We actually made it passed the end of a stage in our book. We walked 23 kilometers today and feel great!! We contemplated doing 4 more, but decided we should stop while we still felt good. Today was my first day without blister pain in over two weeks. After two weeks of every step hurting, it was nice to actually be able to think about something besides my feet. Today, Toni has a sore ankle... however, she has been praying for the Lord to give her some of my pain, so I say that is what she gets! JK - really though, after a 3 hour break in Astorga (a large city) and visiting with a Norwegian couple, she felt fine. After the break, we walked 5 more kilometers and are now ready to shower, eat, wash our clothes, go to the market, and go to bed. This has been our routine for quite some time.
Today we did the ABC game with Bible characters (thanks Mark and Donna) and the names of our friends. Of course, on each letter all of you were the first names we thought of. We need to meet someone whose first or last name starts with X.
It has been interesting to walk through the terrain changes. After walking through what felt like the boring Midwest for days, today we are getting back to beautiful, mountainous terrain. We have ALOT of climbing to do over the next few days. The crazy thing is we climb a mountain, only to go down it and up another again. I think they should make a bridge between the two, so once you go up, you don´t have to go up again three hours later.
We have decided that before any couple marries, they should have to do the camino. So, wherever our future husbands are... I hope they are walking. JK Seriously, this trip is great for friendship and marriage building. I suppose it could tear down also, but it doesn´t seem to.
Continue challenging yourselves and take a look at your backpack to see what you can take out and hand over to the Lord.
Mel and Toni
9 comments:
Hi, this is Tracey. I just had to tell you that you DO know someone with a name that begins with "X". Daniel Judkins middle name is Xavier. I know you probably thought you were through having to think about Daniel, but it IS an X! I have enjoyed reading your blog and I'm glad you you are feeling better. I can't wait to hear all the stories when you get back! God Bless! Tracey Forrester
It was good to hear your voices this morning and then to get home from church and you had posted another blog. What a great day!!
I hope it is not as hot there as it has been here. We're definitely in the dog days of summer. Tony and I have been walking every evening, but we keep starting later to avoid the heat. Soon we will be walking at midnight. Every walk I think of you guys and my admiration for you grows.
We had a good church service and Sunday School class. Matt, Rocky and Deb, and I were all alone; we miss you guys and are looking forward to you joining us in 3 weeks. I forgot to tell you about my trip to Ada Thursday. I drove 45 minutes at $4/gallon, and we made an Uncle Sam out of a paper plate. I couldn't believe it; everyone else in the class are early childhood and early elementary teachers; they were thrilled with the pattern and talked about how they would use in during the election etc. I almost cried. I'll think of you often this week as I am cleaning up the junk in my life. Be safe and take care.
It was good talking to both of you yesterday. Melissa, I am glad your blisters are better..I have been praying for healing. Toni, I am sad about your ankle but will pray that it will get better. You two are SO AMAZING!! Each time I read your blog, it makes me take a good look at my life and realize that I do need to get rid of the junk I don't need. I tend to try to fix things myself sometimes when I really should just leave it to God to tend to. After all, that's what He wants me to do. Thanks for the ispiration you give me. Love you both Mom
By the way Melissa, Brittany didn't qualify for the olympics but she was close.
I know I haven't commented in a while but you two are still very much on my mind. I really liked what you said about taking stuff out of your backpack and giving it to the Lord. I believe I have a few items that I would gladly give up. Thanks again for the inspiration.
mark and donna's last comment was Stef. I read it at their computer and wasn't even thinking who I was logged in under. :)
Well, too bad you guys were such studs and walked like crazy today because you missed the MOST AMAZING Wimbledon final I have ever seen. I am sure you will witness lots of celebrations in Spain since their boy Nadal beat Federer. At one point, I thought they were going to have to put the game on hold and play tomorrow! It was a great game and I thought of you often.
I am sooooo glad the blisters are healing! Toni, I am sure your ankle will start to feel better soon. I will tell Canaan that he needs to start working on a new pilgrimage therapy technique. Isn't that the type of therapy they used in the Middle Ages?
Ainsley is really missing you guys and hopes you call again soon! Maybe Debbie will learn some crafts in class to teach her to keep her happy until you get back.
Love ya!
Hey girls! I haven't posted a note to you, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about you! I have been keeping up with the blog, sometimes Steph reads then outloud to me if we're driving somewhere. Then we laugh about whatever funny stuff you wrote.
I have definitely been challenged by your words and your experience. really have thought about walking...somewhere...just to get a taste. Maybe I'll head out to Chandler. Seriously though, I can only imagine how tough your days are but I am impressed with your endurance and am inspired by the ideas, concepts, and promises that the Lord is showing you along the way. Thanks for sending those our way so that we can grow along with you through this experience.
Much love to you!
Carrie
Toni I have plans for us on July 25th. There is a new X-files movie coming out with Mulder and Scully reunited. I'm so freakin' excited!
Hey Guys,
I had to laugh about Mr. X (Daniel) because he texted Nancy during our class today - to write a letter of rec. for him.
Man, I won't complain about our class too much; I'll just think about your blisters and sore ankle and push my little pity party away. Well, I might complain a little - the 8:30-4:00 in the chairs is blistering my behind. But, man, I have learned a lot. Great instruction!!!!
I need a whole week on the road to process it all.
I am starting a Bible study tomorrow; it's called Balance at the Speed of Life. Pray for a revival for me, if you have time-haha.
I had cleaned, really cleaned, my whole house, and it's back to crap. I meant that literally at first, but it occurs to me that it might have a broader application. Ha.
Well, you guys are the cat's meow, the dog's bark, the fish's bubbles, the snake's hiss, the horse's shaken harness bells, etc.
I am envious of the deep spiritual voice you are discovering (again).
Take the best care! Love you both.
G.
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