1 Crazy Thing That Happened When I Got Home

 1 crazy thing that happened when I got home happened a few days after arriving home. I was on call at the hospital where I am a chaplain five nights a week. I only go in when called in, which isn’t often. But, wouldn’t you know it, I got called in one of the first few nights back. 

I answered the phone around 1:30 am. I got up and went to my living room so I wouldn’t disturb my husband or dogs. This would make you think I was awake and aware of my surroundings. Nope! Instead, I was a little annoyed that they were calling me when I wasn’t the one on call! Why would they call me while I’m not even in the country?! Of course, I didn’t let on that I was annoyed and offered to talk to the person over the phone if they couldn’t get in touch with the person on call. Then I explained to the nurse that I was in Spain!! She said she’d get in touch with the other chaplain and we hung up.

I then went into the bathroom and something clicked in my brain… ummm I’m NOT IN SPAIN!!! What did I just do?! Oh no! Then the dilemma was.. do I just go back to bed or do I actually call the nurse back and say “I’m sorry… I’m not in Spain!” Ugh! How embarrassing would that be? Well, let me tell you! I did call her back and I’m pretty sure I confused the switchboard operator who was in the process of contacting the other chaplain! Then, I had to tell the nurse I was not in Spain and in fact would be there in a bit. After that, I had to message the other chaplain, my boss, and tell her not to worry about anything and that I had a good story for her later.

When I arrived, I told the nurses at the nurses station and everyone had a great time with my story. As I was leaving, I heard them saying “That was hilarious! I’m in Spain! Wait! I’m not in Spain!” It was probably a stressful night for them so I’m glad I could bring a few laughs!

Since then, I’ve been fully aware that I’m not in Spain. But, my heart and my thoughts have been there off and on throughout the days since my return home. And, my heart goes out to everyone in Spain who is dealing with the horrible conditions that the weather has brought on. Please join me in praying for them! 

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Note: I am tentatively going to be sharing about my journey on December 1st at my church after the service. Watch for more details!

2 Things I Was Worried About

 2 Things I Was Worried About Before I Left 

1) I really did not want to have to go to the bathroom in the woods! I had my roll of toilet paper and my bags. But, I decided to do everything I could to avoid it. My rule was “if there was an opportunity for a potty break, I was going to take it!” I usually did. And, I am glad I never had to go in the woods! 

2) Now this one is ironic! I was really worried about bedbugs and ticks! I treated my clothes and backpack, along with my sleeping bag liner. So, I was really hoping that would protect me. It did. 

I wrote the basics of this in my head last night. In the middle of the night pain behind my knee woke me up. This morning I discovered a tick was embedded in me from my hike yesterday. So, all my worries about bugs far away and I come home and get my first tick ever. Highly don’t recommend!

Blessings,

Jennifer 

3 Ways I Experienced God

 3 Ways I Experienced God

When I talk to people about walking the Camino and mention that it’s a pilgrimage, they usually want to know about the spiritual aspects of my trip. I feel like people expect big neon signs and lightning bolt experiences with God during my walk. It didn’t really happen that way. In fact, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about exactly what impact this had on my spiritual journey. Today, I went hiking with a friend who walked the Camino with me and we talked about this. I think she helped me realize what I’ve been trying to capture in my mind. But first, I’ll tell you the first two.

1) Finding the one random person I knew was walking sometime in September or October, who I had never met before so didn’t really know what he looked like, and then walking for miles talking and realizing how much we had to talk about. When you think about the fact that over 2000 people were walking that part on that day, it’s pretty amazing!

2) The connections I made, the conversations I had, and the ways we shared within our group were amazing! I truly felt that God had put together the 21 people and I am forever grateful and blessed by this.

3) The other day, I saw a post on a Camino group. Someone found an expensive sports watch and posted it. Shortly, they connected with a friend of the owner and plans were in the works to get the watch to the owner. Would this happen in my town? I’m highly doubtful. But that’s the norm on the Camino. I never felt unsafe, never felt someone would take something from me or take advantage of me. In that time, I only witnessed a harsh word once, and later found out that person was really struggling. I realized today when talking to my friend that my time on the Camino was the closest thing to experiencing what it would be like if people were trying- really trying- to live like Jesus! We put other’s feelings ahead of ourselves while still striving to live our best lives. We helped each other, and felt the love of others supporting us. Loving one another was just a part of life, not something we had to work hard on. We weren’t dealing with the world where hate, intolerance, and greed have taken over. So, while there was no amazing aha moment, I’m realizing that what I’m missing here is experiencing a world where people are living like Jesus showed us, where people naturally followed His greatest commandment, to love one another. So, I need to do what I can to be able to love and show others by example. 

Blessings,

Jennifer 

4 changes I’ve made

 My friend said I couldn’t stop at 5. So, here’s 4! Some of these may start to overlap or duplicate things I’ve already said. But, I guess that just means I’m serious about them. 

4 changes I’ve made

1.  I am prioritizing myself and have started my day with walking my dogs every day since I got home for my physical and mental health.
   
2. I am sitting down to eat at least one meal a day rather than eating every meal on the go.
3. I am coming home at the end of the day and not immediately turning on the tv and instead having conversations or getting things done.
4. I’m researching my next trip and starting to train for it.

5 Places I want to go

 5 Places I Now Want to Go

5- Tennessee hiking adventures with my new friends 

4- Scotland's Highland Hike

3- Portuguese Camino 

2- Fisterra, Spain- I didn’t go on the bus trip this time, which I don’t regret. But, I would like to see it sometime.

1- Grand Canyon Rim to Rim

6 Things

 6 Things I Learned From the Camino 

6- I’m not as young and healthy as I used to be. I hope this experience helps jumpstart me into continuing to improve my health.

5- I need to take more time for myself.

4- I need to spend more time with my family and at home.

3- I need to continue to strive living simply and not acquiring stuff.

2- I need to stay open to new opportunities and experiences.

1- I can do whatever I set my mind to. But, I don’t have to be the best, the fastest. I just have to keep trying. Sometimes I’m my own worst enemy and in reality, I’m just supposed to do the best I can.

7 Things

 7 Things I Can’t Wait to Do When I Get Home 

7- Sleep in my own bed

6- Take a long, hot shower

5- Go for a walk! I haven’t walked for a couple days, especially my travel day. It feels weird not to walk.

4- Unpack… although that also means doing laundry! :(

3- Plan my next trip! They say that’s the best way to deal with the transition back to the “real world”.

2- See and talk to my friends and family- new and old.

1- Talk about the Camino with everyone… so bear with me!

I wrote this on my way home. Fortunately, I’ve been able to do all of these thing! I’m looking forward to continuing to do these things as I haven’t missed a day of walking, am planning to talk at a couple events about my experiences, and have been looking into a trip to hike at the Grand Canyon next spring. While I miss seeing my new friends, we have been trying to keep in touch. I’ve been able to connect with my family and friends and have enjoyed visits from them!

Blessings,

Jennifer 

8 Things That Surprised Me While on the Camino

 8 Things That Surprised Me While On the Camino

8- The struggle was real! The uphill battle on the first day was hard for me. I’m used to being in better shape and losing training time due to my back injury was evident.

7- I didn’t expect to get so close to people in my group. I am so glad I did! It made the journey even more special.

6- I didn’t expect to feel so connected to random people but I loved the way everyone doing the Camino feels a kinship with each other! 

5- I didn’t expect to run into people who live in my state, let alone the one person (friend of a friend) who I had heard was on the Camino in “September or October”. That was crazy!

4- I didn’t expect to forget where I was, what day it was, or where I was going so much!

3- I didn’t expect to have so much rain! I definitely didn’t expect to get used to it and walk through pouring rain and not hate it! 

2- I didn’t expect to walk with people randomly for a bit and then walk with someone different… either from my group or people I met along the way. I had some great conversations with people who I then never saw again. 

1- I didn’t expect to love this experience so much! I can’t wait to do another trip like this!

There are probably more things I could add to this list. Every day was an adventure! I’m so grateful for it!

9 Things

 9 Things I Didn’t Miss While On the Camino

9- Driving. Walking everywhere was nice. I wish I lived in a more accessible walking town, but there are times I can walk instead of driving to get places. I just have to plan it. If not walking, then biking. With winter coming, this might be short-lived until spring.

