Friends many of you have reached out to me or Gene wondering if I’m ok since I haven’t posted in a few days. The short answer is yes! I am ok!
The longer answer is that I’m tired. The last few days have been walking in direct sun with temps in the upper 80s. That’s not too hot for us Texans, but walking 15 miles, carrying a 15lb pack and wearing 2 pair of socks (for blisters) in hiking boots, w very little shade, feels darn hot!
Also each afternoon and evening we all spend some time researching the next day, places to stop, places with water, places to stay, etc. Combined w washing clothes, and the other routine stuff takes up a chunk of time each day.
So often I just don’t feel like writing and culling pics to post. I am taking notes each day so I can remember the basics, but that may be all the energy I have.
Don’t hear me complaining, because I am not. It is fun to share this journey with all of you. I love your comments and questions! They lift my spirit every day.
I am absolutely living the pilgrimage of a lifetime, and trying to be fully present as well. I am enjoying both the time alone and the time with others. I share dinner w new friends almost every day. Often, in the smaller towns especially, if one pilgrim sits down at a cafe (always outside) others quickly join. It’s a sort of unspoken open invitation. Even without our backpacks on we can tell each other by the tans, sunburns, joy, weariness, and openness to share. It’s really beautiful. Sometimes I think I’m just gonna pop over to that cafe and get a quick dinner then go to bed. And then I end up sharing a meal w 8-10 people for 2 hours. It’s really remarkable and a different way of life. I love it and am trying to think of ways to translate it back to life in Texas.
Today is a rest day and I am on a bus to Leon. Skipping a few stages so I can make it to Santiago on time. But I desperately needed a rest day for my feet anyway. I think because of the many hours of walking each day and the heat, my feet are swelling quite a bit and I started getting blisters. Yesterday it got so bad I had to switch from my boots to my chacos (hiking sandals) with my toe socks still on in the chacos. I limped right into town. I got some antibiotic cream for the blisters, continued to treat them, and spent a few hours with my feet elevated before bed. Today they are looking better but still don’t want to put my feet into a pair of hiking boots just yet.
The next 11 days I will probably post less. I want to be as present as possible in my remaining time as a pilgrim. But do not fear, I will continue to write and share even after I reach Santiago.
Thanks for all of your prayers and encouragement. It really carries me through some more difficult moments. I am still so grateful to be here and experience this. It is life changing. God is with me every single step.
Love you all. Buen Camino.
Thinking about you. I experienced the swelling feet. Another pilgrim said to loosen the shoelaces. And I wrapped my socks over on top of my boots. That helped a lot and soaked my feet.
I understand the anxiety to get to Santiago! You will be home soon. Take it all in. You may never do this again. Enjoy, one step at a time. You are doing it! Love you and right there with you! Texas is brutally hot! Coming home to that—Ugg. I’m glad you took the meseta route around. When you get back, people will ask about your experience! That is hard, as there is so much. You will struggle to explain or share it all. You will compare this experience the rest of your life! It’s your time, one step at a time! The introverted part of you needs rest too. You can go to bed early to recharge. You know all this!
Buen Camino love!
Judy
Praying for you Tina!! God has to be the one carrying you through this with your blisters, knees, etc!!! Wow! Just such a VERY special time for you! So grateful to be able to follow you through it!! You’re doing GREAT!! Both of you!!!😜. Yeah God!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Glad to get this update. What an experience. It will always be a memory of a lifetime.
Thankful to hear you are taking a day to rest, heal, and process. Praying for you everyday. I’m proud of you. May your intention to be fully present be fruitful. Love and hugs friend.
Thrilled to read your post, Tina! You’re in my thoughts and prayers constantly! And I so enjoy your messages. Enjoy your journey!!
I will double my prayers but it is perfectly evident from afar that God goes with you every step of the way. Prayers and love
Blisters and still walking miles — that sounds hard. It sounds like you are taking the recharge and rest time when you most need it. Good for you!! And I am a big fan of being in the moment as much as we can and taking in what is just before us. It usually means some things won’t get done right away (or at all) and that is of course okay. Based on what I have read and what you have said it does take a lot of time just to do what is necessary to walk again the next day.
I like what you said about how you translate back to Texas that being in the moment and having a two hour dinner with new friends when chores are calling you. I think that is tough but how wonderful if you can. I would say no missed opportunities. We have to pay attention to the opportunities right before is not to miss them. And I know it is shedding the busyness – something I am just terrible at. Prayers for healing, strength, endurance and continuing to be present in every moment!!
We prayed for you at Camp Sunshine. Always a wonderful experience. Russ and I are tired, can’t imagine your fatigue and blisters! We pray for you everyday and read of your adventures. God is with you sweet Tina, 🥰
Happy July 4th!!! I’m enjoying a large latte and have just finished reading your post! Thank you as always for sharing your observations, thoughts, and stories. AMAZING Im sorry you are tired, but I’m sure most people are like you and you will push on to the end. We are watching your journey on our atlas and see where Leon is located. One foot in front of the other and be thankful for those sandals!!! Our prayers are with you daily!!love and hugs
What a blessing it is for us to get to witness this pilgrimage with you. Also, I know without a doubt that people that meet you and sup with you and walk with you are getting a special blessing just getting to know you. You carry His light with you and are so gracious to share it!
Praying for you Tina !
You will have more strength to
tomorrow! 🙏🙏
What an amazing story I hope you finish strong! Have you considered doing a power point for those interested in your journey?
Cheers!
Brad
So glad to hear from you. I was getting worried. that something had happened.
You are so brave! I know you will make it
Rita
Such a remarkable journey with so many metaphors for all of life. Know that you are held every day in our dancing-feet thoughts and our loving prayers! 🙂 🙂 🙂
This is your walk. You have been generous to share parts of it, but it is yours. Please share only what helps you process and gain clarity. The mystery is beautiful alone. I am praying for you every step of the way.
Continuing to pray for you daily as you undergo the rigors of the Camino. Glad you are not pushing yourself to write every day. I love reading your posts , but want you to have the best experience possible with you and God. Peace and love.
Love you, Tina. I’ll be thinking of you and will continue to pray for you as you make the final stretch. Prayers for your feet to heal asap. 🥰
I love that you are thinking how to bring the pilgrim experience home. You will find a way. 🥰
And I love that you are being even more internal, intentional, and present to moment. God is blessing you!!! What a joy that God has called you to this pilgrimage. Blessings & love, Ann