Day 5 - The Change Was Worth It

So I skipped 30 km, and according to my GPS walking app, I will make that up easily because I walk around the towns around my various stopping points.

Highlights of today.

Pre-blister on a toe is hopefully averted with a topical bandaid-like strip known as Compeed.

The oldest and longest Roman bridge is over the Orbigo and it's amazing to think Caesar and St Francis walked over these arches.

Looks deceive. An older tiny man using two walking sticks zoomed past me. He paused to take off his jacket and I passed him up. Then going up a long hill, he works his way past me again. I was going 5.5kph today so he had to have been at 6+kph.

After a hike up the hills, it meant much to see the Cruz de San Roribio as it loomed over the Astorga. Reading his bio, he seems a snooty bishop to me, and the cross remembering his journey to Astorga for refuge from invading Celts seems over the top. But it looks over the valley so powerfully, it's hard not to admire.

Met Peter from Ireland. He's a professor of philosophy and lived in Phoenix for a few years. He was interested in my personal discernment. We went to the evening rosary and mass together. Surprisingly the bishop and his entourage served. It's a virgin feast day that I don't recall. Paul didn't care much for the extravagance, but I enjoyed the high mass much. 

I stopped by my first tourist shop and finally bought the symbolic scallop shell for my day bag. Hope it stays. Perfectly marvelous talk with the shop lady, who was from the UK but moved here 30 years ago after high school. Economic times are hard but the government is too busy trying to keep a kingdom of different nations together than to solve real problems.

I ate dinner picnic-style at the gardens of the lovely Gaudi "Palacio Episcopal". My picnic was: fresh bread, cheese, salami, potato chips, fruit, and gas water. Chose to avoid wine because I'm really dehydrated and ate gluten because I couldn't resist any more.

Lastly, my albergue is 50 people or more in my room but I got here early enough to pick a non-bunk bed closest to power outlets. Talkative German young women are gabbing all afternoon during my nap. I did laundry and almost lost my wedding ring into the sink.

Overall, I am certain that I did the right thing and change my plans. I got to see a mass held by a bishop and stay in a town that was much more interesting than other options.

Today's insights : 

Living your life can take you to other lands, physical or otherwise. And it doesn't have to be permanent . Go where you are called and be thankful

Day 4 - Recap - Changing Plans

I had a shorter walk to León and stayed at a hostal (budget hotel) instead of the albergue. I didn't want to miss out on city adventure if the lights went out early, which they do at albergues. In fact, they lack lights entirely so that people can sleep.

Leon is a lovely city. The Gaudi house built for a wealthy family was stunning right along the main market street. The parks were pretty and the river calm. I can see how it enchanted.

I saw graffiti that spoke of political dissatisfaction literally from hundreds of years ago. In the times before America was "discovered", Castille and Leon kingdoms were merged to create a powerful Spanish kingdom and nation. Many from Leon hated the merger and still want autonomy.

I also realized something about my journey. I love cathedrals, architecture, church services, and meeting locals. True, the pilgrims were fun to meet, but it's not the same to me.

So in consultation with Stephen, I decided to skip 30km walking tomorrow. I was to walk to Hospital de Orbigo but instead will take the bus through industrial areas, go to Hospital de Orbigo, and walk a shorter distance of 24km to the ancient city of Astorga. Rather than just passing through Astorga and continuing to El Ganso, I am thinking I could do this and stay in Astorga instead, then tomorrow go past El Ganso to Foncebadon. With the skipping of 30km, I needed to feel ok and and overcome my concerns that "I'm cheating".

As always, Stephen centers me. He pointed out that it's my pilgrimage and mine alone. If I find more value and insight with the new plan, the walking doesn't matter . I need to see what fills me and meet those who can teach me. In the words of David of Canada (read tomorrow's blog) I needed to give myself permission, and Stephen has been the strongest force in my life to let me do so.

I'm glad to say I did this. I end with more photos of lovely Leon and describe my day tomorrow.

My prayers for this day:

May we not be hemmed in by the journey of others;
may our road be one of fulfillment not obligation;
May we open our eyes to see what was laid before us;
May the stars guide our feet to the place we are meant to be.

Day 3 - Recap of the long day in the rain

Chatted with different folks during the walk as we put on rain gear. Our biggest concern was the lightning. The trail followed a senda (trail of pebbles) underneath trees and of course trees are to be avoided during lightning storms. What are we supposed to do?

It's like life sometimes, when you feel as though all the life lessons and the advice of those who went before you don't apply. Why didn't the guidebooks and blogs mention this ? Yet we fellow pilgrims discussed and decided that it was safer to risk the low chance of lightning than a high chance of following the road and be struck by a driver who didn't see you.

One woman I saw hiked  the trail with a carry-on. I didn't judge but could not imagine how she got those wheels through muddier trails and rocky parts. I know my shoulder would eventually be shredded as well. All power to her. She walked faster than me.

I didn't learn a single name on the trail or albergue. Unlike the other night, I needed some real rest after the 41km. After I checked in and walked through the Mansilla de las Mulas, I treated myself to paella. Mmmmm, what a wonderful dish paella can be to delight a tired body.

During my post hike nap, a marching band played in front of the albergue, which of course isn't conducive to napping. Later at 10pm, after most had gone to sleep, they came by again. I caught them in the early evening as they went around town. The village had a celebration and the teens were playing to remind people to come over.

And at midnight I watched through the window a fireworks show, signaling fun and merriment for those who had the strength. I needed rest and slept in. And that's ok.

Life fills us with challenges I think, and at the end of the day, we realize that we are offered invitations for joy. But our challenges tire us and we don't take advantage. Whether I saw the spiritual metaphor at the time is irrelevant. (I didn't see it.) I saw it afterwards, but the day had passed.

May you hear the invitation that rouses you from your sleep, so that you can - if you want - join the music.

Day 4 - Creature Comforts

I am missing a recap of day 3 but wanted to record some thought on Sunday in Leon. It was a shorter walk of 24km total plus another 6km walking around the city.

I call this creature comforts because for some reason attending the evening rosary and chapel mass is comforting. The rosario's repetition must be the same to my subconscious as the Taizé hymns or the liturgy. 

On top of that, I met Susan from Atlanta during our walk. We helped each other as we lost the trail and there was something comforting about helping and getting help from someone. She was between jobs and needed the time to figure things out. Vaya con Dios Susan.

After yesterday's large room of 22, I stayed at a hostal (Cosa Antigua) next to the Cathedral. A hostal is a cheap hotel. The warm multijet shower was worth the extra 25 euro in comparison to the albergues.

That made for a lovely evening eating on a cafe terrazzo, watching people, enjoying the sunset. For all the aches and physical pains, the mental comforts deliver wonderful medicine.

Day 3 - 40 by 50

I turned 50, the initial reason to come here and walk the Camino de Santiago. Initial but as I pondered it, less and less an issue. I craved the spiritual aspects more than celebration of another decade. Since two of my first three roommates last night were also celebrating their 50th with a walk, I no longer felt odd for admitting that I wanted to do this pilgrimage over, say, a cruise or big party.

And what did I do today on my third day (2nd full day)?

I walked 41km.

I left the Sahagún monastery 6:30am, and with some stops for a snack lunch and rests, arrived at the Mansilla de las Mulas "El jardin albergue" at 3:30 at a 5.1kph rate.

Have you ever noticed that when you walk long distances, your pack feels progressively heavier?

Today that was definitely true because it also rained for three hours. My bag did a decent job keeping things largely dry but there's no doubt that for every drop of water that touched my bag, it felt as though all that water was absorbed and weighed me down.

So though I grumbled and bitched, I couldn't help but recognize that this was my pilgrimage. Others have theirs every day. I know that many homeless people have no choice but to endure hours of wet misery while they push their possessions around seeking shelter.

I may have done forty by fifty, but my heart goes out to those whose cross is so much greater to bear.

So with that, I share the gorgeous sunrise I saw before the rains began and a weird rainbow that God had promised to us as a sign of his everlasting love.

Day 2 recap - I Better Write These Names Down

I ended up visiting the Castillo with its remarkable views of the plain where Burgos sits. I can understand how wind whips through such a place, much as it does in say Oklahoma. The city mirador (view spot) had a coffee place that was closed at 8:30am but I enjoyed seeing a giant compass on the ground showing that Boston was due west and less than 7000 km away.

