Day 49 – Preparations

A full day of preparations.

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Travel documentation – insurance packet – financial records – online map apps – airline and hotel details – almost 150 pages of prep material from the travel company – luggage – the right amount of stuff is not too much stuff but the right stuff – blister aids and travel meds – hiking food items – backpacks – hydration packets – shoes – and………Merritt and I with almost identical packed bags – and we are almost ready to go.

We are excited and have a healthy dose of hopefulness and wonderment as we imagine taking on this challenge. 412 miles to cover of the Camino Del Norte means some good elevation work is ahead of us.

A phrase often stated on the Camino, “The Camino does not give you what you want, but it does give you what you need.” We’ll be paying attention to that as we embark on this 27 day adventure from door to door.

We’re gonna miss our family and home. What’s App will be a welcome communication tool for the month ahead.

7 years ago I did the first 100 miles and learned a lot about myself along the way. As father and son now do this one together, I am reminded that we will discover,

“I did not walk the Camino to find myself; rather I walked it to lose the pieces that were not me.”

Buen Camino.

Lord God, thank you that we are unable to save ourselves and that each time we try, we fail. Have mercy on us. Be the strength in our weakness. Clear our heads of the foolishness of believing we can be our own gods. Steer our hearts to utter dependence on you. Amen.

May the peace of Christ go with us: wherever it is that we may be sent; may he guide us through the wilderness: protect us through the storm; may he bring us home rejoicing: at the wonders that he has shown us; may he bring us home rejoicing: once again over our thresholds and into our homes.