Home Again

Our time in Spain flew by so quickly. It felt great to be back home in Portland. I will always carry a fondness for Spain. Laurence and I spent our honeymoon in southern Spain ten years ago. Now I have the experience of walking the Camino with my spiritual community.

We experienced so much grace on this trip. The weather is usually cool and rainy this time of year. We experienced sunny days and warm temperatures most of the time. Our hotels were wonderful and we were very well fed. Our bodies were strong and resilient as we walked the trail. Our travel was safe and easy.

Thanks so much for your prayers and love. I know that God's abundant grace pours forth into your lives. Out of your partnership, I know that you too are blessed with the newness of Christ in your lives.
Love and blessings,
Christine

Evening Splendor

The Cathedral at night is beautiful. Pilgrims and visitors wander around the courtyard and take in the majestic site. It is the heart of Compostela.

Cathedral Rooftop View

Five of us stayed in Santiago for an additional two days. It was a time to rest, shop and see more of the city.

We took a special tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela that gave us a rooftop view. We climbed 105 stairs to a spectacular sight of the cathedral and the city that took our breath away.

206 Tours

Javier and Tani

Rev. Marcia arranged our pilgrimage through 206 Tours. Our guide Javier did an exceptional job of taking care of us; everything from preparing us for our walk each day, explaining the sites of the Camino, to nursing our blisters and sore feet. He made sure we were fed well. (I think we are the only pilgrims that actually gained weight walking the Camino.) He was a joy and blessing to be with.

Tani was our driver and safely transported us to Sarria to begin the Camino. He made sure our luggage arrived at our hotel before we did each day. He did an excellent job maneuvering the busy city streets and country roads. We truly enjoyed his company.

Milanka was our contact at 206 Tours that made our arrangements and checked in on our progress. She was dedicated in making sure we were taken care of each day.

We were blessed with exceptional care and love. Praise God.

Finisterre

We left the hotel for a two hour drive to Finisterre which is a rock bound peninsula on the west coast of Galicia, Spain. In early times people believed it was the place for the end of the world. It certainly looks that way when you stand in front of the lighthouse and look out to the beautiful ocean.

It is a tradition for pilgrims to visit and burn their clothes or boots at the of the long journey. Several of us brought things, including someone's boots, to burn and release. It was a beautiful sunny day. We enjoyed our last tour together and then headed back to the hotel for our last meal before most of the pilgrims head home in the morning.


We said our good byes after dinner. Most of our group heads home in the morning. It is difficult to describe all the feelings. We accomplished so much. it's still hard to believe we completed our journey. Thanks for your loving prayers.

Botafumeiro

Tour of Cathedral

Claudio, a local guide gave us a tour this morning of the cathedral.

The facade of the cathedral was built in the 18th century, replacing the previous Romanesque front. The original polychrome was damaged over time and was replaced by the magnificent work of art that stands today.







There are several buildings that surround the cathedral, one of them was originally built as a town hall. Another was built as the royal hospital founded by the Catholic Monarchs is now a hotel.

After our tour we attended Catholic mass that was held especially for the pilgrims. It was a special day because the bishop of Portugal spoke to the pilgrims and celebrated the mass. It was especially exciting because they used the botafumeiro at the end of the mass. It is one of the largest incense burners in the world weighing 80 kg. The swinging censor came into existence in the 11th century when pilgrims arrived at the cathedral tired and unwashed. It takes 8 men to pull on the lower ropes that are fastened to the cable and swing the burner forming a 50-meter arc and can reach speeds up to 68km/h. It is an amazing sight to see. We were sitting right in front and had an awesome view. I was thrilled to get it on video. Click here for utube video.

After the mass we left for the Finisterre, the end of the world.

Santiago

After our lunch in Santiago we walked through the busy city streets to the Cathedral. It was an amazing site to see. So magnificent.

Our first order of business at the Cathedral was to hug the statue of St James and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for blessing our journey. Leaving there we went downstairs to see the crypt containing the silver casket containing the remains of St James and his two disciples Anastasius and Theodore.

Camino Certificate of Completion!

Our final stop at the cathedral was to the pilgrims office. There we turned in our Camino passport and received our official certificate for completing the pilgrimage. We cheered for each other as they stepped out with their certificate in hand.

Thrilled and exhausted we made our way to our hotel. We had a wonderful dinner together celebrating our accomplishment.

It's hard to believe that our pilgrimage is complete. After almost a year of planning, organizing, shopping, walking, we are finished. The walking pilgrimage is finished but we step out into the newness of our lives.

Last Day

We appreciated the cool morning air as we set out for our last day walking the Camino. Everyone seemed to walk a bit slower and more purposeful.

Camino Cows

We often have to share the trail with sheep, horses, roosters, donkeys but most frequently with cows. Lots of them. A farmer offered to sell a cow to Maria for one euro but she graciously turned him down.








We left the farmland and peaceful countryside and traveled into more upscale neighborhoods. At one point the Camino trail was parallel to the Santiago airport runway. It was an amazing collision of old and new worlds. I could only imagine what the early pilgrims would have thought.

Monte del Gozo

We climbed the hill to Monte del Gozo, the Hill of Joy. It is the first place pilgrims get a view of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. We attended our last mass as a group led by Father Mickey. It has been a joy to attend mass together. It has been a very personal and intimate experience and has transformed my early Catholic years of church.

Preparing to walk to Santiago

So much more to tell but I am running out of steam. It's after midnight and we have an early day tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Love

One last thought today. The Camino is more than the walk. It is a deeper awakening of our relationship with God. Each of us has our own intentions for being here. It is a blessing to see the healing power of love in action with each of us.

For me it is the healing of the past year and deep gratitude for how God has blessed me in so many ways. It is one more way I am being opened to the new possibilities of life. It is a demonstration of how much strength I have and how much love I receive each day.

Thank you for your continued prayers and love. We bless all our loved ones at home each day in gratitude for your love and faith. XOXOXO

Amenal

I loved the hotel we stayed at in just outside Arzua for the past two days. The owner gave us a tour of the beautiful grounds of gardens, forests, wonderful plants and trees. The property has been in her family since the 1700´s. She created a museum of all the tools and treasures from her ancestors.

Gardens at our hotel

After Mass this morning we left Arzua and walked through mostly forested areas and farmland. We met as a group and had a delicious lunch in the town of Salceda. It was a challenging walk after lunch as the temperature spiked near 90 degrees. Our guide told us this is very unusual weather. Usually it is cool and rainy. Except for the first day we walked it has been very warm and sunny. We tolerated the heat and walked  the 13 miles to the town of Amenal. Our poor feet! Very sore today.

Tomorrow we will be in Santiago! Amazing. Thanks for your prayers and love.

One Year

Yesterday´s Mass was done in Laurence´s memory. It was a blessed service. After the service Rev Marcia offered a prayer for Laurence in a beautiful garden on the grounds.

It was a hard couple of days thinking about him. I walked every hill in his honor remembering how he never complained about his pain or discomfort. My life has been so blessed by him in so many ways.

Thanks for all your prayers. Please keep the Green family in your prayers. I  know his children, Mom and siblings are all missing him as well. Love.

Eat Dessert First!

Our motto for the trip thanks to Mark:
Life is short
The Camino is long
Eat dessert first!

We are very grateful for the delicious abundance of food. Every meal is a treat. Praise God!

Three days done

We finished our first three days of walking the Camino! Praise God!  Thirteen miles on Wednesday, 15 on Thursday and 17 on Friday. After obssessing and worrying about the 17 miles we were thrilled to finish. We are thoroughly enjoying our day off, although everyone is limping around a bit.

View of Countryside

After breakfast we attend Mass and then begin our walk. It is extraordinary to walk through farmland next to the cows, past beautiful gardens, through the shade of the forest, through meadows, over bridges, from one village to another. Yesterday we walked through a beautiful forest and came out into the city next to a car dealership. Another time we walked up a very steep hill and laughed at the sign nailed to the tree in front of us with the phone number for the local taxi service.


It is fascinating to meet people along the way and hear about their reasons for walking the Camino. We met a man who lives in Santiago and has walked it 12 times. Every time he makes a significant petition to God, he walks the Camino. It takes a month to walk from France. We are walking the last part- 70 miles.

Maria joyful on the journey

There are 12 of us and our guide Javier. Seven of us know each other, the other five are our new spiritual family. Beautiful friends from the US and one from Australia. Everyone finds their own pace on the walk. Sometimes we meet at a little cafe for a coffee or coke. We cheer each other on at the end of the day.


Dinner is usually at 8.30 or 9 pm (much to late for us Americans) and then fall into bed. We´re at a different hotel every day so we have to have our backpacks prepared and our bags packed before breakfast.


It´s been a challenging finding internet service. Am grateful for this computer today.
We have Mass at noon today. More later.

Sarria

After breakfast at the hotel we said goodbye to the bustling city of Madrid as we traveled by bus into the peaceful countryside. It is a seven hour bus ride to the Sarria where we will begin the walking part of our journey.

Christine and Marcia at Cruz de Ferro

We stopped outside of the town of Foncebadon to hike for a few miles. It felt good to get out and stretch our muscles. The highest part of the pass is called Cruz de Ferro where there is a large iron cross on a hill of stones. It has become a significant place on the journey. Pilgrims stop and leave a stone or an item to symbolize something they intend to leave behind or let go of on their journey. We saw notes and flowers along with a cell phone and several packs of cigarettes. It was a reminder od all that is surrendered to do this sacred journey.

On the Camino 

We finished our hike and boarded the bus again and traveled to Molineseca where we ate lunch outside. After lunch we traveled to O Cebreiro for Mass. Marcia, Mark and I were blessed to participate in the Mass in this wonderful picturesque town. From there we took our final bus ride into Sarria. We had a delicious dinner at our hotel and prepared our packs for tomorrow's journey.

Each day we pray for all our loved ones at home and send blessings of love and gratitude. XOXO

City Tour

Had delicious tapas for lunch today. Had a tour of beautiful city of Madrid. We viewed the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor. The Plaza Mayor has been the center of festivities, bull fights and royal coronations . These would be attended by as many as 50,000 spectators. It is still used today for public celebrations.


 Father Mickey is the spiritual advisor for our group. He said Catholic Mass for us at a beautiful cathedral.

Cathedral in Madrid

Madrid

View from our hotel in Madrid

We arrived safely into Madrid. Air travel was ease and grace. Thanks for all your prayers. We have some down time to shower and rest before we meet for lunch and some sightseeing. Weather is beautiful. Should be in the 80's today.

Gratitude

As I walked this morning I was filled with a sense of deep gratitude. I reflected on all the prayers, acts of kindness and love I have received. I am so grateful for the strength in my body and for all the health practitioners that keep me on track. I am truly blessed by my family, my spiritual community and my loving friends.

For me this pilgrimage is a walk of love and gratitude. For all that has been given and all that is yet to be received. Thank you God.

Preparation

Maria and I walked the Alameda Ridge on Sunday. It's a beautiful neighborhood with lots of stairs. It was a great workout. It was our last walk together before we leave on Sunday for our pilgrimage.

Even with all my aches, pains and complaints I came back from my chiropractor with a good report. She put me back into alignment and sent me off with her blessings. Praise God!

Now it's time to assemble all the supplies, lotions and potions I've collected. I pray for the angels to guide me with packing. That was something Laurence was great at doing. I accept help, clarity and wisdom. Thank you God.

The Pilgrim's Journey

My first blister in seven months showed up today. Not from hiking...from wearing dress shoes the other day. Bummer. Caught it in time before real damage could be done.

 We hiked again in Forest Park. It was a short hiking day. I needed to head home and prepare to officiate a wedding this afternoon.

 We leave three weeks from today! Trying not to go into overwhelm thinking about it.

 From our pilgrimage booklet:
 "The pilgrim must embark on this journey with joyful anticipation, being willing temporarily to separate himself from the world and to offer him/herself in humble service to another. A successful pilgrimage involves a commitment to leave behind one's problems and to focus instead on seeking to learn more about our heavenly Father, making one's heart full of desire for special graces, praises, petitions, and thanksgiving, returning home transformed, renewed and restored by the abundant blessings received."

 I accept!

Forest Park

It was wonderful to get back into the forest today. We hiked to Pittock Mansion and over to the Rose Garden. The trail was unusually quiet. We guessed that many of the runners and walkers were participating in the Hood to Coast. We were grateful for the shady forest and pleasant temps as we finished our 8 miles.

This afternoon Rev Marcia facilitated a conference call with our group. It was great to connect with everyone.

I noticed my prayers are much more focused and direct. What seemed so far away is coming so close. Just 28 days and counting until we leave.

The presence of God watches over our group of pilgrims guiding and blessing us.

Lake Oswego

Maria and I were ready for a change of scenery so we drove over to Lake Oswego. We were blessed by the tall shady trees as we walked the lake loop. The path took us through the beautiful neighborhoods with great views of the lake.

It was the second 90 degree day of the year in Portland. We are definitely Oregonians and were wilting by the time we finished our 8 mile trek.

We continue to pray that Christ guides our preparation, strengthens our bodies and blesses our souls/soles. Praise God for our feet!

Laurelhurst Park

Today was a glorious, picture perfect Portland day. We headed out over the Broadway Bridge and walked to Laurelhurst Park. We took a break there and walked through the Laurelhurst neighborhood back toward downtown. Along the way we found a goat observatory and made some new friends.


One of the best parts of the walk is always lunch! We were not disappointed today when we stopped at Daily Cafe located inside Rejuvenation Hardware. Excellent meal!

We connected with the Eastbank Esplanade and made the loop into downtown and back to our cars.

The perfect day to finish our 11 mile walk.

Sellwood

Maria calls our walks Christine's Mystery Tour. We never really know where we are going to end up. Many of our best walks ended up because we took a wrong turn or wanted to try a different street.

Today we walked to the Sellwood neighborhood. Not on purpose. We were going to walk toward Sellwood from the Eastbank Esplanade. We found and followed the scenic Springwater Corridor bike trail and didn't stop until we got there. Stopped and had pizza for lunch. Even got in a little shopping at Columbia outlet store.

I had to get back for a client meeting in the afternoon so we took a bus back into the Lloyd District and walked back to our cars. Nine mile walk accomplished.

Praise God!

Lloyd District

We headed downtown today, walked over the Broadway Bridge and ended up at the Lloyd District. We stopped at the mall to use the restroom and take a little break. We walked over Grand Avenue and connected back on the Eastbank Esplanade and made the loop around to Waterfront Park.

We sauntered through Saturday Market on the Waterfront and then headed back toward our cars.

We've had perfect walking weather; cloudy and cool in the mornings and sunshine by the time we finished. Ten miles today! Praise God!

OHSU

Maria and I were walking in Portland's west hills today and ended up at OHSU. We went into the hospital to use the restroom. I haven't been back since we brought Laurence home last September. I was aware of my feelings as we walked down the hall past the cafe. I was expecting to feel sadness, grief or overwhelm. Instead I felt peaceful and a sense of clarity.

It was Maria's first tram ride from the hospital. It is quite amazing to see the city as the tram quietly hovers over the freeway. Because there was a lot of construction on that side of town, we took the streetcar to Portland State University and walked back into downtown. We stopped for lunch and headed back to our cars.

Portland is truly a beautiful city to walk--so many amazing neighborhoods, beautiful parks and of course Forest Park. We are blessed!

East Coast

I was back east visiting my family last week. I was grateful I was able to get some walking in. I walked in the mornings trying to avoid the sun and humidity.

It was a great trip. My nephew's graduation party was a great success. Great to see my family.

God is so Good.

Progress

Wanting to a break from the NW hills, Maria and I walked downtown and took the loop around the Eastbank Esplanade.

The last time we were there was in the winter when no one else was around. We covered our heads with our rain gear as the wind whipped around us and through us. It was so refreshing today to see so many other walkers, bikers and runners out enjoying the sun.

We also noticed how easy the walk was compared to the first time we were there.

Making progress. Praise God!

Desert Walking

I spent a week visiting Rev Marjory. My time with her is really a spiritual retreat.

I was so grateful for the opportunity to keep up my walking schedule. What a difference walking in the desert vs walking in the cool, forests of the Northwest. I also was able to go with Marjory to the gym and participate in water aerobics.

The best part of walking in the desert was getting into the refreshing swimming pool and enjoying the beautiful sun and warm desert air.

God is so good.

Accomplishment

Maria and I have been parking our cars near New Renaisance Bookstore on NW 23rd and walking in the NW hills. We've slowly progressed over the weeks to about seven miles.

Today we hiked up to Pittock Mansion and hiked the Wildwood trail over to the Rose Garden. Praise God! It was such a feeling of accomplishment.

Thank you God for guiding our feet and blessing our walk.

Pittock Mansion

Maria and I were on our weekly Sunday morning walk and turned down a street we weren't familiar with. A man out walking his dog sent us in a direction that connected with the trail up to Pittock Mansion. We've been planning to hike up to the mansion eventually, so today seemed like the perfect time.

We got to the top and walked over to the overlook area. I was scanning my brain to remember when the last time I had visited. It suddenly occurred to me that it was a year ago, almost to the hour, that I had been there with Laurence and his sister, Paula. We had taken her to breakfast and then took a drive to show her some sites of Portland and ended up at Pittock Mansion. We took some pictures, walked around the grounds and then went back home so Laurence could rest.

Maria and I sat on a bench to eat our snacks and I was overwhelmed with emotion as so many memories flooded back into my mind. When I first moved to Portland, I hiked up the trail to the mansion many times. I sat on the same bench we were on, appreciating the beauty surrounding me and prayed for someone to share my life with. When I met Laurence we made it a regular spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and people watch. Now I realized it was the last place Laurence and I visited.

There was no mistake that we ended up there today. A powerful reminder of love, beauty and the presence of God.

Endurance

Maria and I continue to walk each Sunday. I am so grateful for her partnership. It is a joy to meet and catch up on the week.

We are doing better each week. Not pushing ourselves but just making steady gains in our stamina and endurance.

Thank you God for guidance.

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.