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
I will be praying for health and strength along this journey. You got this
ReplyDeleteDear Friend…. Your concerns are realistic and well worth taking precautions for. But always remember when you do something that is a witness of your faith in Christ, the enemy will usually try to intimidate you.
ReplyDeleteYour friends, family, your Youth Group and your clients are all watching your brave journey.
Well done good and faithful servant.
I didn’t mean to post anonymously. The aforementioned post is Melanie.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand these concerns and I think you have the right outlook-- a combination of being realistic and also having faith. From my years of carrying children on my back, I can tell you that weight distribution is just as important if not more important than the actual weight of what you're carrying. Everyone is different but I can carry a lot of weight if it's mostly loading on my hips and across my chest. I think most backpacking packs are designed to allow this? Positioning and tightening of your waist belt, connecting the shoulder straps across your chest and even experimenting with ways to distribute that pressure across a wider area, like using fabric instead of a strap (ie a scarf). I would be glad to show you some tricks if you want! You may also want to consider adding electrolytes to your hydration. I have this thing where I get dizzy when I stand up from bending over when I'm working outside, and it happens even when I hydrate really well, but adding electrolytes really helps. I'm so excited for you!! I'm sure you're super busy but we have to talk before you go!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I’m taking liquid iv because I discovered it helps minimize my headaches… which made the other day so weird because I did drink it. We definitely need to catch up! I’d love a video chat before I go! I did the whole getting fitted for my backpack and they showed me stuff for weight distribution but I don’t remember it all so it would be great to hear your thoughts on my backpack and best ways to do things! Text me some good times to talk and we need to make it happen! Love you!
Delete