I first heard about the Camino several years ago. From that time on it was always in the back of my mind that someday I wanted to walk all or part of it. That someday is next week!

Next Wednesday evening, July 31st, two of my sons and I will begin that journey that I have imagined and planned for for many years.

This trip was planned to celebrate my 65th birthday, my boys all turning 40 (Pete will celebrate his 40th next month) and commemorate the tenth anniversary of Randy’s promotion to Heaven.

Zac and Pete and I will fly overnight from Toronto to Porto, Portugal and spend part of the next day (August 1st) at one of the great beaches in Porto. From there, we have hired a driver to take us to Sarria, Spain, where we will begin our walking journey the next day. My heart is filled to the brim with the expectation of spending these days with my sons and sharing this incredible journey together. A shout out to Tracy and Heather who will keep things running smoothly at home while their hubbies are away.

August 2nd - Sarria to Portomarin - 21 kms

August 3rd - Portomarin to Palas de Rei - 28 kms

August 4th - Palas de Rei to Arzua - 28 kms

August 5th - Arzua to Pedrouzo - 21 kms

August 6 - Padrouzo to Santiago de Compostela - 21 kms.

August 7 th - 9th - Barcelona (we’ll tour Montserrat Monastery and Sagrada Familia)

August 9th - Barcelona to Toronto

Since the Middle Ages the Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James has been a route through which art, architecture, language, culture and faith flowed across Europe. Today, this pilgrimage that was once thought to lead to the end of the word is seeing an incredible boom in popularity and the journey has become as much about getting to know yourself - perhaps finding answers to questions about life and family - seeking God for a renewal in your faith - as it is about exploring the beautiful surroundings.

It is only in the last few weeks - as my pilgrimage has grown closer - that I have become quite emotional (more than usual as you know I don’t hold back with feelings) about this trip. I have never, ever, done anything like this.

I will be carrying all my belongings in my backpack - a sheet to sleep in - a towel for the beach and after my shower - two pairs of socks - three shirts - two pairs of shorts - a sundress - a few toiletries - my water bottle/bladder! Tylenol! That’s it. What you bring - you carry. Will it get heavy? Yes! Will my feet get sore? Probably! Will my back long to drop the backpack? 100%! Will I persevere? Absolutely!

While on the pathway - we will sleep in Albergues. Some have as few as four bunks in a room and some dorms have as many as 70 beds. I’m not sure what we’ll find. It’s all unknown.

We will meet people from all over the world. I will treasure these conversations. Everyone has a story and I hope to hear many as we walk the Way together.

Along the Way, we will have our Camino credentials stamped so that we qualify as official pilgrims. One must walk at least 100 kms to qualify as official.

I have prepared well and I hope, adequately. A special shout out to my friend, Julie, who has gone on some long walks with me - encouraged me - challenged me - supported me. I secretly think she wishes she was coming too.

I couldn’t do this walk without the wonderful support of my husband. From the get go, Harv has been my number one fan - he’s been kind and helpful - booking flights, hotel rooms and excursions. Never once did he suggest this was a crazy idea. Never once did he question my sanity. I’m going to miss him. He says I won’t - that I’ll be too busy. He’s wrong on that one.

I read this just this week - someone else’s words - about the Camino.

Expect miracles…….because the path will rub against your soul, your faith, your past and your future and above all - against your body. The backpack will rub against your shoulders and shoes against your feet. So you will get wounds - but they will heal. Don’t let that distract you. Look deeper. You will be surprised that the wounds happen and pass away - but the miracles happen and remain. Both will heal you.

Ten years ago I wrote these words in my journal - just a few weeks after Randy’s passing. “Just as I am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

God’s ways and guidance are perfect. I trust Him right now. I know God will totally guide me and satisfy my desires - even in the scorched places…and make my bones strong. He promises that I will be like a well watered garden. He promises that the ruins will be rebuilt and the generations in my family would increase.

I love how - ten years later - I have seen God’s provisions in my life. And as I head across the ocean to the very - very - hot country of Spain - He will guide me, continue to satisfy me, (even in the scorched places) and make me strong. I’m blessed.

BUEN CAMINO