Can you say blisters and bruises? these last few days have proven to be VERY difficult spiritually, physically, and mentally. I think we both have cried at least once over the last three days. We thought things would get easier, but our bodies are so tired and our feet are not in very good condition. Without the blisters and bruises on our heels, we could walk for days. Blisters and feet swollen three times their size don´t make for good walking. However, we still managed to walk 20 kilometers today in the blazing hot Spanish sun. If it weren´t for having each other and other pilgrims that we have met along the way, we would not have been able to make it to Viana today. Overcoming the mental block this morning was the most difficult thing so far. If this is what Paul meant by ¨I beat my body¨and ¨take up your cross¨- WOW!!
We have learned to enjoy the journey more by talking to each other and others more often. We realized today that Christian (our German friend) has been the most satisified by talking and walking with different people every day. We have been so focused on getting to the next stop, that we have forgotten to enjoy the journey. We have learned the art of siesta! We took two naps today under shade trees (which are few and far between). When was the last time you took a nap outside in the grass? If it has been a while, you should try it... without your iPod. It took us FOREVER to get here today because we stopped so much, but the stops were very rewarding.
today´s challenges: take a nap outside and enjoy the cool of the grass and shade
don´t look forward so much to what is ahead, but enjoy what you are doing now... the present only happens once, so don´t miss the blessing of the moment - in our hurried society, we are so worried about getting from one place to the next that we forget to realize the blessings of those around us because we don´t ¨have time¨to stop and talk. Try to take some time to slow down and enjoy the conversations with others, even if it makes you late.
Our plan for the next few days is undecided. We are very beaten down physically. We have not slept well in the albuerges the last few nights becuase it is blazing hot. No one even uses a sheet - we all sleep with nothing covering us. Also, many people snore loudly, which makes it difficult to stay asleep. The lights go out at 10 and come on at 6. We plan to take a bus at some point in the next few days to catch up on days lost due to Paris connection, blisters, and the need to rest. It is difficult to decide to take the bus because it feels like we are cheating, but we are trying to listen to our bodies so that we can finish without getting badly injured or bad infections in our blisters. Most likely we will take a bus to the next town tomorrow, sleep in a hotel, and then try to catch up the next day. We are in desperate need of refreshing.
We are still having a great time despite the new challenges. We are learning so much about oursleves, each other, and community. I mean, we sleep right next to someone new every night.
Please pray for quick recovery, mental toughness, physical restoration, and spiritual awareness.
thanks for your thoughts and prayers, they are what is getting us through the days! I know that your prayers were answered today because we had the most wonderful breezes just when we needed them most.
Toni and Mel
12 comments:
OK girls, I know you want to complete this entire walk, but for your health and future mobility you may need to take a break. Don't feel that you are quitting. You have already done more than any of us this summer. Have you looked into bicycles? or would that just be trading sore feet for a sore butt? Just do what is best for both of you and your aching feet. My prayers are with you.
I'm sorry that I missed your call this morning in Sunday school! Please do not get discouraged! I read this in one of my magazines and thought I'd share it with you.
The olympic creed: The most important thing is not to win, but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.
I hope this is encouraging. Love you guys!
We took a break today in Logronos. In fact, we even took a bus here! We have taken a couple of naps and I bought some new shoes to replace my boots. I know that sounds crazy, but my boots are killing my feet. Tomorrow we will continue to walk, but today has been VERY good for our feet, souls, minds, and bodies.
Stef, thanks for the comment. We wrote it down in our journals and will read it often. Thanks for the encouragement.
I was sooo happy to hear your voice yesterday!! I miss you all so much and I just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you often throughout my day. Emma and I were on our morning walk today and I was just meditating the whole time o what you wrote about focusing on the journey more and not just getting through the day. What a metaphor for life! It does make our day to day lives so much easier when we interact with those around us and help each other through the hard times. I'm glad you have each other. Hang in there and may you be refreshed!
I have been praying for you both daily...and alot. I know that God is watching over you and keeping you in His loving care. It sounds like even through the difficulties that you are facing that you are having a great time and learning lots. I know that it is hard for you, Melissa, to see people pass you and know that sometimes you have to slow down. But remember that is ok not to WIN!! You are there for the journey and to just finish. If you need extra time to rest and recoupe, it's OK!! It's more important to take care of your bodies now so they won't get more broken down. I know that you both will make the right decisions and that God will guide you. I love getting to talk to you and hear you voice. Toni next time you guys call, I would like to talk to you too!! Take care of yourselves. Know that there are very few people that I know that could do what you two are doing. Know that I am VERY PROUD of you and love you both very much. I will continue to lift each of you up in prayer as well as the other pilgrims. Here's a big HUG for you!
It was exciting to talk to you and know that you and Toni are ok. I knew God would answer my prayer but it sure was nice to know that He is. To my two adventurous girls: I say enjoy this experience but take care of you bodies. If it gets too much just quit..go to Paris..stay a few days. If you need help financially, remember as Melanie says, "Go to the bank of Momo". I'm proud of you and quite sure that you probably won't quit, but want you to know that you do have the option. Take care of you sweet selves and know that you are in my prayers many times during the day. I anxiously waiting for you to get home. I love you both very much MOMO
This is a great blog! Glad I am reading. I can't wait to hear all about everything. I hope you have pictures. I got enrolled at OU! See you soon--JPATT/Rimm
Hey girls!!!!
You are doing great! I have been sharing your stories with my family, and they are enjoying them. Just a little advise...take the bus!!!! You don't want to focus on hurting the rest of the way!!!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!!
You guys are amazing! I am so impressed. Your words are so inspirational. I know you can make it because you want to. You have so many people cheering you on! You can do it! :D
My feet hurt! I rode my bike to OU and walked for thirty minutes before riding home this morning.
You two are amazing. I am so impressed. I have enjoyed reading about your great adventure. Mel, you two really don't have to finish. Heck, MOMO is right, it is okay to quit. It is also okay to go to the MOMO bank. I am positive that is what I would do.
Be safe and take care.
My prescription for European blisters: REEFS! I couldn't have made it without them. You guys should take it easy when you can. I don't have room in my car for two wheelchairs when I pick you up at the airport. So, listen to what your body says. There's always Debbie's idea about bicycles. You could just head back north and hop on the tour de France! By the way, I've been watching Wimbledon and missing you! Love ya!
I am praying for you both and am just so proud. You two are hardcore for sure - make sure you are taking care of yourselves! Maybe if you mail home your feet, you will be lighter and faster?
It is lovely to hear about you meditating on the ideas of pace, competition, community and finishing. I will try to bear your lessons in mind as I run down the escalator or get frustrated when someone is slower than me on the sidewalk.
I pray that God continues to reveal all of His beauty and splendor (in creation and each other) as you continue on. I pray that He also provides moments of laughter and silliness as you go along. (Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion...)
Stay strong!
Post a Comment