It has been a lifelong dream of mine to do a thru-hike. So, hiking the El Camino for nearly ten days was a dream come true. On August 8th, the expedition squad arrived in Madrid; after a night of sleeping in the airport and a bus ride to Pamplona, we were ready to begin our section hike from Pamplona to Burgos!
People often talk about the “trail magic” or the “spirit of the trail” on various thru-hikes. This refers to the mysterious and rich community found amongst the backpackers, or “los pelegrinos” (pilgrims) on El Camino. This spirit of commerardery, shared meals, and deep relationship with strangers was more magical than I could have imagined. It was so incredible. But I know this love is not existent because of the trail.
Our day to day on the trail looked a bit like this:
-wake up before the sun
-examine skin for bed bug bites (WE MADE IT OUT ALIVE WITHOUT ANY BED BUGS!)
-pack up gear
-eat breakfast (usually chocolate y pan)
-start hiking!
-marvel at the sunrise
-walk walk walk
-stop at a cafe for a snack and team devotions
-hour of silence while walking
-walk walk walk
-lots of conversation with teammates
-enjoy God’s beautiful world
-talk with fellow pilgrims
-walk walk walk
-arrive in a new town
-find an alburgue to stay in
-examine feet for new blisters
-figure out budget/dinner sitution
-hand wash hiking clothes, lay them out to dry
-find local market, make food
-team dinner, donativo dinners or dinner with other pilgrims (BEST part of the days)
-team time
-PRAISE God, sleep and repeat!
Over this section hike, my team hiked nearly 100 miles through the beautiful Spanish countryside. We enjoyed many cafe con leches, beatuiful villages and meeting so many locals. Each day, I think I told my team that THIS DAY was indeed one of the best days of my life. We marveled at some incredible views—from sunrises, to mountains, to vineyards to desolate fields—God’s glory was revealed through it all. This was also such a time to get to know each other as a team. I am thankful for these ladies I get to do life with for the next months. Wow, living in community like this is so refreshing.
Admists all the ways I loved the Camino, the best part, hands down, was all the people we met. As I think about the joy that each one of these faces, stories and connections brought, my heart overflows. Below is a list of just some of these new friends:
Urana (Spain)
Michelle (Canada)
Elisabet (Germany)
Csaba (Hungary)
Lena (France)
Oscar (Italy)
Andres+Laura (Germany)
Michele (Italy)
Emily (France)
Aget (France)
Salvador (Spain)
Beatrice+Mateo (Italy)
Iran (Hungary)
Liza (Lithuania)
While on the Camino, you encounter many pilgrims who are searching—for something new or something greater, some are seeking transition or clarity from crisis. Over the course of our time on the trail, we were able to both listen to hiker’s stories and openly share our faith, invite others into faith and pray over hikers. We had the opportunity to share the journey we are embarking on with the Lord and through World Race with countless people. There is a spirit of questing and journeying on this trail, and wow, was it amazing to share that our heart have found what they were meant to search for (that is, Jesus Christ!).
I could highlight many stories, but the best moments of the trail for me was meeting my new friend Liza and the night that followed. Liza is a courageous Lithuanian, solo hiking the Camino before her last year of highschool. My team had the honor of sharing a couple dinners, times of devotions and very special times of prayer with her. As Liza begins a new season of chasing after God, let’s partner together and shower her with prayer! In all these new friendships and in seeing so clearly the Spirit on the Camino, I am humbled by God’s sovereignty and the beauty of His love. He continues to pursue His children and reveal His glory in all things.
As I left Burgos this morning, my heart is full and thankful. Physically, the challenge of the Camino was exhilarating. My dream of thru-hiking a trail is more alive than ever before. I could be a happy backpacker for months straight. But, wow, emotionally and spiritually, the rawness and discovery on the trail was so much better than I could have imagined. The lessons of the Camino were opening doors. Time in community with team and time with other pilgrims reminded me just how HUGE the Kingdom is and how intricately and present God’s hand is. He meets us perfectly and wants to quench our hearts.
I am currently on a bus traveling to Mijas, Spain; we will debrief the Camino and take a few days to regroup as a squad. From Mijas, we will travel to Morocco. More updates coming, but until then, BUEN CAMINO!
