I bought my ticket for the Camino this week.
If you don’t know, I am going on a pilgrimage this summer. The Camino de Santiago has been calling me to it for 7-8 years now. So this summer, I will fly to Barcelona, Spain, and take a train to the starting point of this 500 mile journey. Saint Pied de Port, France is the traditional starting point of the Camino Frances (The French Way). It lies on the border of France and Spain, in the Pyrenees mountains. In fact, the very first day on the trail is up a mountain, where I will cross from France to Spain. I can’t help but think of the many WW2 movies I have watched and books I have read about people escaping through mountain passes. Only, I won’t be escaping, but rather entering a 5-week, 500-mile pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. This is the traditional burial site for James, the Apostle. There is a large and beautiful catholic church there, serving as the final stop of the trek. There are relics (bones) of James there. Did you know every Catholic Church has to contain a relic of some sort? I found that out on a tour of the Painted Churches of Texas this past year. I highly recommend that tour based out of Schulenburg, Texas, if you’re so inclined.
Anywhoo – my friend Judy, who walked the Camino about 20 years ago, told me that my Camino begins when I begin planning it in earnest. That started last fall when I bought a few books and a new hiking backpack. Since then, I have been reading, planning, and praying about this pilgrimage. So I decided it was time to start writing about it. If you’d like to follow along, this is the spot. I will post a few things on social media along the way, but here is where you will get the longer version. I’m warning you now, however, that this will not be a polished writing. There may be typos, misspelled words, and grammatical errors. That’s really hard for me because I’m a perfectionist when it comes to writing. I often feel inspired to write, I really enjoy it, and people seem to be blessed by my words from time to time. But most of the time, I over think it, don’t have time to make it perfect, and therefore don’t write at all. Hence the last post here was 2 years ago. So bare with me. Is it bare or bear? I don’t know, and I’m not gonna take the time to google it. 🙂
You might be wondering why I would aspire to travel 500 miles, by foot, over 5 weeks, in a foreign country. I sometimes wonder that as well. Mostly it feels like I am being called to do so. Much like I was called to be a Pastor, or knew I would marry Gene after only meeting him briefly. It is something I have to do. Really.
And what do I hope to gain, accomplish, or find on this journey? That is less certain. I am treating it like a pilgrimage, not a vacation, or tourist adventure. I hope to know myself and God better by the end of it. My theology tells me that the more I become me, the more I become the best version of the human being God created me to be, the closer I come to God. There’s a quote I like, and sorry can’t remember the author, (google it if ya want) – “The desire to be fully known is both our greatest desire and deepest fear.” I think that is true. So I think my purpose for pilgrimage is somewhere in there.
I am preparing by walking a lot. Soon I will start walking a lot with my backpack and some weight in it. I’ve started Pilates because my core has always been weak, even when I was an athlete. My abs are really sore today. I am talking to friends, and friends of friends who have been on the Camino. And I am praying and meditating, and now writing about this endeavor.
I welcome your prayers for this pilgrimage, both now in preparation, and while on the trail as well. Feel free to share this with anyone who might be interested. I welcome people to follow along on the journey.
As they say on the trail, Buen Camino! Tina
I’m so excited for you! May it reveal everything necessary for your growth and your faith!
Tina,
This is amazing. I only learned of the Camino Walk somewhat recently while reading a book. It was extremely interesting to me and the account of the journey by the character in the book was very inspiring. Best of luck to you. I am excited to follow you (through your writing) on this journey. Blessings to you!
I’m so glad you are writing this as you go! I love hearing your thoughts. Congrats on the official beginning 💛
I feel honored that you have included me in this endeavor. I certainly will be praying that you will have an enriching and fulfilling trip. Any such activity that gets you even closer to God, is worthwhile. I pray that it will be everything you are expecting. Love you and miss you.
This is so awesome Tina. You are brave to do this. I can’t wait to follow you in your travels. Sending prayers and love.
Oh, Tina! I’m so excited for you! Yes, you have been called and God has already begun the journey with you and within you, my friend. I will pray for many blessings, both great and small. I love you TS. ❤️ (by the way, it’s “bear with me”,unless you want us all to get naked with you. )
I am so excited for you and you pilgrimage. I can not wait to follow along. This will be a great adventure and a great way to find out about yourself. I will be praying for you!!
A marvelous endeavor! It’s Lent so no surprise that I read a commentary on Hebrews 5 yesterday which said, “Jesus learned to listen by what he suffered.” May your tired feet and fully engaged muscles—as you prepare and as you walk—help you listen to all the things God longs for us to hear.
I am also planning to do that El Camino!
Blessings to you on this journey!
Awesome! You are brave and determined as your words prove. I look forward to following your journey, praying for you as you move on. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.
Wow! This sounds so awesome and I so wish I could do this. Will be praying for you, Tina. I know God will bless you tremendously during your pilgrimage. Can’t wait to read about it! Love you dear friend.♥️🙏
Tina,
This…you…so so inspiring. I’ll be praying for you as you move toward and into this awesome endeavor!! Just so fabulous. xo Lisa Amoriello
So very excited for you!! You can do whatever you put your mind to. Praying the Lord pulls you into a close space and you learn so much about Him and His love for you.
I can’t wait to read about your journey.
Buen Camino my friend. You will hurt. You will get nervous. You will cry. You will pray and sing and be silent. You will meet people from all over the world. You will let your guard down then make the right decision. You will learn that you cannot live life without the help of others. We all need each other.
I pray your Camino will be what you need. It will be an experience of a lifetime and people who haven’t done it will not understand its complexity.
Buen Camino
Judy Finnell
WOW what a physically and mentally impressive thing to take on! But I also know your heart will feel every step. Your angels will surround you and God will be your best friend 💚 I will be following you all the way!😘
This is so very exciting! I want to follow along on this amazing journey.
Thank you for sharing it with us. 🥰
Praying for you and your trip ❤️. Sounds wonderful!
Wow. Just wow. I’ve been on many backpacking trips as a kid and young adult and I must say that 20 miles a day is fierce. May God bless you in your endeavor. Keep us posted! We love you.
I am so proud and happy for you!!!
So looking forward to following you on your journey.
So proud of you!!!!
“The desire to be fully known!” How beautiful and Inspiring. I’m proud of you for many reasons, but today I am especially proud of you for taking on this huge challenge. It’s going to be a life changer! God will take care of all your needs and with family, friends, and all of FUMC as a backup, you will be good sweet friend! ❤️
¡Buen Camino!
Oh, Tina. Here I am. Coming with you! Thanks so much for telling me so I can come, too.
My spirit is jumping with excitement for you. Be safe, my friend. Be whole. Be you.
Prayers, Annette Sowell
What a great adventure! I know it will be spiritually transforming for you. I. Am excited to hear what you have to share. I’d love to do something like this!