I have had a lot of people say to me that it is really weird to suddenly stop walking when you have been doing it for so many days in a row. And there is a lot of truth to that, but the choice was really taken way from me my feet were too sore to go any further. It is amazing that I made it this far, I have just been rereading all of my posts and reflecting on the journey.
What an incredible experience it has been a trip of a lifetime and one that will shape my outlook going forward. I am pleased to say that I have managed to keep off my feet for most of the day apart from walking a couple of kms down the road to get some breakfast I have had a pretty quiet day at the apartment trying to give my feet a chance to heal. While they are still feeling sensitive I can already sense that they are on the mend. Thank you so much for all the messages of encouragement and the prayers for the journey.
Today I managed to watch Martin Sheen’s movie called “The Way” which is about the Camino, I hadn’t seen it so it was really interesting watching it after just completing the journey yesterday. I loved it and it was pretty faithful but some of the sequences were in the wrong order. But what i loved about it was the unusual Camino Family that they form as they walk together. It made me think of all the people that I have journeyed with over the last month, all f the conversations that I have had. But also the privilege that I have experienced of making a Camino Family with 3 new mates. Ray, Bryce and later Rory have all become people that I care about and have a lot of shared experience with now. I have heard about their lives back home, their families, the things that they love and also about their faith. But we have also supported each other to complete this journey, I am not confident that I would have made it without their support and care for me. It is a weird place because Ray left this morning for Fisterra we went out last night and had some food together and then were joined by Lia and a couple of her mates from Rotorua who have been walking a different Camino. We were all together and then Ray headed off at 7:00am this morning. I got up because I wanted to pray for him as he set off by himself today and to give him a hug. Tomorrow morning I am leaving early for the airport to catch a flight to Barcelona. And then later in the day Rory and Bryce fly out for London. So it will all be over just like that. The 3 of us are going to head out for dinner tonight which will be lovely. I am looking forward to seeing Barcelona and then having some time in Paris before flying back home. But I will be on my own again and it just isn’t the same doing stuff by yourself. We are created for relationships, for community we aren’t supposed to walk through this life alone.
This has made me think how grateful I am or all those who are part of my world and who I love and appreciate. My Family of course immediate, Including Fiona and all that we had together.
The Warrings, The McChesney’s especially David & Lyn who have been in NP the whole time I have been away, and soon to be the Harrison’s & Starrenburg’s as well. My village all of those who we have journeyed with over the last few years, in Wellington, New Plymouth and al around the country. Those who have come alongside and loved and supported us when we needed it most, I will be forever grateful for the way you have journey with us. (You Know who you are) My work whanau who have just gathered without me for a retreat and I had some FOMO love working with you all. The Leaders and pastors or my region. But each of my kids deserves a special mention, Reuben, Emma, and Rhys they are pretty incredible humans who I get to call my children. Love you all. And finally Yona and Aaron, Emily, Isaac, Alice and Jocelyn (Aarons partner). Yona you have truly changed my world and I am so excited that I will get to call you my wife in a few weeks.
Travelling by myself and then with my Camino family has made me appreciate how important it is to surround yourself with quality people and I am truly blessed s thank you to all of you.
That is it for me today.
Nga mihi
Mike
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