Well, folks, it’s been an interesting 24 hours. I took the first mode of transportation besides my own two feet since the train that brought us from the airport to the city center in Portugal a month ago. Since then I’ve walked 175 miles on foot from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain and everywhere in between with zero injuries besides your typical joint soreness, blisters, and a couple of missing toenails. Last night’s walk in the park was anything but that. I had run out to the supermarket to grab a few things to make dinner and ended up wandering the old city streets for a couple of hours taking in the views of beautiful buildings before heading back. Earlier in the day, there had been terrible rain and wind storms with hail and branches falling from the sky. Because of this, I waited until later in the day to run my errands. By the time I was walking back, the sun had set. Even though the rain was light at the time, the ground was slippery with leaves and debris. I walked through the park as I had several other times descending the stone staircase that led down to the sidewalk of my street. I’m not exactly sure what happened first, the snap or the fall, but I ended up on the ground. Upon lowering my foot to the bottom step I heard that terrible snap and felt a sharp pain as my left ankle gave out underneath me and I struggled to stabilize myself. My umbrella went flying as I found myself awkwardly sitting on the wet step unable to make a sound come out of my mouth. Just as this happened, a group of three teenagers was walking by. They rushed over to ask if I was ok. Initially, I couldn’t answer, then after a minute was able to say “solo Inglés” meaning “only English”. One of the young guys spoke to me in English asking if I needed an ambulance. I asked for a moment to decide. I tested my ankle with some gentle range of motion and decided it would be best if I could get back to the hostel before deciding if I needed an emergency room visit. They kindly helped me up and supported me as I hobbled down the street and made sure I took note of the slippery leaves on our path. I am so thankful for these kids who didn’t think twice to help a stranger who doesn’t even speak their language.
Once back at the hostel, I hopped up the stairs one at a time and sat on the edge of my bed shedding a few tears as the adrenaline rush subsided and the pain kicked in full swing. Since my range of motion was ok and I could put some weight on it I decided to wait until morning to seek medical attention. Classic nurse move. I made sure to pop an ibuprofen and prop up my already swollen ankle before going to bed.
In the morning, I handed over my phone with a google translate message asking the kind lady at the front desk to help me make a doctor’s appointment. She graciously obliged, and I was set to get the ankle evaluated later today. I laid low most of the day, and when it came time for the appointment, I knew I wouldn’t be able to walk the mile distance to get there. The kind gentleman at the desk called me a taxi and I hopped in a car for the first time in over a month. Although I didn’t encounter anyone who spoke more than a little English and my Spanish is no bueno (not good), the clinic staff were all very patient and accommodating despite our difficulty communicating. Shout out to Google translate for coming in clutch. After explaining what happened, the doctor took one look at my ankle and his eyes grew wide. He ordered an air cast to stabilize the joint as well as an X-ray and follow up visit Monday to make sure it’s not fractured. While I am confident it’s not and only a bad sprain, I’m thankful he’s being thorough. Because the orthopedic store was close by, I hobbled there to get fitted with my air cast which is basically a splint that prevents my ankle from twisting again. The staff there were also super patient and kind and even called me a taxi for my return to the hostel.
This has all happened the ONE day I have been alone ALL YEAR. Although many of my squadmates are at other accommodations less than a mile away, I had already booked my stay here from when Kelly and I ended the Camino until tomorrow when the whole squad meets up elsewhere. Everyone else who was staying here either had to leave yesterday for meetings or chose to switch hostels earlier than required. Part of me was sad to see them all go but another part was excited to finally be “alone”. Since I’ve been alone, I’ve had the chance to be the only world racer and probably the only Christ follower around to answer all the questions and be the light here. That part has been great and good practice for real-life… not always having a friend around to pass the buck to. Even in getting hurt and navigating the city and medical system, I haven’t been alone. There have been countless encounters with kind strangers who are more than willing to be of assistance even though we don’t always understand each other. They never seem impatient or inconvenienced. It makes me wonder, am I like that? Do I get impatient with people when they interrupt my day? Do I act inconvenienced when people make my job harder than it must be? For sure Jesus is ALWAYS patient, interruptible, and accepting. Do I look like Him in those inconvenient moments? I hope so, but I know I need to do better.
These past 24 hours I’ve learned a few things. First, being alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, introvert time is a necessity, but we’re not meant to do life without other people. Second, strangers aren’t as bad as your mother makes them seem when you’re five years old. Yeah, I’m not going to get into a windowless van with someone offering me candy, but most people genuinely care about their fellow humans in need and are willing to go out of their way to be of assistance. Lastly, when all I have is Jesus, Jesus is all I need. Walking down the street tonight trying to find the orthopedic supply company I thought I was lost, and my broken phone GPS was no help. It was dark and of course, started raining. Don’t worry Mom, I was on the safe side of town where families with strollers and kids were walking around. Anyway, I couldn’t find the place, and I was getting frustrated and worried they would be closed. I said a quick prayer asking for direction and found it within a minute. He is so faithful!
My story can be concluded with this. Life is hard but God is good. Solitude can be necessary, but I still need people. I want to react like Jesus when it comes to being interrupted or inconvenienced.
Please say a prayer this ankle heals miraculously fast and that the X-ray shows I’m all clear from fractures. Also, be praying for the doctors and clinic staff. This is the third time I’ve interacted with them this week. The first while supporting a friend at her visit and the second for my own GI issue. Even though none of our conversations have been spiritual, I know the Lord is giving me ample opportunities to be the light and plant seeds.
Thanks for following! USA, I’m coming for ya in one week!
