First Steps

The Camino was one of the hardest things I have ever done- physically, mentally, spiritually. Before I completely dive in off the high board, we need to first get your uncalloused toes a little wet. First thing first, I still have many unprocessed thoughts in regards to my experience, so much of what I have to say will not be written well or even written here at all. Second, the Camino is unique to all who walk it, so I am in no way trying to tell you how to walk the Camino, or even the typical experience of a pilgrim. (Spoiler: no such thing exists.) 

Lastly, this post has been days, almost weeks, in the making and is not even a complete post. I wrestled with how best to invite you, my reader, into my Camino experience. I could give you the facts, the times I woke up, who I met, how far I walked, what I ate, and where I slept. While yes that sounds like a boring list, often the setting becomes another character in the story. Would it be best to post chronologically, a diary entry, merely pictures, just words, high light reel, or raw emotion. I wrote some of each but was never able to complete the... I could invite you into my daily thoughts and talks with God while walking, but words often fail at describing... 

So this is far from a complete post. It is rough, wobbly, a little awkward at times maybe, but that is how we all must start. I invited you on this walk with me long ago, so all we can do is continue step by step. Within each step is triumph and failure and a lesson to be learned. I learned about blister care, self-care, culture, community, more about who God is, and more about who I am. Although I am done walking on the Camino, I am still learning to take steps in light of the Camino. One day I may learn to run, but I am sure there will be many more stumbles in the weeks and months to come.

 

However, for now, I can tell you what I hope this space can be. I imagine there being some factual aspects and many deeper thoughts, both characteristic of the Camino. One thing I am positive of, is that there will be many café con lechés poured into these posts. Most of all I hope this will be a place to share stories of joy and struggle, a place to share pictures of beauty and ugliness, and a place to invite you into my Camino.

¡Buen Camino!