Six weeks...

Six weeks away.  Wow.  Seems like a long way away while also right around the corner.  I have many things yet to do, like training.  It's been so cold out that I've not been out there walking.  I've been getting pretty antsy to get out there and walk the trails.  At least I've been on my feet a lot at work.  Extra hours so I have grocery and gas money when I get home :-). 



The nicer weather is awesome though. The last two days I've been out walking and breaking in the new boots. I've missed it so much.  The goal is to get back up to 10 miles by the 8th. Then work my way up to 15. 

  

As Easter gets closer, I think more and more about the reasons I'm doing this.  In the busyness of life, I find I can't even get to any Holy Week services this week.  It makes me sad as I'm working on bulletins, etc., for the services at Faith.  I'm looking forward to Easter morning and worshiping the risen Savior.  On the Camino, I'll have lots of time to just be with God.  I hope you all can find time this weekend to find a few moments to reflect on what Easter means, be thankful, and pass on His love to those who need it.  Happy Easter to everyone!

It's about as real as it gets without actually leaving.  Tickets are purchased.  I'm leaving May 9th.  I was shaking as I was typing to buy them Friday.  Chicago-Dublin-Paris.  Then the train to Bayonne and another to St. Jean Pied de Port.  I should start walking on May 11th!  Wow.    I'll have until June 11 to make it into Santiago when Cassie arrives to spend a week with me there.  Since the Camino takes an average of 31 days, I should be able to make it by then.  On our way back we'll have a 18 hour layover in Dublin!  It's going to be so much fun!


Time to rev up training, especially now that the weather looks like it will be getting warmer, and pick up extra shifts to have enough money on the Camino.  Gonna be a busy person the next two months.  (TWO months?? Yikes!) 

I nearly have all the gear I need now.  Just a few more little things left. Now it's more about deciding what to take and what to leave behind.  My pack should only weigh 12-15 pounds.  That's hard for someone who is a good Girl Scout and always likes to "be prepared" for everything.  My purse probably weighs half that, lol. 

Please pray for me as I finish preparing mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially for this journey.

Buen Camino!