El Camino… What is that?

Here we are month 11 of the World Race! Wow time has flown by! We are in Portugal, trekking 150+ miles into Santiago, Spain where we will finish by the 15th of November!! 

This month we are doing something totally different than what we are used to as world racers. We have this month to freely choose and minister to wherever and whenever we want or feel lead by the Lord. Throughout the year, as world racers, we have been given ministry hosts and assignments (scheduled ministry). This month, we are lead by choice as a way to adjust to how we will minister and evangelize at home in the states. Not only is this an “adjusting home” opportunity, but it is a great opportunity to find, see, and hear God in all aspects of the journey on El Camino. 

El Camino is a place that attracts people, tourists, hikers from all over the world that want to find a way in life. So how special is it that we get this opportunity ourselves, to seek God through deeper dependency on Him as well as living out the gospel, sharing it, representing Jesus to those who are seeking light into their life. 

We are making friends along the way! 

This is only day 4 into El Camino, and God has been working through us, speaking to us, healing us, and providing for us. 

Before the first day of the hike, as I was getting my passport credentials for El Camino, an older couple came up to my friend and I. They blessed us with their used trekking poles after I had woken up that morning, and had already decided I needed to get a pair. Ta-da! Come on.. God is good!! 

Day 1: 16 miles… I woke up knowing that God would be testing my patience. I wasn’t thrilled knowing I was going into a 2 weeks journey sore and suffering through blisters. The morning started off will a group of us singing worship, praying, stretching and a dance party! It was a great way to start El Camino! I was getting discouraged because I was falling behind from the rest of my group. But I just kept singing trying to avoid the pain in my feet and hips. #keepwalking 

Day 2: 14 miles… And so, as I was trekking on I kept thinking God was singing over me, “baby steps my child..” I realized that rushing through was not necessary, but taking several quick breaks to stretch had helped me get through the day. Jen and I found singing Christian camp songs as a way to distract our minds from pain, time, and distance haha. But we ended up taking a taxi with 2 miles left because our phones had died and my hip was in too much pain to keep going that night. Taking care of of my body is necessary. 

God came through for us that night because the owner of the hostel had left us stay for 2 nights so we could rest a full day. The hostels along the Camino are called albergues.. and most of them are free to stay in but ask for donations to keep the beds open for all pilgrims to rest. 

Day 3: Rest day… my friends and I knew our bodies needed rest. The hostel we stayed in was so sweet and welcoming. That night the volunteers had welcomed us with soup, cake, and cookies. They served us so kindly with genuine servants hearts. One volunteer took care of our blisters and messaged our feet. 

I asked the first volunteer and question that would motivate me to look forward to on this pilgrimage. Her advice was “to open your heart and to receive what is in front of you.” And I’m thinking, “Okay, I’ll parallel that to my spiritual journey with The Lord this month.” 

But don’t you know, right after she suggested this wonderful encouragement, the second volunteer offered to care for my blisters and massage my feet. At first I said no! The first volunteer giggles and reminded me, “open your heart, receive!” 

As I’m sitting there, embarrassed about my feet, I had to relax my thoughts and be grateful that someone is actually caring enough to do this. The day before, I was crying out loud, “I need my mom..” haha. 

But Jesus sends someone to care for our feet and gives us suggestions on how to care for our feet these next few weeks. 

Afterward, my friends and I invite them to worship with us. It left our hosts crying and moved by the presence of God. 

I’m learning this week to allow God to interrupt my time, my boundaries, my thoughts, and evening plans to let Him move the way He plans to. 

I would never let a stranger massage my feet, but giving in to someone who is humble enough to do so to ease my pain is Jesus working through another’s heart. 

Or even worshipping outside at 7:30 while I’m thinking to myself, other hikers will probably feel disturbed by our singing as their trying to sleep early. But no, our worship and God’s presence attracted a fellow hiker. This night was incredible. After worship, our volunteers followed through with a poem, prayer, and encouragement. We ended the night standing in a circle praying for each other. This is why God gave us a second free day of rest at this hostel. This is what God had planned. It was pretty cool. 

Day 4: taxi 10 miles…One friend and I decided not to hike due to hip and foot related injuries. I just needed an extra day to take it easy on my hip and stretch. I’d rather take it easy and be capable to hike and finish rather hold it off and risk a more severe injury. 

When my friends met up with us today, we found a restaurant that catered a full meal to pilgrims for a cheap price. This is normal and beneficial to Camino pilgrims. And I’m grateful for it! 

Day 5: is coming up.. (only 6 miles)… Blisters are real and the body pain is hopefully adjusting to this journey. Pray that God will continue to restore us each morning and give us the endurance we need over the next 2 weeks. This is not easy, but in the finish I know it will be glorifying to the Lord!! 

Psalm 118:14 “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”