8- TV. Not once did I think about tv shows or movies I wished I could be watching.

7- Reading. I am constantly reading when I’m home. But, there was so much to do and people around to walk and talk with that I didn’t have time to read and it was ok. I look forward to reading again when I’m home, but I didn’t miss it.

6- Worrying about what I was eating. While there is high fructose corn syrup in Spain, most of the food is fresh and didn’t have the risk of having it in it.

5- Fast Food. I saw a few fast food restaurants in Madrid and a few as we were leaving Santiago. But, I didn’t have any desire to eat fast food because there were so many good options there I wanted to try. Sometimes I get in a habit of eating junk and I know there are better options at home, too.

4- Being connected 24/7. For the first week, I ended up getting a weekly international call plan. But, by week 2, I wasn’t using it and didn’t renew it. I had Wi-Fi so was able to use the internet at certain times when I was at the albergue, but not constantly. That was nice. It’s making me think about how I might want to do things differently once I’m home.

3- Having to choose what to wear every day. I brought minimal clothing since I had to carry everything on my back. So, I knew what I was wearing each day because I usually only had 1 choice. At the most, I had a choice of 2 shirts or shorts or pants.

2- Being busy. While we were always doing things, it was a different kind of day. I had no obligations except to get up, pack up, and walk. It was nice to give my brain a rest. It’s what I needed and craved. I’m ready to go back now. But, I will be mindful to strive for a little less stress on myself.

1- Eating on the run. Spain makes mealtime an experience. I typically eat at least one meal a day in the car.. sometimes two. I want to make at least one meal a day a sit down relaxing time to enjoy food and family or friends. 

Even more than the things I did miss, these things I didn’t miss had me thinking about what things I might want to do differently at home. How can I make changes for the better based on what I learned on the Camino? It’s definitely a work in progress! 

10 Things

 For this week, I’ll be posting a list a day, starting with 10 things today, 9 things tomorrow, etc. 

10 things I missed while on the Camino (besides the obvious ones like family, friends, and dogs)

10- Being able to eat random foods. While the food was AMAZING, sometimes at home I just want something light for dinner like some cheese and crackers or a hard boiled egg and this wasn’t the way food was done. I suppose I could have figured out how to make it happen, but I didn’t.

9- Regular sheets, comforters, and pillows. While we sometimes got one or two of them, I always used my sleeping bag liner to hopefully avoid any creepy crawlers. 

8- Daily downtime. Every moment of the Camino was incredible! From the beautiful views and experiences to the relationships with friends I met. I’m an extroverted introvert and renew my energy from my brainless downtime. I didn’t want to miss anything so I chose not to take daily downtime, but I missed it (just not enough to miss out!)

7- I missed my clients and hanging out with them. Several of them helped me get there by going for walks and things that helped me prepare for the Camino and I wish they could have seen it.

6- Random conversations with people who know me. One day I accidentally pocket dialed my pastor and we had a conversation about things going on. I realized how much I enjoyed having a conversation that was about church stuff and life back home. It helped me a lot when I was stressed about the weather for walking the next day.

5- Being on the same time as everyone else. It was odd being 7 hours ahead of everyone. I am grateful for Marco Polo and what’s app. But, I didn’t like having to check the time before contacting people.

4- Being in the same place for more than a day. Except for the end of the Camino, each day was a new place, a new albergue, and new sleeping arrangements. Packing up everything every morning was challenging at times. It was kind of the point, and I’m grateful for it because it’s part of the experience. But, I did miss being in the same place and it just made me grateful for my home.

3- Knowing the language of the area. While I am glad I did Duolingo daily over the last year, it only got me so far and I wish I could have been more fluent in Spanish so that I could have had real conversations with people rather than one or two word phrases. I hope to keep learning and if I get to go back, hopefully I can be more fluent.

2- Warm towels and a hot tub! Just kidding! I don’t have that when I arrive home from work now. But, every day while walking in the rain, I would tell my friends that warm towels and a hot tub would be waiting for us! What I missed was knowing what to expect when I arrived. 