I realized that with the sun rising at 7:45am, it's dark until 7 so doing exploration before church wasn't feasible. So rather than return to mass, I visited the outsides of several places such as St Esteban and said my morning prayers in my hotel room while still dark.

I had a simple Huevos Fritos con bacon. The bread costs extra as does a terrace view of the cathedral so I just ate inside quickly while I read my guides. The waitress seemed surprised that I didn't want bread but I just said "sin gluten" and she understood. I never thought of gluten as a morally suspect ("sin gluten", get it?) food but now that I do (because of the translation homophone), I felt better passing on it.

Stephen gave me three cards on this journey. I opened one of the three cards, this to read at the start of my journey. It touched me and I'm blessed that I have him to walk beside me for the rest of our lives.

Chatted at the bus station with others peregrinos, my first chance really. Two older ladies - one a resident of Florida, her friend a snow bird who comes down from Springfield Massachusetts - and I gabbed while we waited for the delayed bus. They started in St Jean but were city hopping from Burgos to Leon to skip this part of the meseta (plain).

When the bus stopped in Candon I realized that many peregrinos actually did this. Some were getting on the bus and skipping to Sahagún or Leon. And many people recognized each other immediately. Apparently as people walk faster and slower, they meet early on at albergues (dormitories) move on.

This happened later at my albergues. I met immediately Brad from Washington state who asked if I spoke English as he sat in the courtyard. We realized we shared a room and he pointed out that the two women - Elise and Marise - in our room napping were snoring friends he had met a few days earlier and just met again. Brad made a wonderful, important suggestion to me. What a blessing that he was my first long conversation of this journey. He said that I should write down the names of all I met.

He and I went to a local market to grab breakfast (fruit and goat cheese for me thanks) for tomorrow, and we ran into Florian and Britta (he from Bavaria, she from Koln). Brad eyed the paella at their restaurant and seemed to regret ordering the pilgrims menu at the albergue. At that pilgrim's dinner Brad introduced me to Kyu from South Korea who was finishing up a job stint in London and Omkraw (?) of Japan. I introduced myself to Judith who I passed earlier. 

Like Brad said, one has to write names down.

Back to my walk, I got off the bus startled because I had fallen asleep at the 1/2 point of the Camino Frances. Camino Frances is the oldest and most popular Camino walk so I thought I'd see people exit with me. Nope. The bus stop was a wasteland that made me think of the scene in Fiddler on the Roof as Tevye sent his daughter to Siberia. Nobody exited but me. Two peregrinos hopped on, as if to say adios to this stark landscape.

I didn't see the famous trail signs so I headed across the rural highway to the houses with hopes of picking up the trail. I did not want to walk along the highway so reviewed the John Brierley guide book. It said a senda (gravel road) began near the albergue so I looked around these several dozen buildings until I found the sign, a Fontana (fountain), and senda. I saw a Peregrino, refilled my water bottle which I drank on the bus, said a prayer, and began my walk.

It was easy. It was about 80F, sunny, and breazy, so the meseta was easier than many hikes in Southern California. But just as The Rev. Canon Joanna Satorius explained to me on her walk this past July and August, you spend the first part of the journey fidgeting with the pack and wondering about your body. I fidgeted a lot, especially as I saw a senior woman zoom past me. I later met her at dinner: Judith from Dorchester and it's her third Camino walk.

What I realized was the following

• tiny villages are truly tiny, at most a couple dozen homes

• the sunflower were drying on the stalks, which made me glad I brought much water and soda 

• my discomfort from the pack was all in my shoulders and I noticed I was walking wrong. I stopped hunching and the pain died down but too late my shoulders hurt
• I drank some water at a Fontana directly even though I never touched my water which was convenient
• I somehow lost my hiking stick strap and the workout glove I clipped to it soon after so had to backtrack about 3 blocks before I found them. This made me frustrated and aware that things can be left behind all too easily on the Camino
• I walked past a total of 4 people and then never saw another person for the next two hours
• People have died on this Camino for over a thousand years

• I stopped at a small church and got irritated by the small detour because I walked an extra km to see it and it wasn't much 

• as I approached Sahagún it looked like a wondrous city from afar

• As I approached it, a fellow on a bike handed me a card with a hostal name and photos on it. It turned out to be the name of my backup hostal.
• I was tiring fast and it was only 14 km as my app was telling me. I had originally maintained a 5.3kph clip and that's while fidgeting and taking photos but was rapidly slowing down
• Sahagún is not a shiny city. It's a sad reflection of a once powerful ecclesiastical power.
• I found the monastery easily and dropped my pack and asked for the pilgrim menu because I expected to just shower and nap and not walk around

• After my shower ad washing of my day's shirt, socks, and underwear which I left to dry on the terrace, I was refreshed enough to walk around for breakfast stuff with Brad
• I can't take photos while the battery is recharging. Remember to grab the battery before leaving the room.

