Wandering with grace...

Started out from Mansilla de las Mulas this morning. It was an 18/19 kilometer walk (somewhere between 12-14 miles) 

(Stork perching on church in Mansilla de las Mulas)

Made it to Leon. And by the time we had found the albergue, done some shopping, dropped that off, walked around the big festival, and then gone to dinner we walked 18 miles today. 

(City wall in Leon)

(Park and statue dedicated to St Francis--by no dogs allowed???)

(Women sitting on a bench)

(Man sitting  on a bench)

Today was filled with joy, conversation, and laughter. I crossed paths with many pilgrims I met before and we shared stories over cups of coffee or a brief walk before moving input own journey. 

That's what the Camino does it brings people into your life...some you see but for a split second...others you share a longer walk with...and still others you see throughout your journey. 

It's a lot like life that way. 

Interestingly enough while wandering around the big city of Leon with lots of extra people in it this weekend because of the festival and add to that the pilgrims--I saw the singing man in the crowd at the festival. He looked at me...I looked at him and said, "hola". He said, "Buen Camino!" Amazing I saw him...just wandering around...wandering around like 

I was. 

Relaxing into Grace--tranquila

So I started to day walking with the word peace on my mind. But I was kind of rushing to get ready and think through all the things I needed to get done. I was wondering if I'd stay in Sahugun or go a bit farther depending on the weather. I was thinking about...well just lots of things. But peace was the theme for the day. So in between my myriad of thoughts I would say a prayer of peace for others...then anxiously wonder how many kilometers in 7 miles, how many miles in 24 kilometers, if the next village has a water fountain or a store I think I need water soon...and breakfast I left without breakfast and the second village had no place open...peace...for those...

...oh look there is a good place to stop for coffee. And with that I stopped for coffee. I was so hungry. I tried to pay the man and he told me to relax...tranquila. So I did. After I jumped up ran outside in the rain and grabbed my guide book to see where I was going. 

Then I came back in another couple came in. They were from Italy. I got a little distracted. Because the man started talking to me about how he was going to keep dry...trash bag on his body...check. Two pair of socks with a plastic bag between...check. And a feminine product in the bottom of the shoe to absorb all moisture. Wait what?  Yes that's what he said!!

Great science fair project what feminine product absorbs more in your shoe while walking in the rain??? (Thus will absorb more. Things I've learned on the Camino.)

Okay anyway...when I finished with my yummy breakfast and stimulating conversation I wanted to be helpful by taking my dishes to the counter and as always was "tripping into" something and managed to drop all my dishes and break the glass in my hand cutting myself. Yes, yes I did. Well you'd think I'd lost a limb the way the owner took care of me. And just kept insisting, "tranquila, tranquila...sieta te." So I did. 

I've often told people to just breathe. But now I was being told that...by a perfect stranger. I've been told that I need to slow down. But now this angel in disguise was saying the words that I started the day with but hadn't found...peace, relax, tranquila. 

He spoke to me in Spanish. And I tried my best to answer. He was gracious. When I left he shook his head at my torn poncho and gave me a hug and a beautiful smile and one more encouraging word to "tranquila, relax...buen Camino mi Amiga!"

With tears running down my face I set my heart toward peace. But walked with a new bounce in my step. 

I am still working on that peace...but with a new walking partner from Germany named Eileen and a bit slower pace because of her knee and my feet I'm finding my way toward Santiago, peace, tranquility and breathing...One step at a time...one day at a time...one encounter at a time...one trip at a time!

Grumbling with Grace

Grumbling with Grace

I slept in a little this morning because of the amazing thunderstorms that raged all night. At 5:00 a.m. it was still going on. At 5:30 it was still going on. At 6:00 still happening. Finally at 6:30 I thought about getting up but rolled over again. At 7 I thought I better get up and get moving by then it was just raining. I got up and started to get ready. I was moving slowly. Not really in a rush. Someone the night before said the rain was supposed to stop between 8 and 12. That sounded like the perfect time to walk to me. I wasn't the last one to leave. When I was all packed I popped around the corner to a place that was open and got a croissant and coffee. My water bag was full and I had another small bottle just in case. 

Today's walk was to be 11 miles before there was any water or food. As a pilgrim you are grateful for the villages that come along about every 3-5 miles. Maybe you didn't need the last one but you know that there is another in just a few miles. But today after I  left Carrion de los Condes it would be 11 miles before the next village. 

I wouldn't want to walk that in the blazing heat with the sun beating down on me that's for sure. And I didn't have to. It rained the entire way. At one point a semi truck went flying past me (because we were on the road) I stood perfectly still, off the road so as not to get hit, he barreled past and blew my poncho back so far part of it ripped. The hood finally came off just a little later there was so much wind today. 

My shoes were wet, my feet were wet. My pants were wet starting at the bottom and moving to the top. My shirts still haven't dried. And I haven't thawed. It didn't get above 54 degrees and never stopped raining. 

I sang most of the rain songs I know and then moved on to sunshine songs. Belting out "here comes the sun" and "the sun will come out tomorrow!" Because I was all alone. 

I didn't take many pictures today because of the rain and it was just too difficult to get my phone in and out of my pocket. I got a few though. 

And I thought about calling this post dripping into grace because the rain was dripping from the sky, my nose was dripping and at times there were tears dripping from my eyes, or splashing into grace as the drops splashed in puddles or I splashed my sticks into them playfully, or even slogging through grace as I was just soaking wet and really wanted a warm fire and a cup of tea or coffee but just kept walking. 

But instead I called it Grumbling with grace because at times when I was walking--looking down, keeping my face out of the rain there'd be a sudden flash. I'd look up to see because it was just like someone had taken a photo. Then the thunder came. 

Lightning was that close. And the thunder roared across the sky. It started on one side and went to the other. 

So often I keep my head down and miss the things of grace or more importantly miss the opportunity to offer grace to another. 

The heavens were grumbling with grace...for in the fearsome roar and even the discomfort of being cold and wet I heard something more...

Thankful for Grace (helping and being helped)

I started waking today, June 9, a little after 7 it was brisk and the conditions were perfect for me. 

As I started out of town I heard a whimpering noise behind me and when I looked back it was the large chocolate lab that I had passed on a side street hobbling behind me, calling me back. I told him he couldn't  come with me he needed to stay in Itera with his family. He sat down. Apparently he was bilingual. ;)

It was a really beautiful day. 

Today's theme was gratitude. As I walked along I heard my feet say thank you with each step and my voice said it back, "thank you...thank you for continuing to walk the way! Thank you for continuing to walk  at all. You had every right to quit on me already. We have already walked over 250 miles day after day with only a few days of rest. You are troopers!!" Thank you! 

I said prayers of thank for my family who graciously supported me in this endeavor...my parents gave me funds to help. (Though I must say once my daddy found out I was traveling alone wasn't nearly as happy). Jim is preaching at my church while I am gone and Lindsay is taking care of the babies (maisie, piper, and delilah) as well as the house while I'm away! William checks on me often just to say "I love you." Thank you!

I said prayers of thanks for my friends who have given me constant encouragement before and along the way with things that I needed for the trip...from advice, to prayers, to equipment, to texts, Facebook posts, emails! Thank you!

I said prayers for the congregation I serve who unselfishly worked with me to come on this trip. And many of whom have taken on extra responsibilities while I'm away. They are praying for me. They check on me. They are keeping up with my progress with a map. They are amazing. Thank you. 

