, among other things, and I felt those were some things I needed to hear!

Then, I went inside and met with the group I’m here with and we had a time of music and prayer. I love the connection we have and I felt a sense of peace, especially when we prayed and I heard the translation of the blessing of the pilgrims from this morning. 

I am grateful!

At the alburgue in villafranca, the woman who runs it was talking to my friend when I came down. I picked up from their conversation that she can get a sense of things about people from being in their presence. When they were done talking, she looked at me and said “You work too much! You need to stop working so much!” She’s not wrong! I love everything I do. But, one of the reasons I was looking forward to this trip was that it would be a time to just stop. I get to quiet my brain and just walk. I’m looking forward to the days ahead when I can do this. Of course, I’m sure I will end up thinking about random things while walking. But it won’t be thinking about all of the things I need to do. 

A meal here seems to take several hours at the restaurants. The server doesn’t rush and we have to practically beg for our checks. We have a hard time with this because we are so used to rushing. But, I’m finding a peace in this. I have nowhere to be at a certain time and I can enjoy the moment. 

I need to remember these things when I go home. How can I include what I’m experiencing here in my life? I’m not sure.. but I have days of walking to think about it!

So where was God today? He was in the worship that I experienced and in the moments of peace and beauty I had.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Connect

 Today we all finally met! After chatting with some and seeing some on zoom, it was great to start putting names and faces together! I’m discovering some of the blessings of the Camino are the connections that happen and the openness for opportunities to connect. 

In just this first day, or second for some, of meeting, we have shared together. Tapas seems to be the popular dinner fare. People are happy to order food to share with one or a whole group. Sitting around the table sharing food, conversation, and laughter is always a great way to connect! The food here is amazing! 

Both hostels so far have had rooms for 6. Last night I only knew one person and tonight they are all from our group. Sleeping in the same place, there becomes a dense of understanding people… who’s a light sleeper, who gets up at night, who gets up early, etc. I discovered one of our group is always hot and also doesn’t like top bunk. I am always cold and don’t mind climbing up to the top bunk. So, I get too bunk and an extra blanket! It’s perfect!

We did laundry tonight. Everyone in our room threw their clothes in. It just makes sense to do as much as possible when we have to pay and don’t have lots of time.

 I just love how it was so easy for a group who were strangers yesterday to do things that if not on the Camino might seem odd. I wouldn’t go on vacation and stay in a hotel and connect in these ways. I’m learning this is one of the blessings of the Camino- part of the beauty of it. 

So, where was God today? He was enjoying seeing this group meet and connect!

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Aqui

 I made it! I haven’t slept much and I’m just starting to feel it. It’s 7pm here, noon where I am from. So it’s definitely an adjustment and my hopes for sleeping on the plane didn’t really materialize. Snippets of sleep here and there. But, I found myself captivated by the sky as we flew in the dark and I looked out and saw the stars so close, well they seemed close. At one point, the sliver of moon was an amazing color of orange and looked so close! It was so beautiful that I couldn’t stop staring at it! Later, it looked totally different and farther away.

God’s creation is just so awesome! 

When we got to Madrid and rode a taxi to the hostel, I was again amazed by beauty- the beauty of the buildings, the streets, the atmosphere! Walking through the streets of Spain was so much fun! We saw a few of the most popular places, but hopefully tomorrow we’ll see more things, like the cathedral and the palace. 

Right now I am sitting in a gathering space at my hostel. Music is quietly playing in the background, someone is playing pool, some are napping, others are on computers or phones. It’s such a relaxing environment that is so contrasting to the hustle and bustle just outside the doors. I love them both! My room is cute and clean. I plan to sleep well tonight. 

I’m feeling blessed to be here and am trying to soak up the culture and atmosphere here. I’ve struggled with a few conversations in Spanish, but hopefully I’ll get more comfortable before I leave. 

So where was God today? He kept me safe while traveling.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Adios

 One more sleep! I can’t believe it’s almost here! All of the planning and anticipation… and a little bit of anxiety… will all come to fruition tomorrow! But as I’ve said before, the Camino starts the day someone decides to go. And so in typical Camino fashion, I’ve had so many realizations and learning experiences lately.

As I am preparing to leave for several weeks, I have spent time this week making sure things at home are ready. One of the realizations I’ve had is just how blessed my life is. There would have been a great many years when I would not have been able to do this financially. And while I’ve had to put in a lot of hours at my side jobs, I am so blessed that I have jobs that I love that will support me doing things like this. Speaking of work, this week has been bittersweet as I’ve been working with my clients.  I’m excited about having time off, but I will miss my clients greatly. They are such a big part of my life and my time with them enriches my life so much that I felt a sense of sadness at not seeing them for the next two weeks. While I shouldn’t be surprised by this, the realization did surprise me a bit. I’ve tried to include them in my adventure by walking with my backpack, telling them about the Camino, and telling them that I will take lots of pictures! 

Another blessing is the conversations and time I’ve spent with family and friends before my trip. Phone calls and visits… today I had lunch with family. All of these treasured moments leading up to my trip are making me realize even more how much I have to be grateful for. 

My church family has sent me with well wishes and blessings! I have a backpack tag from the blessing of the backpacks earlier this month. So, I have a constant reminder of the people cheering me on at home. My friends from my former church have also been cheering me on and have sent me well wishes and prayers. It is so comforting to know that I’m surrounded by people who love and pray for me! What a blessing!

I could go on and on about the blessings surrounding me, but I have to get a good nights sleep! So I will close with asking for prayers for my new friends joining me on this adventure. Several of them are going through hurricane areas and travel may be delayed. Prayers for safety and on-time travel for all would be much appreciated!

So where was God today? He’s been surrounding me with blessings!

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Pain

I’m sharing this because I think it’s part of the journey. I’ve heard your Camino starts when you make the decision to go. I feel that. I’ve learned so much since I made the decision to go! In my free time, I’ve researched hiking supplies, packed and repacked my backpack, and my Facebook feed is filled with Camino pages, not to mention walking and walking. I’m so excited it’s getting close! But, what I’m more hesitant to talk about is that I’m a bit nervous and scared of how I will do walking day after day.

I have packed and repacked my bag. I’ve weighed it, weighed random items as I decided whether the weight was worth it or not, and thought about what I would definitely need or possibly could buy while walking if I decide I need it. Today, my friend and I met and went through our backpacks, making sure we have everything and seeing what we can take one of instead of both of us carrying one. I went from 19 lbs to about 16 lbs. It will lessen as I go since I will be using some things along the way. My goal was 13, but 16 will have to do.

Why will a few pounds matter? Well, I hope it won’t. But, the fact is that my back still bothers me. I was not feeling it much and then suddenly it’s been bothering me daily. I end up having to wear my brace, which I especially hate in hot weather! After a bit with my brace on, I feel better. Hopefully it just gets better. Either way, I’m trying to give myself the best chance possible for success. So, the lighter pack, the better. 

My friend and I went for a long, hot hike through the dunes last week. During the hike my hands swelled. Afterwards, I got really exhausted and got a headache. I think it was a dehydration issue. I drank water, but maybe not enough. My first thought was what if I spend my time in Spain fighting migraines! That would be miserable! 

I’m ridiculously excited about my upcoming adventure! I’m counting down the days! But, I’m also scared! I don’t know what to expect, all the research in the world (which I’ve studied most of it lol) can’t predict what will happen. Sometimes I think I should have waited a year when I broke my back. Like, what was I thinking?! But I’m stubborn and once I decided to go, I wasn’t backing down. But now, I’d be lying to say I don’t have any concerns. My back and my headaches play a role in how my days go. So, I’m about to push myself and hope my body cooperates.

So, I guess this is where faith comes in. I’ve done all I could to prepare myself the best I could. Now, I have to rely on God to help me. He has cleared my path, given me signs along the way to let me know that I should go, and now I have to trust in that. It’s not always easy because I can get in my own head. But, when it comes down to it, God can give me the strength I need. And, I feel he has put people in my path when I’ve needed them and he will do the same along the Camino.

So, where was God today? He is supporting me along my journey with signs and people along my path.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Grief

 

At first, the trip was going to be in the summer. But then the dates changed to the fall. It happens to be a very significant time for me.

I arrive in Spain on my dad’s birthday. It will be his 5th birthday without him. I’ve been thinking about him a lot lately and missing him a lot. The other day, I was trying to figure something out and my first thought was that I should call him! It’s been over 5 years and I still pick up the phone wanting to talk! I think I’m missing him even more right now because it’s almost his birthday. But, also, I’m missing him because I wish I could share this excitement with him… tell him about my adventure… talk about how I’m getting ready! I miss our times together. 

It seems the time leading up to anniversaries is sometimes harder than the actual day for me. My mom passed almost a year ago. The anniversary of her passing is the day I arrive home. I miss my mom and going through her things in the last few years has made me see how much of my faith has come from her. I wish I could have had a chance to talk to her about some of the things I found- devotions she wrote, Bible studies she did, lesson plans for Sunday school. I expect this month to be filled with thoughts and memories of my mom as I continue to grieve for her. Taking this walk and focusing on my spiritual journey, I wish I could talk about it with my mom. 

I hope this walk will help me on my journey of grieving my parents and I find it amazing that it begins and ends with these significant dates in my life. It helps me to feel them supporting me along the way. 

So where was God?

He was in the planning and in my journey of grief, giving me hope and comfort.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Why

 Less than three weeks from my next adventure! I’m so excited! 

Recently, several people have asked me why I’m doing the Camino. I’ve also asked myself why… and what I think I’ll get out of the experience. So many things I’ve read have talked about life changing experiences. I wonder how it will change me.

So, why am I doing the Camino? The honest answer is I don’t know and it sounded like a good idea at the time! 

When I first started hearing about the Camino, it was through historical fiction novels about World War Two. People escaped France through the Camino route and went into Spain. I started wondering what it was like to have to take that journey. Then, I started seeing posts from a Facebook friend who is leading my trip. I started thinking that maybe this could be my next adventure. 

When I first thought about going, a lot of my thoughts had to do with the physical aspects. I like to challenge myself and this seemed like a challenge that I would have fun doing. Then I broke my back and I feared my chance to go might be lost. But I was blessed to be able to recover well enough to go. And, of course, now I feel like I have something more to prove and to challenge myself as a person who broke her back this year! The training and planning are things I have loved doing. 

It wasn’t until I had already decided to go that I really started realizing all of the religious and spiritual experiences that the Camino offers. Of course, spending days walking, I knew spiritual experiences were bound to be a part of my journey. I’m also looking forward to seeing the amazing history and architecture along the way. But, it wasn’t until recently that I started really thinking about the fact that I will be walking in places where people from the Bible walked. Going to Santiago to the tomb of James, whether a person believes he is in that tomb or not is one thing. But, believing the Bible, one has to believe there are places where people written about in the Bible actually walked. There is something amazing to me about this! I can’t wait to connect to God through my experiences!

I am beyond grateful that I have the opportunity and ability to do this! I can’t wait to go and am counting the days until my adventure begins! I hope you can share the journey with me and follow me on here. Assuming I have access to the internet, I plan to write and post pictures along the way.

So, where was God today? He sent me some encouraging messages through the people I talked to.

Blessings,

Jennifer