This is the day the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it! We were Up early with excitement for the final 13 mile hike to the Cathedral of St. James. What started on the other side of the country on July 16 was now down to the final steps. The joy of this day was dreamt and visioned and planned for 18 months and today was the day for it to become a reality!

Merritt was pumped to enter the city and Cathedral and to get his certificate. He says the journey has been both easy and hard. He finished the Camino Del Norte from Bilbao to Santiago today on the last day of his 11th year as tomorrow he and his twin Holland turn 12. It has been my hope as a father to accompany each of our kids on a special journey of becoming as they enter their teens years. I cannot put to words how special this was to do with our son. Forever proud of him!

We endured a few physical pains along the way but all in all we are in great shape. We had two water soaked days but the rest were beautiful. Whoever was in charge of our pilgrim weather we thank you.

The people of Spain – amazing folks. Their hospitality and culture are a joy to experience.

We met special people along the way. Some of our favorites were a grandfather walking the last 100k with his three college age grandkids. They ventured from Canada and over the last week we got to visit with them several times.

Several folks went out their way to share encouraging words with Merritt as they recognized his young age. Their smiles and warmth shared the goodness of humanity.

The countryside and seaside and mountainsides of Spain were balm for my soul. Each day I was reminded of places I have come from and places that we have lived and loved. It was as if all of life was wrapped up in the daily journey.

The faith journey here has allowed time for peace and quiet. It was a bit jarring to enter the city what thousands of folks here on pilgrimage when for most of the journey there were so few of us. The hum of humanity is here with its bells and whistles and chatter whereas in other places the solitude allowed for God to speak in whispers to attuned listening ears. Both are needed and appreciated.

Crossing the final mountain pass at sunrise, a Bible verse fell from my lips:

Isaiah 40:31

³¹ Those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Yes, we walked…and walked…and walked…and we had tons of fun doing it. God within every moment. Thanks be to God.

The way (Buen camino peregrino) Lyrics

[Verse]
This is the first step
To a new part of my life
A small step for mankind
But a giant leap for my mind
I’ve got so many questions
So many things to solve
Looking for the answers
All along the walk
On the highest of the mountains
In the middle of the plains
Somewhere in between the valleys
Under the sun or in the rain
I try to find myself
I try to find who I am

[Chorus]
Buen camino peregrino
Hope to see you on my way
We got 500 miles to go
On the road to Santiago

[Verse]
This is the first time
That I’m really feeling free
Delivered from all the burdens
Granted by society
Crossing that many people
Who are thinking just like me
Makes me feel like I am a part
Of a great big family
I came to find some peace
And what I found is love

[Chorus]
Buen camino peregrino
Nice to meet you on my way
We got 500 miles to go
On our road to Santiago

[Bridge]
Whatever you came for
Whatever is the goal
Lighten your backpack
And take it step by step
And I walk and I walk and I walk and I walk and I walk
And I walk and I walk and I walk and I walk and I walk
And I walk and I walk and I walk and I walk and I walk

Buen camino peregrino
Nice to meet you on my way
We got 500 miles to go
On our road to Santiago

[Outro]
This is the first step
To a new part of my life
A small step for mankind
But a giant step for my mind