Day 12

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”! Phil 4:13 
Friday Lindsay and I had to decided to take a much easier day than the 13.9 mikes the book suggests. It meant once again saying good bye to some people we had met. But we were tired and a little sore. We rested a little more in the morning getting a late start of about 7:30 or 8 not planning to walk past noon or 1:00. 

But after our first big hill climb and a hearty breakfast of fresh squeezed orange juice and a Spanish tortilla we were energized. We caught up with our friends walked with them until it was time for lunch in the town where we had decided to stop for the day. After lunch we once again felt enough energy and encouragement that we pushed on the last 8 or so kms. 

It was a good decision. 
When I started the day the mantra was I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me including stopping when it is time to stop. 
At the end of the day my mantra was I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…through using my energy well, resting when I need to, friends who help me, helping others, asking for help…

Being gentle and listening more to yourself and to others is helpful in allowing God to strengthen you for the journey you are on whether it is physical, emotional, spiritual. 
Buen Camino 

Day 11

A childhood friend sent this to me: 3 Simple phrases pretty much sum me up – because “starting” is always the hardest challenge; once started, then it becomes taking each step as an accomplishment toward the goal; either this time or the next: hence- Lao Tzu Quote “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” and O’Brien’s poem which contains “I’d rather try and fail, than never try at all” as my driver or self-affirmation. Of course after completing or failing task – especially an arduous workout – I defer to John 11:35…”He wept”. 
I think I really appreciate these three simple phrases. 

Day 11 was hot. We started out from Pamplona and it was good. But the Day heated up quickly. It reached 100 degrees. It was a tough climb up and a steep way back down. But it was a good day. 

Each step being an accomplishment…and knowing that you are trying. The joys of meeting new people and sharing experiences of pain and laughter, conversation and meal–community in ways that we sometimes forget about in our rush through life to get to the next place…these are all experiences of the Camino. 

It’s hard. It’s not for sissies. But it’s amazing. And it provides strength and encouragement when you need it. 🙂
Buen Camino. 

“You never really know a man until you understand things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird. 
Walking these past few days has been an adventure. I commented to Lindsay that I wondered if anyone would approach us since there were two of us. That does not seem to be a problem for us. And I’m thankful. We have met a lot of people already on the Camino in a short time and have made some good friends. 
We have. Even helped by some and have been able to help others. I believe this is the Camino way. I also believe that this is some of what Harper Lee is talking about. To really help someone is not to just toss something at their problems and hope they go away but to spend time with them and let them spend time with you…get to know them, experience their joy but also their pain. 

We don’t take enough time to do this. 

Buen Camino 

I, the Lord of sea and sky,

I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in deepest sin

My hand will save.

I who made the stars of nigh, 

I will make their darkness bright. 

Who will bear my light to them? 

Whom shall I send?

Refrain: 

Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord?

 I have heard you calling in the night. 

I will go Lord, if you lead me. 

I will hold your people in my heart. 

I, the Lord of snow and rain, 

I have borne my people’s pain. 

I have wept for love of them. 

They turn away. 

I will break their hearts of stone, 

Give them hearts for love alone. 

I will speak my word to them, 

Whom shall I send? 

[Refrain]
I, the Lord of wind and flame, 

I will tend the poor and lame. 

I will set a feast for them. 

My hand will save. 

Finest bread I will provide 

Till their hearts be satisfied. 

I will give my life to them. 

Whom shall I send? 

[Refrain]”
Here I Am Lord 

by Daniel L Schutte