I was feeling so many blessings as I entered the town of Fromista. I stopped at a little shop and bought an apple and some nuts. And then walked on to find a toilet and get some coffee. I ran into a woman from Denmark I met the night before. She hadn't been feeling well after dinner and didn't look good when I saw her. She wanted to walk on but nearly passed out as we were talking. She sat down and began to tell me what was going on and tears were just streaming from her eyes--so I asked if she wanted me to find her a place to stay or what I could do. We decided on a pharmacy. So I explored and found a pharmacy and she got some medicine. I got some more supplies and then we went to a coffee shop where she took her medicine and I had coffee. She asked if she could walk slowly with me if she was feeling better. I wasn't walking slowly but I said absolutely. And we waited until she felt better. 

We walked slowly but then picked up the pace just a little. I asked occasionally how she was and at one point she said it seemed to give her energy to walk with me. I said it was because we were talking and walking slowly. At the next village we stopped again and rested. She wanted to try to go farther. So we did after a little rest. I got some beautiful pictures as we walked and talked. 

We talked more and got acquainted. But as the day heated up it started draining her energy. She was ready to stop. We got to a village with an albergue where she could rest and I asked if she wanted me to stay with her and she said no, this is your journey and you need to have your way. And then she embraced me and thanked me three times. 

So I walked on. The way was completely empty. 

I thought for a time or two I was in the wrong road because there were two roads to take. And many roads intersect. But I finally came upon a landmark. 

And then the arrows disappeared...the arrows that direct the pilgrims on the Camino. But I kept walking in what I thought was the right direction. 

I got my book out to check one more time and as I was looking at it my foot slipped on a rock and I lost my balance. It is clear that no matter how hard you try to to get your balance back with 20+ pounds on your back you will probably go down . I did...and then I got back up again. I found my way into town and stopped at the first place I saw. I decided I'd stay at this village I had enough adventure for one day.

I walked in and the owner immediately asked, "are you okay?" I told him that I had just fallen. All in English. He got out a first aid kit. It was great. I got a drink and gave me some olives. I remembered the day's theme-gratitude! I was thankful

I decided that there were only 5 more kms to the next town (and as Lindsay and I often say "I can run that...that's not too far!") so I headed out. On the outskirts of town however I saw this sign. 

Okay. 6kms. Again...thankful for my feet, legs, back!

I made it. The first albergue was full but they directed me to another..."it always has places". I got there Santo Spiritu run by the brothers and nuns of St. Vincent. It was very nice. I was met by a sister who was very matter of fact but welcomed me warmly and I was happy to be there and when she saw my pilgrim passport said in Spanish clicking her tongue, "mas kilometros". Tears streamed from my eyes as I said, "si"

After dinner I went to pilgrim's mass. It was a beautiful service. And I even saw the singing man from the day before!! 

That made me smile and say, "muchas gracias! Thank you!" 

I ended the day walking back to the albergue in a quiet rain to get ready for the next day. Grateful. Grateful for each moment. 

Serenaded into Grace...

So today's theme started out as peace...not sure why but that's just what I had on my mind...and as I stepped out of the albergue after a cup of coffee and a banana this is the view I had!!

So I prayed for peace for friends, and the world, and those hurt by the actions of another, and places of conflict, and those dealing with disease, grief, and on and on...I don't know why I chose peace but I did...and the cuckoo was back and it chortled at me...mocked me as I walked and prayed...

Then all of the sudden as I came into this little village seemingly out of nowhere a flock of doves flew up in the air in front of me cooing and drowning out the sound of the cuckoo. Wish I had gotten a photo. 

Moving along....I was walking along a narrow path several pilgrims ahead of me and a man was greeting pilgrims. I put on a smile and was ready with my "buenos dias". 

When he got to me he stopped me and said something about the weather being cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. And then he told me that the scenery was beautiful just beyond (pretty sure that's what he said). Then he grabbed me and kissed me on each cheek. He said for me to have a Buen Camino. I said, "gracias" And then he grabbed me again and kissed each of my cheeks again. He told me again that I could take photos just beyond the hill. I thanked him again. And he grabbed me once more and kissed each cheek. He said adios. I said adios. (I decided to say adios instead of gracias) And he was off to greet the next pilgrim. 

