After a bit of experience...by NR

Trying to write creatively at this moment presents a great challenge for me, as I am tired beyond measure. We have had the best stories created by this adventure. The first day of walking, we started out strong and excited. When we got past perhaps the most difficult climb, I began to get very sick. Throwing up several times and having no strength to continue, Em decided that we needed to change plans. (I was sick enough that I put up little arguement!) Christina was sitting at the bar of the one water stop we had for the day. She happened to be driving to our next stop and volunteered to take me for 15 euros. Being Barbara´s daughter, I had attracted a women pilgrim that was crying and wanted to travel with me down the mountain. Don´t worry, I sent Emily with our new friend, Dianna, who promised to not leave her side. We were both upset but decided that God had a story planned for this day, and boy did sHe! As I traveled down the mountain by bus, we had to stop every few miles to let me vomit (excuse my forwardness.) The¨lost soul¨ that joined me continued to cry and say how she no longer wanted to live. I asked Christina to drop me off at the bus station, but she would not leave me alone with the depressed woman. So she waited as I prayed with this 40 year old woman who needed agape type love and grace, and sent her on a bus to her home on the promise that she would seek help. After I took care of her, Christina gracefully took care of me. She brought me to the doctor, where I got a shot for infection (altitude sickness?) and the doctor sent me on my way. Then we went to her house where I took a nap and she made me hot tea--a true saint! After we left her home, she drove me to the next town where I would meet Em. Both the doctor and Christina asked me to pay NOTHING. I´ve never been so glad to hug Emily´s neck as she came over the last hill to meet me in Roncevalles. It was wonderful because as Pilgrims would come in they would say, ¨please, let me buy you a Sprite to stay well¨ and gave me updates of when they had last seen Emily and Dianna. Emily had a wonderful adventure too as she overcame a huge peak of the walk and was able to do some meditation for the road. The community we have, whether it is through the blisters and stench we share, or the smiles we exchange, is incredible. But what has been most interesting to me is that we travel with many who are so lost, looking for purpose at 40 and 50 and 60. I am so thankful to have a purpose, a foundation to grow from now. I found myself at first apologizing for my faith or confidence in my future. Not lasting long, I now just love and give what kindness I can (even though I too am learning A LOT). So physically, we are doing good. We hurt by the end of the day but love the exhilaration of the accomplishment. And by the way, Em and I have decided that we are tough. Together, we are really a good team. Jerry (Em´s dad) has certainly rubbbed off on his daughter, as she plans EVERYTHING, which has kept us well-prepared. And I have suprised myself by being the relaxed one, which suits me better and I hope that I can continue the trend upon my return. We have fallen (ok, so just Emily has fallen-ha!) but getting back up or getting over a peak that looked impossible is a fantastic reward. I have learned so much about where I am headed and we have merely begun the journey. God is teaching me to not fear trusting in something bigger than what I can control or conceive, to finish well and worship in even small opportunities. Emily is learning to love herself more--to see herself as beautiful, like we all do. We love you all. We are doing well--no, GREAT! We will continue to depend on your prayers for safety and mental endurance. Just as a few last details, it is raining and a bit cold. The hostels are clean and we love the fellowship. Our clothes will not fit for much longer as we feel like we are melting away...please look forward to our nude pictures on the beach in Porto (just kidding dad!!). Ok, time for sleep...it´s 8pm.