1- A long running shower! Most of all, I missed a shower that didn’t turn off every 10-20 seconds. I had to push the button or just hold the button to keep the water on. This is a challenge when also trying to get clean! 

While there were things I missed, some of them were things I could have had if I had tried harder or made the choice to do them. Others were part of the experience and while I missed them, I was also grateful for them. And, several were eye opening to the culture and places other than my little world, which was part of my reason for going. Knowing these things, would I go again and miss them again? Absolutely- in a heartbeat! 

Choice

 When thinking about walking yesterday, one of the things that kept going through my mind is the privilege I had to walk. When I first learned about the Camino, it was through reading historical fiction. People escaped occupied France and went to Spain via the Camino Frances. As I was walking, I thought about the people who were persecuted for their religion and left with only the clothes on their backs. I thought about people of all ages, families with young children, and people who left wondering if they would ever see their family again. 

We had some rough days and I wondered if we would walk due to the weather, but never did I have any of the concerns that so many people had while walking through to Spain. After walking it, thinking about how hard it must have been for them is even more clear. 

It also made me think about how lucky I am to not worry about being persecuted for my religion. While there are times someone may say something against my beliefs, I am free to worship who and how I choose. I also make a choice to respect others to worship who and how they choose.

This is not the most expensive way to travel to Spain, but I still feel blessed that I can financially do this. It took some planning and saving, and making choices, but it was doable. And so worth it! It was a beautiful way to see and experience Spain! 

So, again as I continue to process and think about things, the word that comes to mind most often is grateful! 

So, where was God? He continues to bless me in so many ways!

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Arrived

 I didn’t write last night for several reasons- mainly because I was exhausted and because I needed to process the day. This morning, I am well rested but still working on processing. But, I’ll throw out some initial thoughts. I think this walk will be giving me gifts and insight for days and weeks to come. 

I didn’t think we’d make it. The storm that hit the day before we were supposed to arrive in Santiago and continue through yesterday was fierce! But, we looked at the radar and decided to set out a little later than usual and stop if we needed to. We walked through puddles past our ankles, took a detour when a road was flooded and blocked by down trees, and walked through so much mud! But, we got to Santiago and the rain stopped! A few showers and cold after we arrived, but all in all, we were so lucky! 

Five of us arrived together. I am grateful for those friendships and sharing that experience with such special people! As we walked the last 10 days, we talked, listened, processed, and laughed. We supported and encouraged each other. 

Living in a collective society for these 2 weeks has shown me the blessings of that life. I had read about it in classes but until I spent the last two weeks living it, I didn’t know what it meant to experience it. Living in a world where everyone helped each other, where things like money for laundry or other things wasn’t something to be split to the last penny, where someone I just met did my laundry, or I did theirs. How do we get there in our real world? I dread going back home to the hate that politics and racism, along with other things, have put into my world. 

The time in Spain is different. They have a siesta in the afternoon and they eat dinner late. I don’t get a siesta, but I usually eat dinner late. Ha! I always thought I was weird but now I know I am just living the Spanish life! The pace here is so much different and it’s a goal of mine. I know I am too busy and I feel like I’m on a treadmill unable to get off. This time has helped me to process this. I don’t have solutions, but I’m working on it. It’s possible and I hope to figure it out eventually. I think it will be trial and error when I get home.

This walk is a pilgrimage, a spiritual journey. So, I’m considering how this has affected me spiritually. I’m still figuring it out. I do know that there were many times when I leaned on God. When things were hard, there were times that I chanted in my head “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) and that would get me up the hill or through a long stretch of walking. I also felt so amazed by God’s handiwork and when I see it I wonder how people doubt his existence. At times, I thought in amazement that I am walking through places that existed in Bible times. How is this possible?! So cool! The churches we visited were so old and beautiful, the church that someone sang in when we arrived was so inspiring! Today I plan to visit the tomb of St. James and tour the cathedral. I’m looking forward to seeing everything. Overall, spiritually, I guess I would say that this journey has made me so grateful to God for the experience and for the confidence in Him that it has given me.

