Sorry we did not post much once we neared Santiago. The scenery remained beautiful and the company was always great fun. Julia was solid throughout the walk - very few issues and happy days. Taylor crashed early but finished very strong. Oh the wonders of being young. I had done the most training but still ended up with the most blisters and some nagging back spasms to deal with along the way. All in all it was AMAZING. I would highly recommend it to anyone who might be considering it and am happy to share our lessons learned in more detail. We were blessed to get great advice from Kevin Conley and his fellow perrigrino's Louie, Whipple and Hergert. They have done a number of Camino's together and continue to tackle a long international hike every other year. You want to party with them. Also a big shout out to Erin and Will. Veterans of the AT - they are serious hikers and graciously shared their wisdom and lessons learned from 5 months on the trail.
I was reflecting on what the trail taught me. I must admit it took awhile to be able to do so. It was hard to even talk about it when we got home. Almost like an inner joy that is so wonderful to you - but hard to describe to others. There was not one day - or a few events - that properly captured the wonder of the journey. It was every day, every moment, every person we met, every sunrise that greeted us and pilgrims meal that ended our days. It was a chance to truly seize each day (Carpe Diem), time in quiet reflection with Him, time to share casual and intimate conversations, time to be in wonder at the beauty of God's creations, time to physically challenge yourself, time to share coffee with a new friend or a beer with an old one, time to be amazed at the coincidences of the Camino and time to count your blessings (in my case two of them were walking near me). To be greeted by strangers in the warmest of fashions and to be grateful for every thing you receive along the way as pilgrims. Yes - hard to describe - but I think it is as close to experiencing two weeks of continuous Carpe Diem living as I have ever done. Walking with friends, family and the Lord.
We also learned so many qualities that are prevalent on the trail and not so prevalent in our everyday life. I really wondered if I could take them with me and make a difference in the way I live. I have done poorly in the early stages but hope reflecting on them here will heighten my need to live anew...
Patience - we share the path, we wait for rooms, we calm our demeanor, we lower our heart rates, we soak in the beauty, we are pilgrims absorbing God's beauty. Can I learn to be more patient in every day living?
Generousity - Anything a pilgrim has is to share. Any medication, ointments, food, clothing, etc. If it can help a fellow pilgrim we open our resources and hope it is a blessing. Can I learn to be more generous with my resources? What standard will I hold myself to?
Friendship - Everyone greets you on the trail. Every perregrino is your friend. Buen Camino being the most common phrase by pilgrims and locals alike. Back home I can hike without hearing a friendly word from a 100 passer by's. Let me refuse to be like them and always reach out and share greetings and friendship.
Prayerful - Our days are touched by the Spirit. We walk as pilgrims giving honor and praise to our Maker and we await the chance to gain wisdom and healing from St James in the Cathedral in Santiago. We share daily Pilgrim masses each evening and many walk in prayer along their journey. We seek the Lord and feel His presence. Can our daily journey remain as prayerful?
Grateful - Pilgrims start with low expectations. They feel blessed to be able to travel and though they have little - they learn they need little. They would like food and water and a bed. They would like fair weather, good health and new friends. They are grateful to all who provide the resources and feel blessed when they exceed their own minimal needs. Yes - we are far from perfect feeling this way - but each day we walk brings us a little closer. We are often grateful beyond our norm - though we flash back to our material, over indulged selves. But we do grow in gratitude and love for those who share the road and help us along the Way. Can we be that same person when we get home? How quickly do we revert back to our old ways?
Humble - Pilgrims at their core share humility. We walk with the Lord - not for others. We share our inner beliefs with people we have known for hours. We are all walking for different reasons and all equal on the Way.