He was right the scenery around the corner was beautiful. 

Went through a little village or what's left of it called San Anton...no Spurs...just what's left of the church and an albergue. 

Then on to the bustling and beautiful city of Castronajariz. I stopped at the first coffee bar to use the WC get a coffee and change the shoes. 

Then it was up...up...up!!! 12% grade up 18% grade down. But the views were spectacular!

But it was HOT. Finally made it to a small picnic area in the shade and just sat for a moment. There were several groups of pilgrims there eating lunch. It was about 11. I didn't take my pack off just sat in the cool of the tree with a little wind blowing. I was just sitting different languages swirling around me much like the wind was and I wasn't paying attention...wasn't thinking at all. Then I heard "hallelujah!"  I looked up a man sitting on a bench was talking to several of his friends. I looked down the road and there I saw a man walking up. He looked to be from Spain. As he got closer the first man said again, "hallelujah"! And the man walking shouted: "Hallelujah!!" Then in Spanish he said something about praise to God and then he broke into song about brothers and sisters walking together and several other pilgrims joined in including the Italian who had walked up after me. I was moved to tears...honestly didn't understand the words but completely got the heartfelt sentiment! 

Once again I was so moved I didn't take a picture but thought as I was walking away and they were walking behind me still singing to turn and get a pic. 

I would've enjoyed walking farther today but it was so hot and the next town was another 8 kms/4 or 5 miles so I stopped a little before noon having walked about 13 miles. 

Some Irish and English folks I met are staying here at the same albergue and one of them is celebrating his birthday today so all is well. 

Those are some of the adventures today!! Thanks for sharing them with me. 

Buen Camino on whatever your journey is today. 

Never walking alone...

Thank you God for this new day

Thank you for the feet we have 

     even though they're made of clay

For the friends who give us courage 

     as we walk along the Way

Thank you God for this new day. 

These words came to me as I started my journey out of Rabe de las Calzadas this morning. I felt pretty good. And hoped to make it further than I had the day before. 

The clouds hung low and there was a mist across the horizon. 

And I had made the decision that I was letting go my hiking shoes. I had no need for the extra weight. 

I spent the day walking alone except for this sense of a great company walking with me...and the phrase that kept coming to mind was the great cloud of witnesses who have run the race...now when you walk alone you have all kinds of interesting thoughts. So here goes...

So I thought about those who went before me in life...And said thanks for them...and those who will come after me and asked blessings for them...

I thought about those who had walked this Way before me...dead and living...a year ago, a month ago, a week ago...this morning and said thank you for the inspiration...and those who will walk it after me and asked for blessing from heat, blisters, overstrained muscles, tendinitis...and asked blessings on them...

All this while I was inspired by a group of my friends back home who rode in a bike event yesterday to combat cancer. Several of them rode their first 100 miles, some of them rode with those for moral support even though they had their 100 mile "badge"; other riders did metric centuries, 50+ miles and other distances some rode to get a better time and others were volunteers. But all were there for each other and to stand by others to fight a very ugly disease! (We are surrounded by so great a cloud...) 

The determination of these people helped me set a pace for the day. Even though I was walking alone I knew I wasn't. I was surrounded, encouraged, pushed, and paced as I made my way. Thank you! ;)

When I reached Hontanas there was the smallest of chapels midway down the hill into the village and a water fountain. I needed water so I decided to stop. The chapel was dedicated to St. Bridgitte of Sweden. She had walked the Way with her husband in the 1300s. It took them 3 years. After their return and his death She became a nun and founded an order that was both both feminine and masculine. She was a mystic and was known for her acts of charity. 

Thank you God for this new day

Thank you for the feet we have 

     even they're though made of clay

For the friends who give us courage 

     as we walk along the Way

Thank you God for this new 

   ...and for the next day...

(I saw the big rock on my walk today and thought it looked like a foot so I added toes!)  ;)