As I talked about before, this trip began on my dad’s birthday and ends on the anniversary of my mom’s passing. So, thoughts of them were present throughout this trip. Hearing bagpipers made me miss my dad so much! A few times I struggled with grief. Overall, I just wish I could tell them about my adventures! Several others here also have family they are grieving. I think it's a reason many come. I'm glad I have been able to be here in the time leading up to my mom's anniversary of passing. It honestly made it easier. But, I wish I could be with my sister on the day and instead I will be flying home. 

I'm sure I will have more to say, but that is enough for now. 

So, where was God today? He got us here safely.

blessings,

Jennifer

Journey

 The wind is whistling. The rain is pounding against the building. I’m laying here thinking about how much I’ve been looking forward to tomorrow for the past year. Walking into Santiago after days of walking is said to be such an overwhelming experience. I’ve seen pictures of people as they walk in. Most are tearful, a mix of joy and sadness, relief and gratitude. I am wondering what the day will bring.

Today, we walked 13 miles in the rain. It was rough! Tomorrow is looking rougher. 13 miles in harder rain and harder wind. So, it’s very possible that the moment I have been looking forward to will not happen… or at least not in the way I expected. 

So, I have to wonder what God might be teaching me in this. Well, not that He is intentionally making it rain to teach me something. But, what can I learn from this? What can I learn by not achieving my goal? I’m extremely goal oriented and motivated. Maybe too much so?

I have enjoyed every minute of this experience. I’ve enjoyed the journey! On day one, I struggled and it was really hard to get up the hills. While it’s still hard, it is easier than it was. I had to work through some things and deal with the fact that my physical health isn’t what it used to be- but that I am grateful for what I am able to do. I’ve met new people and have made lifelong friends! There is something so special about sharing this experience with people that bonds people like nothing else can. I’ve walked with different people in different times throughout the weeks and I feel like it was always when the other person or I needed to talk or support or encourage each other. I love that I have spent time with different people throughout this. I love the way that people I passed or who passed me would show support. Buen Camino is said as a greeting and response when pilgrims meet. There is so much said in those two words… a message of encouragement, of understanding, and of connection. I’ve seen the beauty of Spain! While the weather wasn’t perfect, I’ve seen so many beautiful places, the historic buildings, and the kindness of the people. 

No matter whether I walk all the way to Santiago or not, it doesn’t lessen the amazing experience! It doesn’t lessen what I’ve learned and realized (which is a blog for another day)! 

I will lean into my word for the year- gratitude. And, while I would be disappointed not to complete the walk in the way I had hoped, I am grateful for the journey.

So, where was God today? He kept me safe and got me to the albergue safely.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Balance

 I’m listening to a symphony of snores right now. I know I should try to be the first one to sleep in order to avoid the symphony, but that doesn’t happen often. 

Today, the weather was beautiful until it wasn’t. The last hour or so it rained. But at this point, we know the routine and just throw on our ponchos and keep walking. Today, I walked with one of my new friends who I spent part of yesterday walking with. We enjoyed walking and talking, stopping for pictures and food, and a few churches along the way. I loved meandering through Spain today! I’ve ended up walking with different people throughout these days, having different conversations that end up being more personal than most conversations with people I’ve recently met. There’s something about walking the Camino with people that opens up for these experiences.

At one church, we walked in and a person was just starting to sing Ave Maria. It was beautiful! Tonight, she walked into the main area of our hostel. She’s staying here, too. I love meeting new people from all over the world and seeing them off and on throughout this journey. 

A friend asked what this Camino has done for me- or something like that. I’m not sure yet. I’ve got a few days to go. There are some things floating around in my head but I’m not sure how to articulate them yet. I do know this experience is amazing and I have not regretted a second of it! I am wondering how to bring this experience home with me and use what I’m learning from it. I’m still working on it. 

I haven’t had a chance to read, watch tv, or read anything political and I can’t say I’m missing it! Getting a break to quiet my mind has been wonderful! Working as much as I do, I’m taking this time away to focus on myself and my family rather than work. That, too, has been a blessing, although I miss my clients! I think if anything at this point can be articulated, it’s that I need to find a better balance between all of the things I love. I’m not sure how to do that or what it looks like, but I think it’s one of my goals. I’ve got time to figure it out. 

