Gratitude

I am very grateful for your prayers and words of support.  I have posted three photos of me hiking over the Pyrenees.  A man here helped but I am not sure if I will ever figure out how to post more photos, but at least you get an idea.  The last two days have gone really well.  Yes, it has been a VERY challenging hike.  But it has also been amazing how ¨divine appointments¨ have provided support, encouragement and even direction at various moments along the Way.  Yesterday, I met a kind couple from Indiana who helped me tremendously.  I was very tired (huffing and puffing tired) when we met and our conversation throughout the rest of the trail made it SO much easier to complete.  Today, I left the hostel at 7:35am and arrived in Roncevalles, a tiny town at the foothills of the Pyrenees, at 1:15pm. I walked with a doctor from Maine who is now working with the CDC in Botswana.  Again, having the companionship made the climb so much easier. And just when we were about to take the wrong path, a man I have met from Norway showed up from behind us and was able to correct our wrong decision.  In fact, this same man gave me many tips regarding which towns or villages to stay in (versus being in large cities where the hostels are less personal) and even some of the good hostels.

Last night, I stayed in Orisson, only eight kms up the path but after a very strenuous climb.  I had dinner at a table with twenty-two other pilgrims and it was delightful.  Sitting near me were people from Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, Norway, Germany, and France.  The food was good and the company was fun and festive...very sweet indeed, just like in the movie, "The Way".  Tonight, I am sleeping at a monastery in Roncevalles, and my bunk mate is from Peru but now lives in South Africa.  Really amazing that the four people in my cubicle tonight are me (Rwanda), Dove (South Africa) and Andy (Botswana).  (By the way, the men and women sleep in the same rooms and even in the same bunks!)  This is not for the fainthearted OR for the overly modest!  And yes, my ear plugs did come in handy last night!

So much to share, but suffice it to say that the first two days have been magnificent.  I am so thankful for your prayers and ask you to remain praying.  (Logistical note:  If you don´t want to post a public comment on this blog, you are welcome to write to my email address.  I am making a valiant effort to check email whenever I can get to a computer. I may not be able to respond to all emails, but it is very special to hear from you all and to receive your support and love.)  All for now, with love, Martha