My heavenly Father has given me so many gifts and so many graces – one gift being amazing friendships throughout my life. Just recently when discussing the possibility of starting this blog, a very dear and wise friend asked me, “What one word captures why you are doing this Camino?” What ONE word?
Is it about the hiking? Is it the sacrifice or the suffering we can expect? What is it that really calls me to do this? Without a doubt, it’s the word “pilgrim.”
When I went to World Youth Day in Madrid in 2011, I experienced true pilgrimage for the first time. This was not a trip for pleasure, as for a tourist. Traveling as a chaperone with my daughter and our parish Youth Group to see our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI (along with 1.5 million other people from around the world) was one of the most thrilling adventures of my life. It was glorious, yet grueling…
We were a truly “motley crew,” with several kids in our group feeling some extreme effects of the 105 degree heat. Being that I could speak Spanish, I was translating for some challenging medical situations, which was extremely stressful and exhausting. Yet I remained healthy, thanks be to God. But, at one point, I “hit a wall. “ I found myself sharing tearfully with our priest one morning how I was handling these situations, but eventually heard myself remarking, “but it’s supposed to be hard. A pilgrimage is supposed to be hard.” It brought home to me that these sacrifices were what brought about such abundant blessings and truly tested my trust and confidence in my heavenly Father. This realization rejuvenated my spirit, and was what carried me through the rest of our trip. It was then that I committed to “doing pilgrimage” again.
And why the Camino de Santiago de Compostela? It’s Spain! It’s Catholic! I’ve taught about the Camino in both my Spanish and Religion courses for many years. I look forward to using my Spanish, and reconnecting with this country and my heritage that I treasure. I can’t wait to immerse myself in dedicated time with my heavenly Father, Who I know will continue to provide abundant gifts and graces to endure any trial or challenge I encounter along the pathway to Santiago.