Also, I’ve had some conversations about some pretty tough things I’ve been through. They didn’t affect me in a bad way, which makes me realize that I’ve already let them go. I’m working on processing some things and I’m sure I’ll get to them soon. But, for now I’m just grateful that I’ve let go of what I have.

It’s time for me to join the symphony of snores.

So, where was God today? He was in the conversation I had as I walked 9 miles with my friend.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Provided

 I’m sitting downstairs in my albergue for the night. Most of my group is sleeping. Lights went out at 9:30. It’s been progressively earlier each night. This is one of the few albergues that has people other than our group. The main room is filled with laughter, talking, food, and fun. I just turned to look and they are sitting in a row doing a train of shoulder rubs. It’s fun to see how much fun they are having. I’m pretty sure they all started this adventure as strangers. It’s amazing how this shared experience has connected them. 

Today it rained-poured most of the time- and once in awhile the wind picked up. It was also our longest walk at about 16 miles. It could have been a miserable day. But, I honestly had such a great time talking to people and hearing their stories that it was an enjoyable day! 

We stopped for lunch at some point and getting a reprieve from the rain was good. Before I left, I told people I was going to meander through Spain. It has depended on the day whether I’ve made many stops. Some of our walks haven’t had many stops. Others have had fun places to experience. 

Some have not been able to walk one day for one reason or another. Others have walked fast or slow. Sometimes there are 2 ways to go- one easier than the other. One of the great things about the Camino is everyone can do their own thing. The Camino is different things for different people. I’ve also found it’s very different for me from day to day. While some days I feel time alone is better, other times I need to walk with friends, and still other times I enjoy walking with strangers along the way.

I had no idea what to expect before I started. I don’t know if I can tell someone else what to expect because I think it’s different for everyone. There is a saying that the Camino gives you what you need. I didn’t understand that before I started, but I think I’m starting to.

So, where was God today? He was watering his gardens, for sure!

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Godcidence

 As the symphony of snores plays, I’m laying here thinking about what an amazing experience this is! I spent the first days in quiet reflection at times while listening and sharing with new friends at other times. The Camino has changed as of today as so many more are now on their journey. Hundreds of people are within sight throughout the day. This last leg of the journey is what people need to walk in order to get their certificate. So, many start here.

While walking today, I said “burn Camino” a million times, as I was often passed or passing people. At several points, I walked and talked with people from all over the world. It was so fun to hear about them and what brought them to the Camino. If I was home a few months ago, there would be a lot of prep before a 13 mile hike. Today, we just went and did a, getting done in Enid- afternoon. Those that are able to walk are surely finding the days easier than the first day, at least I know I am!

One of the most amazing things is that I knew a friend of a friend was walking the Camino sometime in September or October. Today, I ran into him, having never seen it met him before. We walked together for a few miles, not sure how many because the time just flew by! The grant he got is similar to what my pastor just got. His focus was storytelling, just like ours. Hopefully he and my pastor can meet and we can meet up after he’s back to chat about some of the things they are doing and some things we want to do. Hopefully, our paths will cross again. 

It’s cool to talk with people from all over the world! I’m learning so much and I’m feeling so blessed to be doing this!

So where was God today? He was helping me find the friend of a friend.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Buen Camino

 Today we walked to Sarria, between 9 and 10 miles. If I walked 9 miles a few months ago, I would have had to prepare and plan for it. It would have been a lot. But this morning, I was excited for our shorter day after the last couple of days of walking in the rain. 

It’s amazing how much our perspectives can change! Tomorrow is a 13 mile day. While it sounds like a lot, my first thought was “that’s only a few more than today so that’s good!” 

Walking today flew by! I walked and talked with friends. At one point, a fence was filled with crosses made out of sticks that people had stuck in there. My friend and I added a cross to it. At another spot, a table was set up by a church. There was coffee, fruit, and a few other snacks for everyone to enjoy. Another place had a message of encouragement for pilgrims as they walked by. And, towards the end of our journey, a table with 2 women had drinks and cookies for anyone who wanted something. I love all of the support and encouragement throughout the walk! Buen Camino is the typical greeting as pilgrims meet each other. I can count on one hand today the number of pilgrims who didn’t greet us when we saw each other. There’s a feeling of connection, of a shared experience and goal, even if we only meet for a minute. 

