The last few days have been amazing regarding my preparations for the Camino. Jean, the originator of this greatly-anticipated pilgrimage, came to the East Coast and stayed with us overnight. We had a chance to take a 3-mile walk in the park as well as attend Sr. Laura's wonderful presentation, Thank You for the Music. Jean and I have the habit of walking just a little in front of people, almost as if we're pulling them along! Can you imagine what happened when the two of us walked together?! It was a brisk walk, believe me! I'm always afraid I'm not fast enough, and Jean asked me to slow down!
I'm really grateful for the experience of walking with Jean for a couple of reasons. First of all, it certainly gave me a sense of my own ability. I don't know how I'll do over the long haul, but I'm probably in better shape than I give myself credit for.
Secondly, I had a chance to see what it's like to walk with Jean. I've been used to walking by myself. In Grandma's on the Camino, the author sings the glory of walking alone. She says, "Here was a lifetime opportunity to be alone with myself and my soul for extended periods of time... To give my mind and soul a chance to hear the silence of the Camino and echo it back to me.... Walking solo was undoubtedly the most important influence shaping my overall Camino experiences." I have a sense that my own Camino experiences will be shaped by some alone time as well as togetherness.
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