Pilgrims begin to suffer after Pamplona on Day 5. Knees, blisters, feet, backs, self-doubt, etc. Of the original 12 pilgrims in the first Albergue, 3 have gone home. I was asked by a younger pilgrim “why do we suffer?” St Paul answered in Roman’s 5:3-5 “… we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.” Those words written 2,000 years ago remain intact. Also, suffering generates friendship, encouragement, and goodwill amongst pilgrims. Suffering benefits the soul and community in many ways. A dinner companion uses the words “blisters and coffee” to describe the Camino de Santiago!
We walked 35 km today and 37 km tomorrow. I loved the first 6.5 hours, but the last few kilometers were a struggle as the backpack seemed to gain each step. Gordon, a musical friend from Turks, created an excellent music playlist for the Camino so I danced into the Albergue tonight. Rioja wine is delicious in Naverrete, Spain!
God’s beauty seen daily
Camino Gratitude 
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