Spain – I am now on Day 9 of the Camino de Santiago. This is an 800km hike throughout Spain that thousands of people embark on every year. Some do it to escape reality and to find a deeper purpose in life, some do it to explore/deepen some kind of spirituality and some do it to meet new people.
My squad has set out to do part of this journey with the core reason being to meet new people, to love them deeply, to hear their stories and to share our own stories with them. Generally, I have found the people on the Camino to just be the kindest, friendliest, most welcoming and inclusive group of people I have ever encountered.
We have been hiking between 21km – 34km everyday, with everyday looking a little different. Some days I find myself walking with different people from all over the world, hearing their stories and reasons for embarking on the Camino.
Sometimes I find myself walking alone – pondering life, praying or listening to music – and sometimes I find myself walking with my team and getting to know them on a deeper level. And I wouldn’t have it any other way! I have treasured each and every conversation so greatly!
Something that has really impacted me is the way we are welcomed upon arriving at a hostel by some of the people we have been meeting over the previous few days and just happen to be staying at the same place. Occasionally this is followed by us sharing dinner with a few of these new friends and relationships are deepened.
It has been amazing meeting people who are trying to discover more about themselves and who are spiritually searching and as a result are so open to having deep, interesting conversations. It’s fascinating hearing their beliefs or non-beliefs and it’s awesome being able to share with them what I believe and what has lead me to the Camino.
A prayer request would be for the people that we have encountered and spoken to, for them to continue to ask the tough questions, searching deeper, and for more believers to interrupt their paths.
It’s been encouraging talking to people and having them encourage us to continue doing what we are doing by travelling around and loving people as Jesus did. Today I had a man from the Netherlands say to me,” You girls are so inspiring and give me so much energy to keep pushing on. It’s so great to see the next generation still trying to change some things. You really are inspiring! ”
This filled my heart! Knowing that my journey with the Lord which has lead me here has had such an impact on a 57 year old man who has had a really tough life and who I didn’t even know 4 days ago, has now found new inspiration because of us!
Wow!
Coming on this trip, I would never have expected that – even if it was just because of the age gap, considering I’m 21. But it just goes to show how God can use each one of us in any way that he desires to reach whoever he has in mind!
Unfortunately we are only doing this for about 11 days but I will definitely be returning one day! It’s nothing like I have ever experienced before, but something that I want to experience more of!
Another prayer request is that of finances. We have our last financial deadline (YAY!!) at the end of this month, but I am still far from the goal. I still need to raise another $4000. I have seen God work in such crazy ways already, in terms of finances, but I ask that you please join me in praying over this or consider partnering with me financially in helping me reach my deadline. It will be so so appreciated!!