I had great conversations. Brad is seeking deeper spirituality and had said he had wonderful conversations with nonbelievers so far. He may be a born again as he wasn't familiar with my Taizé pin or their worship style. His wife and adult children are Filipino and he loves rice. 

Elise and Marise both are taking this journey because they turned 50 like me. We had great laughs because they just retired from the Canadian military and their bright idea was to not celebrate with cocktails on a cruise but to accidentally relive their days in the military: wake up before dawn, start walking, in bed by a certain hour, March March March. They might be walking with me tomorrow as they head the same route and want to do 30km as well.

30km. I'm seriously wondering if I can maintain that pace. Do I have doubts? Yes! I ache so much. I took Advil and the pain died down.

My feet are fine (wimpy toenail already looks like it's gonna give up the ghost on day 1) but my shoulders were a wreck. I need to be focused on posture and weight. I ate some of my food and drank soda to both snack and get the pack weight down. I might leave behind something just to keep weight down further.

I feel good about my planning. I planned on this day being only 13 km so that I can get a test walk with jet lag and see how I feel. My sprain and knee wound weren't noticeable though my ankle brace did feel like it slowed me down.

As I fall asleep writing this, I'm wondering what I've gotten myself into.

Day 2 - It's time

I'm a morning person and like to hike early before work. Seems like a natural to just wake up, say my prayers, and go.

It's awfully dark outside at 6am so I hope that the sun starts peeking out. I shouldn't count on it though as rain seems to be here early. Though it was warm and sunny today, it looks like some rain is due every single day of my journey.

Lord, give me strength to overcome mud, slips, falls, and discouragement. 

I have until 10:30am for my bus to Terradollos de Los Templaros (as in THE KinghtsTemplar) which is exactly halfway along Camino Frances. I will just do a short "practice walk" to Sahagun. I shall go pray at a couple churches and check out the Castillo.

Buen camino

Day 1 - Camino de Santiago - Madrid to Burgos and the challenges begin already

I was disappointed that there was no Burgos bus leaving, as described online, every half hour. Finally took off 10:45am. I got in Burgos just after 1pm, got rest waiting, and realized I somehow already lost my back brace. I must have left it on the plane but don't recall taking it out. I was told I'd be leaving things behind on the Camino, but I haven't even left the airport.

Burgos is a small city that was once an ecclesiastical powerhouse. I started by checking into my Marriott hotel. Not very humble no doubt, but I wanted to hit the ground running tomorrow without jetlag. A comfortable bed will certainly help.

Then I went with a walk about the cathedral, more or less across the street. Lovely. Somewhat over the top but in a wonderful Gothic way. It was far more French than I realized and as spectacular as I imagined.

Then I walked 3km to Decathlon, a sporting goods store. Got almost all I needed, including a replacement back brace.

While walking back, I had a great view but also I got my first injury. It's a gorgeous 30C day but I was walking over dirt, tripped on my newish hiking sandals, twisted my left ankle some, and tore up my right knee. The blood stopped more or less but it's going to be a challenge to get me to focus focus focus at all times.

I went over to the Museum of evolution and got a Peregrino discount. The Atapuerca dig is just a short distance away so they had original fossils and artifacts of the first humanoids in Europe. What a marvelous way to begin a journey: studying the first explorers of this continent!

Then I visited the Cathedral. I got my first pilgrim stamp! I was quite happy to get that first one on my credentials. Unfortunately, the Cathedral doesn't give a discount on your first day. Nonetheless, it was stunning and a marvelously weird blend of French, German, and Spanish influences inside. Not bad for a building started in 1221. I stayed much longer than expected.

I walked back to the hotel and washed the bloody leg. I then ran (sort of) back to the cathedral to catch the Rosario and misa.

