Miles today: 20.2
Miles Total: 110.0
The ever present rain clouds began to let loose the second we arrived at our albergue this afternoon. Over 20 miles of walking and sore, tired feet had us appreciative of the weather's courtesy to wait to we at least had walked into the door. We took long breaks today to rest our feet and legs which account for the somewhat late arrival to the albergue. Normally we arrive no later than three but today we strolled in at 4:30. The last 10 kilometers had me a bit worried as I could see on the faces of my students that they were tired, hungry, sore, and very much wanting to lay down. I actually don't need to look on their faces to know this as I am walking too and feel those very same things, but it is difficult sometimes to disassociate their pain and suffering with something I am responsible for and have caused. Based upon how I was feeling, I expected the worse when we took one final break before the last 6 kilometer push. However, I was pleasantly surprised and reinvigorated when Lanie, Emily, and Mimi all showed strength and determination. I know exactly how tired she was, but Lanie even remarked "it's only one more hour," before we set out again. She said it as though it was unremarkable, but how many teenagers would nonchalantly say "it's only one more hour," of walking, let alone saying this after 7 previous hours of walking? It is sometimes tough to get a perspective on how remarkable their efforts are while you're out here. In fact, today was the first day we understood what "pilgrimage" meant. We felt it quite literally in the bones of our feet. It certainly doesn't mean vacation or travel. It means that periodically along the way, one is going to have to dig deep to continue putting one foot in front of the other. It involves a lot of trust and patience. It means a certain degree of letting go of control of the things you never had control of in the first place. This is why, when at the end of this trip, I know these kids will be so incredibly proud of themselves. It's because this thing is hard. There is no other way to put it. It's hard.
Think of it this way: If you are living on the west coast of the United States and you are just about to go to bed, these kids are getting up in a darkened room of a shared hostel. While you are asleep, these kids will start walking. When you wake up, they will still be walking. If you could send some positive thoughts through your dreams, it would be welcomed.
Thank you to everyone who has supported these kids along the way. Parents, family, coaches, teachers, and friends have all molded 3 kids who have pushed on when times get tough and never give up.
To Santiago one step at a time.
Buen Camino
James
Special thanks for the day:
Grandma Kyser, Don and Lee Carter, and Susan Larson
Thank you to our mile sponsors:
Jason Kyser, Jan Cornelius, Terri and Richard Roberts, Diane Lindsey, Jerry Lacamp, Mark and Darbie Elmblade, and Patrick March
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