Dear Beloveds,
In a couple weeks, I will be embarking on my first study week for the year. For this week, I have prayerfully chosen to walk on the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James. This trek has been traveled by millions of pilgrims for more than a thousand years, and has multiple routes stretching across Europe, with each major route ending at the grand cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. (It is believed that the remains of Saint James are buried here.) The Camino has great historical, cultural, and theological meaning, but central to its purpose is the opportunity for spiritual awakening.
The Camino is meant to be a sacred walk for pilgrims who are seeking spiritual growth or reflection and renewal in their lives. It is not only a grueling physical journey, but it is also a journey of the soul that provides a unique opportunity for its pilgrims to reconnect or establish their faith, to deepen one's relationship with God, and to ask existential questions along the way. This trek has served as a spiritual catalyst for those who are seeking a deeper understanding of following God. As the walking journey is made, it allows its pilgrims to separate from the tasks, worries and duties of everyday life, and beckons them to immerse themselves in a time of deep reflection and discovery.
I must admit that I have not trained for this journey very well! I endeavor to walk the final 100 kilometers, which is about 62 miles in just 5 days, as I have one week of leave (average of 12 miles a day). I arrive in Spain and start the trek the very next morning, and will be packing a rain poncho, a sturdy hat, my knee brace, and not much more! I am packing very lightly and will wash and re-wear my clothes. The terrain is quite remote and rural, but exceedingly beautiful in places; in the evening, I will be spending the nights in hostels and monasteries along the way. Friends have told me to carry blister pads, chafing cream, and walking sticks to fend off aggressive wild dogs---it will certainly be an adventure! I am loading my phone with good music and podcasts to listen to along the way, but I look forward to long stretches of silence and extended times of prayer.
I am so thankful for this experience and look forward to how God will change my heart through this time of learning. I will be posting my adventure on Instagram, so please check out @maypeacebethejourney_revgrace to see how I do every day! Thank you in advance for your prayers; I look forward to sharing with you what I learned upon my return.
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace