Thank you! The Camino of life continues...

[Ewald Schmidt]

I have walked the Camino from Leon to Santiago from 30 May to 17 June. Some days it went really well, other days my feet killed me, with blisters and cramps. Some days I could follow John Brierley's days in his guide, some days I only did 8.5 km.

But I met some wonderful people along the way. From every part of the globe, some from my own country, South africa, some from Korea and Canada. And a lot of good people from Europe.
Some have helped me tremendously, like the two American ladies who gave me water when I were dehidrating from the Iron Cross down the next hill in extreme heat. Some walked a part of the Camino with me, some have been very friendly along the way. There were excellent people in Alburgues and refugios, there were good people preparing pilgrims meals. Or like David from Barcelona, with his chearfull stall along the way. There were strangers just giving me sweet ripe dark red cherries, and there were Spanish people from every town just wishing me a Buen Camino... Especially thanks to the good people from then Pilgrims office in Santiago, for giving me my Compostelo, and all the work you guys are doing to make this possible...

It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, and one of the most rewarding ever. If you are just thinking about the Camino, and still wonder if it is for you- buy the airplane ticket and just go! It will change your life!

I did not have time to walk to Finisterre, but went there by bus anyway. It was most rewarding...
I arrived home today after a month's leave, and have to start working again soon. It was so good to get back to my family. It is so good to walk the way of life from this point forward, knowing that there will always be a Way (John 14:6) a Truth and a Life!

If I met you, if I did'nt meet you and just saw you along the way, if you have helped me, if you have prayed for me- thank you! Thank you for being part of my journey!

 

[markss]

What an uplifting post Ewald! With your attitude your continuing Camino of life to which you refer is certain to be bountiful!

 

[skilsaw]

Ewald,
You have experienced the answer to the question "Why Camino?"
You have received the blessing.

Buen Camino as you journey on.
David, Victoria, Canada

 

[MichaelB10398]

Ewald, thank you for your post. The Camino is open to all people and their various motivations; however, I have always valued the Camino as a true Pilgrimage full of Spiritual rewards, trials, and gifts. Coming to know the Savior, deepening that relationship, learning to recognize His voice through all the noise of life, and learning to serve others our of love is what the Camino can do for each of us if our purpose for walking is done with an eye single to Him.

I do not say this to denigrate the many other good reasons people walk the Way. They also are valuabale and of great benefit, but those motivations are simply different from a Christian pilgrimage.

May His peace be upon you always and may you share it through actions to all you meet,

 

[robertt]

Ewald, I'll keep your words in mind for my next Camino, and pack some extra politeness and gratitude. Seems they add no weight at all!

Congratulations

Rob

 

[ElizabethB8246]

Thank you Ewald for your post! It renewed my enthusiasm for my upcoming Camino in September-October. I pray that I will have that same spirit of gentleness and humility along the way that you seem to have. God Bless You!

 

[Hedwig]

Hello,

Maybe i want to say something too. I walked also from Leon, starting on monday the 18th of April and arrived in Santiago on wednesday the 4th of May.
And this was the best thing I have ever done! I still feel proud of myself doing this.
I had the best time of my life, I am sure.
I also met a lot of wonderful people. Spanish people who wish you Buen Camino early in the morning, and a bartender who gave me a map to avoid a lot of mud on the trail. It rained heavily for 2 days.
The lovely lady of the hostal in Al Acebo who washed and dryed my clothes after I came in totally wet. She took my pyama out of my backpack and tugged me in.
Everybody seems to be at peace with all these pilgrims walking by there doors.
It was fantastic and up to this day I still miss it a lot.
Thanks to this forum, that is there for everybody who wants to go and for everybody who came back.

 

[Br. David]

What a lovely, marvellous post !

To get home so blessed that you return online to thank - you good pilgrim.

I think it was Gautama who was given these words ...

Pursuit of happiness for oneself - result, misery.
Pursuit of happiness for others - result, happiness.

:wink: