Today is the first day that we made it all the way ot the end of the journey according to the book we are following. Yea! We are on schedule completely now!!!!
By the way, the showers were not co-ed. It was a new experience though. Cass, we did wear flip flops. We always do.
yesterday and today have been VERY difficult. It has been REALLY hot and we have had a long way to walk. Today we walked close to 19 miles with no shade along the way (olive trees aren´t very tall). We had to stop alot to drink more water. We took a nap at a park to get out of the sun for a while. THere is a reason why the Spanish take siesta from 2-4 everyday - it is freaking HOT!!!!!
We hear that the weather is supposed to be colder and rainy over the weekend. We are very glad to get this news. We are prepared for the cold!
Today we went to the post office and mailed home 12 pounds of stuff between the two of us. You would not believe how 6 pounds can make such a big difference. We hope to be able to walk faster now. Currently, we are being passed by 65 and70 year old men. It is quite humbling I must admit. T0ni keeps reminding me that it is about finishing, not about winning.
This truly has been the best thing we have ever done, but I am not going to lie, I wanted to quit today. The terrain is boring and it is HOT!! However, I now that there is a life lesson in this for me. I have already found alot of life lessons along the way.
Many people of the Catholic faith are assigned by their priest to do a pilgrimage for penance. It is definitely an opportunity for reflection and meditation. Everyone should do this at least once.
The community is awesome! We have been hanging out with Claudia and Katherine from Germany. THey are mother daughter and are doing this for her graduation. Christian is a German gentleman who has watched out for us and poured his heart out to us. You would not believe how nice people are. We don´t even know each other, but we are so excited to see each other at the end of the day. WE are all just glad to make it to the next stop.
Things to think on: When was the last time you stopped being so busy that you could hear the quiet waters and birds chirping? We are much too fast paced in America.
When was the last time you were quiet enough and stopped talking enough to hear the Lord´s voice? It is great to be walking and meditating on scripture.
When was the last time you stopped to help someone slower than you? It is sometimes hard to slow down for others, but others have slowed down to help us.
We encourage you this week to slow down and take time to listen to the still small voice of the Lord. Maybe even take a walk without your iPod.
We love you all.
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7 comments:
Wow, what an inspiring trip! Thank you for the reminder to take the time to listen to the still, small voice of the Lord. I love the image of you allowing your burdens be lifted (it's not often that we can measure them so precisely, n'est-ce pas?). May God continue to bless you and watch over you on your journey!
I am having so much fun reading about your trip!! Toni, it brings back so many memories of our hike in Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park. After reading Mel's descriptions I'm thinking it is probably a good thing that I wasn't able to make it on this one!! But it does sound exciting, I must say. I'm keeping you both in my prayers. Have fun and stay safe!!
You girls are so amazing. No matter how tough this trip gets, you are able to apply the journey to our spiritual journey. We are going to have to commit weeks of Sunday school to having you two teach us what you learned. Honestly, I like sitting here in the air conditioning reading about your journey, but I'm so excited to hear about what God is teaching you and through you teaching us.
I got your post card this morning. Things are good here--hot, but nice. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
all i have to say is, "wow". Keep the hard questions coming. It's challenging me. Love to you both!
Ok, now for the serious questions: Have you lost weight, are you tan, have you met any single Christian men?
I've always known Toni was a slow hiker, so hang in there Mel! Today is our anniversary (11 years!) and I wish we were celebrating in Europe again. What a difference a year makes! Thank you for sharing the difficulties and the triumphs. I am so proud of you both. I hope to hear your voices again soon. Love you!
Hey girls! You girls are AMAZING! It sounds like even though its a really tough journey that you are enjoying it and soaking in everything that God is teaching you and telling you! I am praying for you daily! Love you both!!
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