Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Plane Tickets Purchased


Guess who bought 2 plane tickets today?!!!
We will be leaving May 29, and we will be returning July 26.
Two full months of hiking and hanging out with Sam.
I'm amazed by how we are already being changed by our Camino, and I'm anticipating stronger minds, bodies, and spirits!

Monday, February 25, 2019

First the Complaining, Then the Joy

Sam is really good at complaining.  I say he is my human Eyore.  I know that this trip is meant for us because first he complains about everything--distance, temperature, clothing, parents, snacks, and anything else he can think of!  And after all of that is over there is joy!  Sometimes it's subtle.  You have to know how to read him.  There is a contentment in his spirit and a bounce in his step.  It's lovely to witness.

Honestly this scares me a bit.  I'm a start with the joy kind of person.  Part of my Camino preparation is preparing for many days of complaining and learning to really celebrate the joy!


P.S.  I wrote this several weeks ago, and I have been really surprised by how much more acceptance I am witnessing as we prepare more.  There is an inner fortitude in this small boy that is starting to glow.  Sometimes I am warmed by it when I need it most!

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Week 2 of Camino Training



On Friday evening we went for a little walk in downtown Akron.  Then the winds arrived!  Winds could have blown us away, so we adapted by walking 70 minutes in the mall. We also practiced patience with all the human obstacles!!

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Training Kick Off




Today was the day we started our training for long days hiking on the Camino de Santiago this summer.  I am planning to do one longer day of hiking each week, as if we were planning to hike a half marathon.  The goal is to be able to walk 20 km per day.  We also want to get used to using our packs and equipment.

Virgil was our only companion for walking in the snow, sleet, and hail!! Sam complained saying, “There is only one person who would be out here now, and her name is Miriam!” He also practiced adjusting his pack straps!   Now that it stopped snowing we are at home with some healthy snacks. Feel free to drop in as we have plenty to share!

Weighed Down and Letting Go of the Burdens

Sam on a 5.5 mile hike this past Friday. I've been thinking so much about the actual Camino experience.  Not the preparation or tal...