The True Account of a Heathen Family's 500-Kilometer Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

In the summer of 2019, our family of four embarked on a 500-kilometer pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. We are a heathen family, meaning that we do not adhere to any organized religion. However, we are deeply spiritual people, and we were drawn to the Camino de Santiago as a way to connect with our own spirituality and to learn more about the history and culture of Spain.

Onward, Backward! -or- A Ramble to Santiago: Being a True Account of a Heathen Family's 1,500-kilometer pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

by Bennett Voyles

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	46118 KB
Lending	:	Enabled

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We began our pilgrimage in the town of St. Jean Pied de Port, France. From there, we walked for 35 days, following the ancient pilgrim's route through the Pyrenees Mountains and across the northern coast of Spain. We slept in albergues, or pilgrim hostels, along the way, and we shared meals and stories with other pilgrims from all over the world.

The Camino was a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally. We walked through rain and shine, and we climbed mountains and crossed rivers. There were times when we were tired and sore, and there were times when we questioned why we were ng this. But we always kept going, because we knew that we were on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Along the way, we learned a lot about ourselves and about our faith. We learned that we are stronger than we thought we were, and that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. We also learned that faith is not about blindly following a set of rules or beliefs. It is about living our lives with purpose and meaning, and about connecting with something greater than ourselves.

We arrived in Santiago de Compostela on August 31, 2019. It was a bittersweet moment. We were proud of what we had accomplished, but we were also sad to see our journey come to an end. We spent a few days in Santiago, exploring the city and visiting the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James the Great are said to be buried.

Our pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela was a life-changing experience for our family. It was a journey of physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. We learned a lot about ourselves, about our faith, and about the world around us. We would highly recommend the Camino de Santiago to anyone who is looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Here are some of our tips for planning your own Camino de Santiago pilgrimage:

• Do your research. There are many different routes that you can take on the Camino de Santiago. Choose a route that is appropriate for your fitness level and interests.
• Start training early. The Camino is a physically demanding journey. Start training a few months in advance to get your body ready for the challenge.
• Pack light. You will be carrying your belongings on your back for several days. Pack only the essentials and leave the rest at home.
• Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather on the Camino can be unpredictable. Be sure to pack clothes for all types of weather, including rain gear and sunscreen.
• Take your time. The Camino is not a race. Take your time and enjoy the journey. Stop to smell the roses and meet the people along the way.
• Be open to new experiences. The Camino is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about different cultures. Be open to new experiences and embrace the journey.

Here are some of our favorite memories from our Camino de Santiago pilgrimage:

• The day we climbed the Pyrenees Mountains. It was a challenging climb, but the views from the top were breathtaking.
• The day we met a group of pilgrims from all over the world. We shared meals and stories, and learned about each other's cultures.
• The day we arrived in Santiago de Compostela. It was a surreal moment to finally reach the end of our journey.

We are grateful for the opportunity to have experienced the Camino de Santiago. It was a life-changing journey that we will never forget.

Onward, Backward! -or- A Ramble to Santiago: Being a True Account of a Heathen Family's 1,500-kilometer pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

by Bennett Voyles

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	46118 KB
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE