During our month here in Spain, our team walked the Camino de Santiago, The Way of Saint James…a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain, for just under two weeks. We didn’t make it to the Cathedral in Santiago, which was completely fine, as the trek was genuinely about the journey and not the destination. For me, the journey was very much twofold. There was the internal aspect, full of breakdowns and breakthroughs, and the external aspect full of new friendships, community, and endless opportunities to share Jesus.
We’d start our days around 6:00 am and begin a 13-17 mile trek (with our packs that were way too big, as we were told numerous times) to a predetermined city. Upon arrival in the city (6-8 hours later), we’d find an albergue (hostel) to stay in for the night, get food, hang out with people we met during the walk, process the walk, then get in bed by 10:00 pm (hostel rules…lights out at 10). Then the next day, we’d do it all again.
The first day on the Camino might have been one of the worst things I’ve ever experienced in my entire life…but that day I learned the most about myself and heard the Lord very clearly. It was a 17 mile trek through the Pyrenees Mountains from St. Jean Pied de Port, France into Spain. The majority of the trek was steeply uphill. It rained for at least three hours of the seven hour walk (which produced some nice slippery mud); and the temperature got down to a brisk 40 degrees Fahrenheit, combined with gusty mountain winds and thick fog clouding the view. About halfway through, I was OVER IT…my feet were numb, my legs ached, and I was FREEZING. I couldn’t see more than a few steps in front of me because of the fog and clouds (thankfully), but I was well aware of the drastic increase in incline with each step. I wanted nothing more than to stop…but that wasn’t an option. I couldn’t “get out” of this one…literally, I was in the middle of the mountains with only grass, rocks, dirt, and animals in sight for miles. The only way out was through. The Lord reminded me that there will be situations and circumstances in life that are hard, painful, and seem unbearable in the moment. But running away or escaping isn’t always an option, nor should it be. The words of David rang clear in my head: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me (Psalm 23:4).” The way out of the valley…out of the deep, low, and hard place, is through it with the Lord. Overall through the Camino, I saw that I could very well press through hard things, and that I’m not alone in doing so.
Hundreds of people journey the Camino at a given time. My absolute favorite part of the journey was meeting people, building relationships, and walking with them both physically, and through some spiritual searching. I’ve heard many different reasons for why people decided to embark on the pilgrimage, some just wanted to enjoy the trek, some were on holiday, some wanted a challenge to complete; but the majority of people I met were searching for purpose, clarity, and meaning in life. And it was our privilege to show them that the answer to all they were searching for was found in Jesus! I love how well life on the Camino exemplified that ministry is living, not something we do. For a second month, we weren’t partnered with a host or anything, but we got to be a reflection of Jesus, and share His heart with all the amazing people we met…some in passing, and some for an extended time. It was great to spend a few days with the same people, walking together, sharing meals, and staying in the same Hostels. My prayer is that the Lord gets the increase of each of the beautiful souls we encountered…of every seed planted and watered.
An update on our second half of this month is coming soon! Be sure to subscribe!
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