Stories are shared between pilgrims, hearing where they are from and why they are here, stories of hope and forgiveness, experiences and changes that need to be made. Words don’t do it justice. 

So where was God today? He was in the conversations I had and in the people who gave us food and drinks along the way.

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Rain

 Today we had even more rain than yesterday! There were some high winds and at one point I’m pretty sure it was sleeting! But, I still walked about 12 miles with some really great people! 

Luckily, there wasn’t as much climbing today, but there was some. I’m not a fan of that! But, I do feel like even in this few days, it’s all getting easier physically. Tomorrow is about 9 1/2 miles. Before, I would have thought that a long distance. Tonight, I was thinking we only have 9 miles tomorrow- that’s an easy day! 

The walk was filled with laughter, talking, a few pauses for photo ops, and greetings of buen Camino to everyone we saw! While the goal is not a race, today the weather made us more focused on walking and we didn’t stop much. Today’s walk didn’t have as many opportunities to stop anyway so it worked out.

Towards the end of today’s walk, with about 3 miles to go, someone suggested singing. So we took turns choosing and leading a song. We sang hymns such as Amazing Grace and It is Well and other favorites such as Jesus Loves Me and If You’re Happy and You Know It! It helped us pass the time, find joy in the moment, and kept our spirits up! 

This evening, while looking for a place to eat, we ran into a couple that we have seen several times in several towns. They are from areas near us. It’s a small world! When in a restaurant, we struck up a conversation with some people from Italy. We ended up having dinner together and enjoying learning about each other’s cultures and lives. The Camino isn’t about Spain even though it’s a journey through Spain. It’s about learning about cultures, meeting new people and connecting with them. At the same time, the Camino is about learning who we are and connecting with ourselves, finding out who we want to be and figuring out how to make it happen. 

I am so grateful and blessed to be here. As I type this, the bells of the monastery are ringing. There is so much beauty- sights, sounds, tastes surrounding me throughout the day that I am overwhelmed by God’s beautiful masterpiece that we get to witness! 

I’m also grateful for the people God is putting in my path throughout this journey! The people in the group are amazing and I am loving meeting new people!

So where was God today? He was with us keeping us safe with all the weather! 

Blessings,

Jennifer 

Relentless

 Today was wet! The rain was nonstop! The hike started out uphill and I felt better than yesterday morning walking uphill. But then the rain kept coming. At first it was just a drizzle but even a drizzle when nonstop gets to be hard. Luckily, I had good company and good conversation. 

When we got almost to the top, there was a bagpiper! The town has a Celtic vibe. I recorded it for awhile and stayed and listened to him. It reminded me of my dad because I remember him being emotional when the bagpipes played at my wedding. He would have loved hearing me talk about this moment and showing him the video. 

Of course, my parents have been on my mind a lot lately. So, I got a little emotional during this time. One of my new friends from the group was there and she was so sweet about it. 

Then we spent some time in the town. The church is special because the priest who really brought life back into the Camino was buried there. 

Leaving the town, I was relieved to know that I would spend time walking on flat or downhill paths. But I was wet and cold. So I just started walking and got into a zone. Before I knew it, I was ahead and alone. I think I needed that time. I had a lot on my mind and just needed some time to process it. I didn’t solve anything… I didn’t get answers… but I guess I got peace. And, it felt good just to walk. Taking this time for myself, I realize how much I needed it. While it’s true that I work a lot, I still have time to do things differently in other times. My priorities have to align with how I spend my time. I’m not sure what that means, but it’s what I thought about for a long time today. 

I thought about how sometimes the days just keep coming, relentless (like the rain today), and we get into a grind. But later, I thought about how God is relentless and keeps pursuing us. I don’t have to do anything but trust in him. He doesn’t give up on me! So, God and I talked for awhile.

Miles later, I met up with some friends and we walked together again. 

The last few miles, my shoes were sloshy, I was soaked, and I just couldn’t wait to get to the destination. But, it was an adventure I’m grateful for! 

So where was God today? Relentlessly pursuing me!

Blessings,

Jennifer