The rosary was awesome. Someone get my mom and dad here; they would have loved it. I was floating on air. Then the mass came and, though the homily went on a touch too long, it was lovely. Lots of older folks and peregrinos. Best part were all the prayers for us pilgrims. I got teary at them. Worst part was this priest's voice while singing. I got teary at him.

I walked around looking for pilgrim tourist trinkets but found nothing. I did enjoy sitting around the river walk and Plaza Major.

Realizing I hadn't eaten since breakfast on the plane, I finally grabbed a bite at Copas Rotas, an everything under 4 euro bar and cafe. Had pieces of pollo, patatas, y vino tinto de Navarre - todos sin gluten. All for 3 euro! Then had one final treat of a 2.50 euro froyo

Having gotten my initial mass and meal down, it's time for vesper prayers

Now it's time to rest, for the adventure begins in the morning.

Paz

Final thoughts as I leave my comfort zone

About to leave my connection airport at JFK.

I've traveled Europe extensively and yet, oddly, I feel different right now. I'm going beyond my comfort zone. Perhaps it's because more lies behind my pilgrimage than I care to admit. Perhaps I fear what walking in silence will be like for my mind. Perhaps I fear extended prayer.

Regardless of the reasons, I'm glad I'm taking my alternate road. I'll follow the voice that calls me and see where I am led. I merely must trust.

This is the way. Walk in it.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Thank you for your prayers. I am waiting to board the bus in Madrid airport and will be back online towards the end of the month after I leave Santiago de Compostela.

I'm humbled by the outpouring of blessings and prayers that are carrying me forward. And for those who have privately asked me to carry their prayers in my heart, you are with me every step of the way.

Buen camino



Mel is walking the Camino de Santiago and will be off Facebook until he completes this pilgrimage walk in Santiago de Compostela Spain.

Camino de Santiago - The Road Not Taken (Preparing #12)

The Road Not Taken

by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

A walk through Killiecrankie, Scotland, June 2013

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

When I first read this poem in junior high, I recall my reaction. "Wow! A poem I like!" It was the first poem I ever enjoyed and it still resonates. In many ways, I've lived by this poem through most of my life. In other ways, I've chosen to plan life instead of live life.

So as I prepare to leave, I ponder the nature of pilgrimage and the mindset one is on while taking one. In some ways, the Camino de Santiago has become so popular that it can be described as "religious tourism". By that I mean that I will be on a route that is both personal and shared with many who are out to "check it off their list". And in some ways, it's been on my list. I first heard about the Camino when I was cycling and backpacking through Europe in my college days. I met folks at youth hostels who had described the journey and it sounded like a wonderful adventure. That it's taken me this long to make time to do this pilgrimage reflects how far I've wandered from those carefree days.

But others won't have waited as long and will be out on their adventure. And the Camino is waiting for them. I won't be surprised when I see the typical fingerprints of adventure tourism. Bars and restaurants geared almost entirely to the pilgrim trade, trinket shops lining some streets, signs written in English -- all will speak volumes about how important it is to attract the economic attention of the non-northern Spaniard. I'm not naive about it and will probably buy a few things. For example, I want to get a scallop necklace or pin, as the scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago.

Photo found on the web

What some people might consider opportunism, others would consider helpful. The key is to not judge but to accept that people in rural areas have to make a living.

Much of my walk revolves around the concept of judgment. And that's really perhaps the nut of my discernment in my walk. I've been so quick to judge most of my life. I've battled it well since returning to the church, but a lifetime of bad behaviours can be tough to dampen.

I judge friends and family. Why would you do that? You should do this. I judge total strangers, especially the person who cuts me off or drives way too fast or too slow. And it'll be particularly interesting dealing with this on something as personal as a pilgrimage. "You're taking a bus or taxi to the next village?" or "You're using the luggage transport service?" will hover perilously close to my lips.

I've said several times in the past few weeks, "Unfortunately, I can't get away from work for 7 weeks, so I'm only walking 1/2 the Camino". "Only 260 miles." Do you hear the judgment in those statements? Do you see what I'm doing?

I judge myself. I am expecting my pilgrimage to be something that it isn't meant to be. I'm comparing myself to others. I'm weighing my actions in comparison to those who don't affect me. It started effortlessly before I even began the Camino, but I pray I don't do it while I'm on the Camino. At the very least, I hope that I'll notice it and hear my thoughts before I say something I'd regret.

