I started the Camino Frances on 1 April, and the whole experience feels like the most extravagant gift I have ever received. The warmth of the people along the way; the bright beauty of spring; the abundance of space to breathe and learn and move--this very tired UMC pastor was deeply restored. There was really only one day of persistent rain on April 2nd, and threeish other days of showers here and there, and all of the other days were basically picture perfect, weather-wise. All of my fellow April walkers, we sure lucked out! I miraculously skated by entirely blister-free (thanks, brooks ghost running shoes and smartwool socks!) and the only thing I lost was a pair of pants (which must be somewhere in Ponferrada by now, or hopefully on some fantastic journey with another pilgrim.) Whenever I was lost or lonely or hungry, another yellow arrow or encouraging stranger would show up.
My boyfriend met me in Sarria to walk the last five days together. On 1 May we rounded the corner to Mount Joy, just 5k to go til Santiago. Matt asked a random stranger to take a photo of us with the first view of the cathedral. HUGE shoutout to fellow pilgrim Pat from New York, who had no idea she was being recruited to take our engagement photos. Suddenly Matt was down on a knee with a ring, and I was saying yes, and Pat was saying "oh my god!" as she took a million excellent photos of this delightful moment. So wherever you are, Pat, thank you!
We continued the rest of our way and came to Santiago with enormous smiles on our faces that still haven't faded.
I'm just leaving this note of gratitude here for the gifts of the Camino that will continue to unfold in my life for years to come.
My boyfriend met me in Sarria to walk the last five days together. On 1 May we rounded the corner to Mount Joy, just 5k to go til Santiago. Matt asked a random stranger to take a photo of us with the first view of the cathedral. HUGE shoutout to fellow pilgrim Pat from New York, who had no idea she was being recruited to take our engagement photos. Suddenly Matt was down on a knee with a ring, and I was saying yes, and Pat was saying "oh my god!" as she took a million excellent photos of this delightful moment. So wherever you are, Pat, thank you!
We continued the rest of our way and came to Santiago with enormous smiles on our faces that still haven't faded.
I'm just leaving this note of gratitude here for the gifts of the Camino that will continue to unfold in my life for years to come.
