We have officially completed four days of walking and three stages on the path. We had to split the first day up into two parts because we arrived late in St. Jean on Sunday. We started Sunday and made it half way through the first stage. We are now at Pamplona. This is the nicest hostel we have stayed in so far.
We weren´t sure yesterday if we could walk ever again. Our feet were VERY sore. Today we got up and walked for 9 and a half hours. I think we walked 25 kilometers. It has been the best experience of our lives and the hardest.
Last night at our hostel, we had communal showers. This was a first for both of us. Surprisingly after a bit, no one was nervous and we chatted as if we all had clothes on. Talk about stretching yourself.
We have met so many incredible people with great stories. Some are from Germany, Montreal, Arizona, Ausrtia, Switzerland, Korea, Japan, and many more. We have spent alot of time with many of the same people. The stories we have heard range from people taking the pilgrimage to take time away from their spouse hoping to both think about things and wokr things out when the one returns home to just walking becuase they want to learn something from the Lord.
We have had great discussions along the way about what the Lord is teaching us. Can´t wait to share them when we get home.
We are tired, but not too bad. Tomorrow we only have to walk 15 miles, so it will be a much easier day. The first two days were all uphill in the rain, hail, lightning, thunder, and it was freezing. Today was freezing in the morning and HOT this afternoon.
We wish we could tell you everything, but we only have 20 minutes on teh internet and our clothers are in the washer. (we were never so glad to see a washer, we have washed things by hand every day and they don´t always dry)
Some food for thought: on the path
mud = sin , the more people that trudge through the mud, the harder it is for those behind to pass , this is symbolic of the sins of our fathers (we have been MUDDY every day)
pilgrims have to walk at their own pace - sometimes you meet people along the way for conversation or aid, but for the most part, you have to walk your own walk. This has been hard for me because I want to go faster than Toni - my competitiveness has been difficult for me to overcome. I hate getting passed by other pilgrims and Toni has to constantly remind me that finishing is the most important not winning.
You will never walk alone!
We have lived through Psalm 23 - from sheep lying down in the cool grass, which we did at the half way point today, to walking beside still waters, to following and listening to the Lord´s voice.
Your prayers and comments are appreciated and felt along the way.
PS - Funny things - I fell yesterday and Toni fell today - my panties are now brown because brown pants fade on white clothes, they look gross
We love you all and can´t wait to see you and chat with you. Until then, please continue to pray for us and others along the way.
Mel and Toni
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6 comments:
Sorry I missed your call the other day. I forwarded an email to the people on the list of the group email you sent about your trip. I'm really glad that you are still alive, but you might want to clear up a visual for us. Were their shower curtains in the communal shower; was it coed? Clarify please; please remember your Puritan ancestry; you are not European.
Things are good here; Garbut resigned--he's going to Deer Creek. My school's good; I'm more than halfway through Psyc. We made it to the two year old by the midterm--Don't think I'll learn much about the adolescent. Church was good; I hope you can log on to the Oneprayer website. It is really an exciting and encouraging experience. We love you and take care.
I laughed out loud when you said that Toni fell and then you fell! Which time did you laugh harder? Did you have to help her up or did she just want to lay there awhile? Anyway, I'm enjoying the blog. I check on you guys everyday. Take a lot of pictures, and Toni keep journaling... who knows you might be published one day.
This is the most exciting trip I'm taking all summer! Thanks for the news and the smiles, it's an inspiring story! Love and prayers to you, Christy in Colorado
Glad to hear you are doing well. Keep posting. I pray for both of you every day. I can't wait to hear more. I'm not to upset about the communal shower thing as long as you wear flip-flops. LOL
Hugs and Love!
Hey! First of all, you gals are amazing and definitely brave!!!! I can't wait to hear about the stories from the other people. Stay safe!!!!
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