Doubts

I saw my chiropractor today and told her about the pilgrimage. She was excited and said she knew I was up for it. I am doubtful. Grief takes it's toll on the body. I'm still trying to get my energy back. My shoulder and back have been aching since January.

It's not up to me. God's in charge.

The Pool

I visited Terry and Lisa last week in Burbank. It was so great to be in the warm sun! Every morning rain or shine, they leave the house at 7 a.m. and walk over to the community pool for a swim and hot tub time. It was such a blessing to be there and join them in their morning ritual. I realized how much I love being in the water.

We also did a lot of walking while I was there. It was a great trip.

I was inspired by their daily exercise. When I got home I joined a gym with a pool! Took my first water aerobic class today. Great workout. I know this will help with my preparation for the pilgrimage.

Praise God for inspirations!

Partners on the Path

Rev Maria will be my roommate in Spain. We started walking together in March. Walking in the cold, damp, rainy Northwest hills. Trying to build our muscles, our stamina and our courage.

I am grateful for her partnership. Our walks are opportunities to share fears, anxiety, joys and faith.

We keep remembering that Christ guides our way.

Covenant

Our Covenant for Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
The Way of Saint James

"Just as my Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love." John 15:9
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot

Purpose: Love

Vision: Walking in the Footsteps of St. James

Intentions:
1. I am revealing the vital Presence and Power of Jesus Christ that is 'Manifest God I Am' with every step I take.
2. I am experiencing a greater revelation of 'Unconditional Love' as the true and inherent nature of my being.
3. I am experiencing the 'Joy of Community" with my fellow pilgrims.
4. I am participating in spiritual practices for the deepening of my faith.
5. I am being blessed and prospered in the fulfillment of this covenant.

I am grateful God is Gracious.

The Promise

Last December, Rev Marcia announced she would be taking a group to Spain on pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. I signed up immediately. I needed something to look forward to. I was in the midst of grief after losing my beloved husband Laurence in October.

Marcia and I were in Arizona in December having lunch talking about the pilgrimage. I suddenly burst into tears as I realized the synchronicity of this trip. Wanting to encourage Laurence as he was recovering from his stroke in June, I promised him we would return to Spain (our first trip was our honeymoon) on our tenth wedding anniversary.

So I will be in Spain in September the month of our tenth year wedding anniversary. And yes I will be taking Laurence with me, although not in the form I would have preferred. I will be there on the one year anniversary of his passing.

It is a walk of faith, of love, of courage. It is a walk of letting go and of new beginnings. I trust God has a plan.