Today’s walk was only 11 miles through beautiful meadows and forested areas. It still had challenges of a few uphills and rocky trails. I’ve learned to choose my paths wisely, sometimes opting for a slightly longer way with a more consistent terrain. Slippery rocks from an early morning dew not only slow me down but make for more chances to trip, or fall.

I started the week anxious of the Camino wondering if I could endure the hiking just 10-months from a hip replacement. I’ve learned it isn’t just the physical aspect (which is harder than I had imagined), but also the mental challenge of keeping my mind occupied with Godly things for a 6-9-hour period. I repeated many prayers from the prayer book, as well as naming friends I’m praying for, but it was hard to keep the concerns of everyday life shut out. However, as I became more tired this week, I learned to let go and let God be in charge. I realized that most of my worries are unchanged by my thoughts and that the peacefulness I found out-of-doors with physical exhaustion helped me to keep my mind on more important things: listening for God’s voice in my life.

I was amazed that I didn’t care where I was, but I knew that I would eventually reach my destination.

Today ended as we met the other half of our group who have been touring UTO Grant sites with Bishop Carlos Lozano, the Bishop of Spain. We had the joy of celebrating Eucharist with Bishop Carlos and Bishop Doug Sparks from Northern Indiana in a church in Arzúa, Parroquia de Santa Maria de Villadavil.

Blessings, my friend,

Agatha