I pray that I won't judge the person who litters. I'll just pick up after him or her and hope that someone picks up after me should I accidentally leave something on the ground. I pray that I won't judge the person who gets mad because there's no room at an albergue. I won't judge those who are on the Camino looking for a road trip adventure because all these people, all the folks who ebb and flow into my life are on their own journeys. That's their path, their way.

My journey, with my own two feet, will be my own.

I leave tomorrow morning. My very last status update on Facebook before I begin my walk will be posted from Madrid airport. I will continue to post here on the blog, but will be following a road I didn't think I'd ever take. I want to make this journey my own and not influenced by comments or news from others.

I didn't choose this road all these decades, but it calls me now. And it's not too late to back up and go down the road you were meant to take. May your choice of roads make all the difference.

Vamonos con Dios, peregrinos. Buen camino.

Thank you and bless you for joining me on this transformational journey.

I leave Los Angeles on September 10 and land in Spain September 11.

Please walk with me by donating to Episcopal Relief and Development

Subscribe to the "Let All Who Are Thirsty Come" blog.

Prior blog postings regarding the the Camino
Camino de Santiago - Introduction (Preparing #1)

Camino de Santiago - Pilgrimage (Preparing #2)

Camino de Santiago - Going Alone, Together (Preparing #3)
 Camino de Santiago - Lasciate omni speranza (Preparing #4)
Camino de Santiago - Walking with Those in Need (Preparing #5)
Camino de Santiago - Cruz de Ferro (Preparing #6)
Camino de Santiago - Capo de Finisterre (Preparing #7)
Camino de Santiago - What's on the Playlist? (Preparing #8)
Camino de Santiago - What's on the Praylist? (Preparing #9)
Camino de Santiago - This Pilgrim's Prayers (Preparing #10)
Camino de Santiago - The Way (Preparing #11)
Camino de Santiago - The Road Not Taken (Preparing #12)

Camino de Santiago - The Way (Preparing #11)

The movie "The Way" has proven to be a source of inspiration for many pilgrims and would-be
peregrinos. Released in 2010, it stars Martin Sheen as Tom Avery who unexpectedly finds himself walking the Camino de Santiago. Sheen was directed by his son Emilio Estevez, who also plays his son in the movie. Sheen supposedly got inspiration for the movie when he was touring northern Spain with Estevez's son, Tony. Tony met his future wife on that trip and Sheen, a practicing Roman Catholic, decided to capture the spiritual and physical journeys that the peregrinos were taking. You can find the movie on Amazon and Netflix, and from what I understand, it is sometimes shown at church gatherings.

I found the film to be quite thought-provoking. In fact, as an overly sentimental person, I usually find myself crying whenever I watch the movie. And not just at certain scenes, but throughout the movie. It's not because it's especially sad. I cry because each step by every pilgrim seems to be a prayer and  an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Tom Avery intends to walk the Camino alone. As in real life, however, he cannot control who comes into our lives. This upsets him, as he always planned his life, choosing the life he wanted to have. His conflict with his son revolves around an important difference between them: "You don't choose a life, Dad. You live one."

And that's what makes Tom's desire to walk alone so fascinating. He can't walk the camino alone because it's impossible to be alive on the trail without the involvement of others. Moreover, as the movie goes on, each person introduced learns valuable lessons from each other.

Estevez compared his movie to "The Wizard of Oz". I thought this was an insightful comparison. Dorothy meets a lovable coward, a broken-hearted tin person, and a brainless flailing scarecrow. In this movie, Tom meets a lovable but passive Dutchman whose kindness is taken advantage of, a broken-spirited possibly heart-broken Canadian, and an Irishman whose brain has stopped with his writer's block.

Moreover, Tom notices aspects of their personalities that reminds him of his son. He begins to repair his relationship with his son by learning to cope and walk with these fellow travelers. He walks with strangers and in turn walks with his son.

At the end of the movie, we realize that all of us may be broken, all may be hurt, all may have failings. Yet we walk our journeys in prayer hoping that we'll cope with existential crises and understand our place. Most beautifully, we pray for hope, but it doesn't matter because we are all loved by our Creator. We are graced with a love beyond understanding that unites us in spirit with others.

