Hello family and friends!
In just under two weeks I will be setting out on a new journey. I am headed to northern Spain to walk 550 miles along the Camino de Santiago. The Camino is an ancient pilgrimage route that has been traversed by millions over the past 1200 years. There are many paths from all over Europe to Santiago, the revered resting place for the bones of St James. I will be walking along the most popular route called the Camino Frances, named thus because it begins in the French side of the Pyrenees. My hiking partner Julia and I will be starting on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees in a village named Roncesvalles. From there we plan on walking the 500 miles to Santiago and then continue on to the edge of the continent at Finisterre. God willing, of course. After that, we should have several more weeks to go explore other parts of Spain and maybe Portugal.
As I have been preparing for this journey, I have realized how much I need to let go of control of my plans, my timetables, my expectations and preconceptions, my belongings, my job, my finances, my health and even my home. I still need to actively be involved in these areas of my life, but I need to hold them loosely so that God can direct me in beautiful and creative ways that I would not have been able to envision. Over this past year I have experienced grace and abundant blessings in places that initially seemed dark or doomed. I have received such a generous outpouring of love from family and friends. My heart brims with gratitude when I reflect on the love which with they have continually blessed me. I pray that I can pay that forward by listening to, caring for and loving those I meet long my way.
Part of my preparations for leaving on the Camino has been going through all of my belongings in order to rent out my condo while I am gone. I had more time on my hands then usual since I left my job of 18 years. I figured it was a good time to tackle the possessions that I had been accumulating over the past 20 years or so. It was a bigger and more demanding task than I had anticipated. I dutifully went through all of my correspondence, every closet and drawer and cupboard, under the bed and the piles of books and things that I had somehow managed to shove one place or another. As I sorted through things, I made many trips to drop off clothes and shoes and purses at Goodwill, gave things to friends and family members, lots of things to trash and recycling and shredders and made decisions on what to pack up for my future use. It was exhilarating to free myself from the abundance of things that had come into my life. At times I was appalled at how much stuff that I, one middle class American woman, owned. It was sobering as I reflected upon how little most people in the world own. That definitely made it easier to get rid of things. Part of the experience was an emotional walk down memory lane as I read through old letters and cards and looked at old photos. I let the emotions wash over me and fill me with their memories.
The other part of packing has been getting all of my gear together for the Camino. So while I was busy getting rid of as much as possible, I was also spending a lot of time and money at REI. I didn't own anything that I would need for my pilgrimage. It is an interesting task to try to see what you really need for a 3 month trip when you have to pack it all in one backpack which hopefully doesn't weigh more than 17 pounds. I am pretty sure that no matter how carefully and conservatively that I pack that I will find that I have more than I need. Most pilgrims realize they are carrying extra items and either leave things for others to use or mail them ahead to be held for them in Santiago.
I hope that I will be able to post blogs fairly frequently so that I can share my pilgrimage with you. Ever since I first started talking about walking the Camino there were people who were excited for me and wanted to be connected to my experience. I hope that I can write in such a way that you feel like you are journeying along with me. No one does the Camino alone, even if they don't have any preset Camino partners. It is a communal experience along the paths, in the albergues (pilgrim hostels) and in the bars (cafes). Although there will be plenty of times for quiet, reflective contemplation, it is a communal journey. I am very excited to be meeting people along the way from all over the world. I also know that I will feel like I am being held and supported by my friends and family back at home. Blessings to you all. And as they say along The Way, Buen Camino!
In just under two weeks I will be setting out on a new journey. I am headed to northern Spain to walk 550 miles along the Camino de Santiago. The Camino is an ancient pilgrimage route that has been traversed by millions over the past 1200 years. There are many paths from all over Europe to Santiago, the revered resting place for the bones of St James. I will be walking along the most popular route called the Camino Frances, named thus because it begins in the French side of the Pyrenees. My hiking partner Julia and I will be starting on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees in a village named Roncesvalles. From there we plan on walking the 500 miles to Santiago and then continue on to the edge of the continent at Finisterre. God willing, of course. After that, we should have several more weeks to go explore other parts of Spain and maybe Portugal.
As I have been preparing for this journey, I have realized how much I need to let go of control of my plans, my timetables, my expectations and preconceptions, my belongings, my job, my finances, my health and even my home. I still need to actively be involved in these areas of my life, but I need to hold them loosely so that God can direct me in beautiful and creative ways that I would not have been able to envision. Over this past year I have experienced grace and abundant blessings in places that initially seemed dark or doomed. I have received such a generous outpouring of love from family and friends. My heart brims with gratitude when I reflect on the love which with they have continually blessed me. I pray that I can pay that forward by listening to, caring for and loving those I meet long my way.
Part of my preparations for leaving on the Camino has been going through all of my belongings in order to rent out my condo while I am gone. I had more time on my hands then usual since I left my job of 18 years. I figured it was a good time to tackle the possessions that I had been accumulating over the past 20 years or so. It was a bigger and more demanding task than I had anticipated. I dutifully went through all of my correspondence, every closet and drawer and cupboard, under the bed and the piles of books and things that I had somehow managed to shove one place or another. As I sorted through things, I made many trips to drop off clothes and shoes and purses at Goodwill, gave things to friends and family members, lots of things to trash and recycling and shredders and made decisions on what to pack up for my future use. It was exhilarating to free myself from the abundance of things that had come into my life. At times I was appalled at how much stuff that I, one middle class American woman, owned. It was sobering as I reflected upon how little most people in the world own. That definitely made it easier to get rid of things. Part of the experience was an emotional walk down memory lane as I read through old letters and cards and looked at old photos. I let the emotions wash over me and fill me with their memories.
The other part of packing has been getting all of my gear together for the Camino. So while I was busy getting rid of as much as possible, I was also spending a lot of time and money at REI. I didn't own anything that I would need for my pilgrimage. It is an interesting task to try to see what you really need for a 3 month trip when you have to pack it all in one backpack which hopefully doesn't weigh more than 17 pounds. I am pretty sure that no matter how carefully and conservatively that I pack that I will find that I have more than I need. Most pilgrims realize they are carrying extra items and either leave things for others to use or mail them ahead to be held for them in Santiago.
I hope that I will be able to post blogs fairly frequently so that I can share my pilgrimage with you. Ever since I first started talking about walking the Camino there were people who were excited for me and wanted to be connected to my experience. I hope that I can write in such a way that you feel like you are journeying along with me. No one does the Camino alone, even if they don't have any preset Camino partners. It is a communal experience along the paths, in the albergues (pilgrim hostels) and in the bars (cafes). Although there will be plenty of times for quiet, reflective contemplation, it is a communal journey. I am very excited to be meeting people along the way from all over the world. I also know that I will feel like I am being held and supported by my friends and family back at home. Blessings to you all. And as they say along The Way, Buen Camino!
Well, as you know Linda's and my hearts and prayers will be with you every step of the way, Amy. And, we look forward to reading your blog entries. Buen Camino, indeed!
ReplyDeleteAmy, what a tremendous opportunity you have and I pray God blesses you and keeps you safe throughout your journey. Have a ton of fun. You are blessed to have this opportunity.....grab it.
ReplyDelete