Today’s pictures can be viewed here. Today’s prayer intentions: for Nate Palmer as he enters into service in the Marines. Also for Christine Palmer and all care givers who need continued grace from the Holy Spirit to serve and minister to their loved ones.

We were ready to get moving this morning as the night’s sleep was in a slightly damp bed 😅. But we found a good breakfast nearby of cafe con leche and toasted bread, cheese, and tomato. A good start to the day.

The walk began immediately up hill and we got a view of the path for the day.

We are settling into the rhythm of walking, prayer and silence. We left a little later this morning so most of the other Pilgrims in the area were already a couple hours ahead of us.

Today we prayed for a young man from our parish, Nate, who is joining the Marines. I was thinking today about service. Lisa and I talked about how this time the Camino wasn’t necessarily easier, but having a specific intention to offer up and pray each day, gave us the strength we needed to keep going.

We prayed for Nate’s mom Christine who has been lovingly caring for her mom and doing so with such grace and joy. As we walked alone for most of the day, we thought about all the care givers who are alone, sometimes not being able to get out of the house, go to church, or go on vacation….because they have laid down their lives, at least for a season, for their aging parents, ill children, spouse or other family members.

The reading from the liturgy of the hours today, providentially says, “He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from him. As we have shared much in the suffering of Christ, so through Christ do we share abundantly in his consolation.”

Nate is embarking on a journey of service to our country. Christine lives a life of service to her mom and family and parish family. It is in this pouring out of ourselves for love of Jesus that He gives us His consolation and joy and strength. (“As you’ve done it to the least of these, you’ve done it to me”)

The Camino of our life is not always easy, or pretty, and is sometimes lonely or long. But God is working in all things for our sanctification and salvation.

And just when we need it, He provides grace, refreshment, and joy!

Our funny story of the day: We REALLY needed a bathroom but everywhere we stopped they had closed for the midday siesta. We stumbled upon a construction site that was next door to an albergue we had stayed at before. I asked one of the workers if we could use their “facilities”.

He laughed and said something to the effect of us taking our lives into our own hands. But it was a MUCH better option than the options in nature 🙂

Today’s pictures can be viewed here. Today’s prayer intentions: for Nate Palmer as he enters into service in the Marines. Also for Christine Palmer and all care givers who need continued grace from the Holy Spirit to serve and minister to their loved ones.