Will I meet other people on my journey like Tom met these people? My husband Stephen seems to think it's inevitable. I'm extroverted and talkative. I'm bound to find others who I can befriend.

But as the movie showed, we can't control who comes into our lives. We just live life. And that's how I'm approaching this trip.

For example, have you ever taken a trip and found that you've overpacked? If you're like most people, this is likely to be every trip you've ever taken. From my understanding, the Camino offers such a challenging trial for new walkers that they overpack and bring too many things. As they continue their journey, they start to shed unnecessary items and lighten their load. I've traveled millions of miles and I still experience this, despite never packing in excess of a carry-on bag.

Because I'm expecting this to happen, I've walked locally in the mountains with my backpack to see if I can handle the weight. In fact, I can. But that doesn't mean I need to do so. So, I unpack, assess, eliminate, and bring less. My pack is now down 8 lbs in weight than when I started. I'm learning how to walk the Way with every challenge on the trail.

Isn't that what wisdom or spiritual growth about about? We build up so many facts, details, and knowledge that we no longer can make our way with any profound inspiration. It's like the tourist (perhaps me at times) who spends the entire trip taking videos and photos, without actually seeing, appreciating, soaking up anything really.

Instead we should accept the journey for what it is and trust that we'll get by. Our way is not the way we set out; our way is the road we end up walking, planned or unplanned. Life is about the journey, and not the destination. And most importantly, it's about who walks with us.

So, in a few days, I will walk with my Creator, with trust, with love. Like the movie, each step will be a prayer that opens my heart, my brain, my courage, my relationships.

Thank you and bless you for joining me on this transformational journey.

I leave Los Angeles on September 10 and land in Spain September 11.

Please walk with me by donating to Episcopal Relief and Development

Subscribe to the "Let All Who Are Thirsty Come" blog.

Prior blog postings regarding the the Camino
Camino de Santiago - Introduction (Preparing #1)

Camino de Santiago - Pilgrimage (Preparing #2)

Camino de Santiago - Going Alone, Together (Preparing #3)
 Camino de Santiago - Lasciate omni speranza (Preparing #4)
Camino de Santiago - Walking with Those in Need (Preparing #5)
Camino de Santiago - Cruz de Ferro (Preparing #6)
Camino de Santiago - Capo de Finisterre (Preparing #7)
Camino de Santiago - What's on the Playlist? (Preparing #8)
Camino de Santiago - What's on the Praylist? (Preparing #9)
Camino de Santiago - This Pilgrim's Prayers (Preparing #10)
Camino de Santiago - The Way (Preparing #11)
Camino de Santiago - The Road Not Taken (Preparing #12)

Camino de Santiago - This Pilgrim's Prayers (Preparing #10)

Celtic prayers while
sitting in the center of Iona Abbey, Scotland
on the longest day of the year: June, 2013

In my last blog entry, I talked about the people and places that are on my prayer list during my walk along the Camino de Santiago. Of course, I'll be praying with specific thoughts of love and peace specific for each situation. I'll also be praying in a general manner, with set prayers that ring true to me and, by binding me to God, set me free.

I'll start with the classic Pilgrim's prayer. This prayer goes back almost 900 years. It's almost certain that St Francis walked the Camino with this prayer upon his lips.

Pilgrim’s Prayer / Codex Calixtinus – 12th Century

God, You called your servant Abraham from Ur in Chaldea,
watching over him in all his wanderings,
and guided the Hebrew people as they crossed the desert.

Guard these your children who, for love of your Name, make a pilgrimage to Compostela. 

Be their companion on the way,
their guide at the crossroads,
their strength in weariness,
their defense in dangers,
their shelter on the path,
their shade in the heat,
their light in darkness,
their comfort in discouragement,
and the firmness of their intentions,
that through your guidance they may arrive safely at the end of their journey
and, enriched with grace and virtue,
may return to their homes filled with salutary and lasting joy.

---

In addition to this standard prayer, I have compiled a list of prayers that will spring from my lips every morning. Some are words alone. Some are lyrics to hymns that serve as prayers in and of themselves. I'll recite them every morning on my walk. I imagine that they will give me strength and fortify me against adversity.

Prayer attributed to St Patrick

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again
may God hold you in the palm of Her hand.

Prayer attributed to St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, harmony;
Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are brought back to eternal life.

Blue Green Hills of Earth

For the earth forever turning,
For the land, for skies and sea,
To our Source we sing returning
Home to our blue green hills of earth.

For the mountains, hills and pastures
In their silent majesty
For the stars, for all the heavens
Sing we our joyful praise to Thee.

For the sun, for rain and thunder,
For the seasons’ harmony,
For our lives, for all creation
Sing we our joyful praise to Thee.

For the earth forever turning,
For the land which gave us birth,
To our Source we sing returning
Home to the blue green hills of earth.

Somos un pueblo que camina

We are people on a journey
pain is with us all the way
acudamos jubilosos a la santa comunión. 

God has sent the invitation
to the humble and the poor.
acudamos jubilosos a la santa comunión. 

This is bread that God provides us
nourishing our unity.
acudamos jubilosos a la santa comunión. 

Christ is ever present with us
to unite us all in love.
acudamos jubilosos a la santa comunión. 

All who truly thirst for justice
seek their liberation here.
acudamos jubilosos a la santa comunión.

With gratitude and humble trust

As saints of old their first fruits brought
of orchard, flock, and field
to God the giver of all good,
the source of bounteous yield;
so we today first fruits would bring:
the wealth of this good land,
of farm and market, shop and home,
of mind, and heart, and hand.

A world in need now summons us
to labor, love, and give;
to make our life an offering
that others too may live.
The Church of Christ is calling us
to make the dream come true:
a world redeemed, your kingdom come,
all life in Christ made new.

With gratitude and humble trust
we bring our best today,
to serve your cause and share your love
with all humanity.
O God, who gave yourself to us
in Jesus Christ your Son,
teach us to give ourselves each day
until life's work is done.

Take my life and let it be

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
*Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee

Day by Day

Day by day, dear Lord of Thee three things I pray
To see the more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day

God be in my Head

God be in my Head and in My understanding
God be in mine eyes and in my looking
God be in my mouth and in my speaking
God be in my heart and in my thinking
God be at mine end and at my departing

Guide Me O Though Great Redeemer

Guide me, O thou great redeemer,Pilgrim through this barren land;I am weak, but thou art mighty,Hold me with thy powerful hand;Bread of heaven, bread of heavenFeed me till I want no more;Feed me till I want no more. 

Open now the crystal fountainWhence the healing stream doth flow;Let the fire and cloudy pillarLead me all my journey through:Strong deliverer, strong deliverer;Be thou still my strength and shield;Be thou still my strength and shield. 

When I tread the verge of Jordan,Bid my anxious fears subside;Death of death, and hell's destructionLand me safe on Canaan's side:Songs of praises, songs of praises,I will ever give to thee;I will ever give to thee.

Santo Santo Santo

Santo, santo, santo
Mi corazón te adora
Mi corazón sabe decir
Santo eres Senor

Seek Ye First

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu Alleluia

Man shall not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu Alleluia

Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you
Allelu Alleluia

An Apache prayer

May the sun bring you energy by day
May the moon softly restore you by night
May the rain wash away your worries
May the breeze blow new strength into your being
May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life

Thank you and bless you for joining me on this transformational journey.

I leave Los Angeles on September 10 and land in Spain September 11.

Please walk with me by donating to Episcopal Relief and Development

Subscribe to the "Let All Who Are Thirsty Come" blog.

Prior blog postings regarding the the Camino
Camino de Santiago - Introduction (Preparing #1)

Camino de Santiago - Pilgrimage (Preparing #2)

Camino de Santiago - Going Alone, Together (Preparing #3)
 Camino de Santiago - Lasciate omni speranza (Preparing #4)
Camino de Santiago - Walking with Those in Need (Preparing #5)
Camino de Santiago - Cruz de Ferro (Preparing #6)
Camino de Santiago - Capo de Finisterre (Preparing #7)
Camino de Santiago - What's on the Playlist? (Preparing #8)
Camino de Santiago - What's on the Praylist? (Preparing #9)
Camino de Santiago - This Pilgrim's Prayers (Preparing #10)
Camino de Santiago - The Way (Preparing #11)
Camino de Santiago - The Road Not Taken (Preparing #12)