!Buen Camino!
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Updates from the Camino
June 9 - Tami Woods
Hello to all y’all praying for us! The prayers have truly been felt. Today, to celebrate our pilgrimage, we took a day trip to the Costa Morte (the Coast of Death). It is named fIt was a morning of “goodbyes”. Our fiercely forged and forever bonded Camino community splintered into smaller travel groups today. Four of our pilgrims left very early this morning to catch a train to Barcelona where they will continue their adventures for a bit longer. Our two pilgrims who had been living in Spain prior to the trip stayed behind in Santiago until their flights back to Mallorca and Valencia later in the evening. As for the rest of us, we journeyed back to Madrid for the night before our flight tomorrow. The “older ones” took the luggage to the hotel out by the airport, while the “youngers” stayed in the city to explore some more and go on a quest for Spanish football jerseys. (They were successful.) After one last dinner with the remaining group, two more of our pilgrims left the group to continue their travels through Spain. It made my heart happy to hear the various groups staying abroad planning to meet up with each other when their destinations overlapped. We are all starting to feel the exhaustion of being gone and the anticipation of traveling home. Prayers for all of our continued travels would be much appreciated. Until we meet again, pilgrims…
!Buen Camino!
Tami
June 8 - Walt Buzzini
Hello to all y’all praying for us! The prayers have truly been felt. Today, to celebrate our pilgrimage, we took a day trip to the Costa Morte (the Coast of Death). It is named for the rough and turbulent waters of the Atlantic that make seaside habitation a dangerous venture for the locals in days past and in the present. On our way, we stopped in quaint seaside towns to pray in the local churches and enjoy coffee breaks. We saw beautiful bays, waterfalls, and the crown jewel of the Galician coast - Finisterre. Finisterre, which roughly translates from Latin as Earth’s end, is a significant destination for pilgrims to the Camino de Santiago. In medieval times pilgrims would walk from Santiago to Finisterre in order to collect seashells. The seashell became a sign of the pilgrim, as the majority of the pilgrims came from the interior of Spain and would use the seashell as proof of their pilgrimage.
It was a lovely day. It was a lovely day, and yet I don’t feel like my pilgrimage is quite over yet. My legs ache still and they feel like they should be moving. I’m not entirely sure how to explain this feeling, but if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to make an attempt. Included in this post is a poem/stream of consciousness that has been ruminating in my mind since our first day on the Camino. I do not consider myself a wordsmith or a poet, but I believe God has illuminated something in my heart that is to be shared.
It is Pentecost but I am surrounded by green. Ancient trees shoot up from the fern strewn floor, covering the mossy path, blotting out the gray Galician sky. It is Pentecost. Specks specks of red flit in an out of view like wil-o-the wisps, hiding behind the gnarled trunks. Rain coats, hats, water bottles attached to pilgrims on the Way. In the fields they find companions in yellows and the violets peaking from the brush.
Pentecost. Noise rises to the heavens like the fragrant smoke of a carefully polished censer. The doves coo, the sheep bleet, the crickets chirp. Wind whistles through the eucalyptus groves and the water tumbles out of the spout. A sea of tongues surround me. Good morning. ¿Toda bien? Buen Camino! Willkommen. Arigato! Discúlpame, señor. Thousands of feet move - working the mud and soil beneath them into deep cuts in the land. Thud, crunch, squelch - all moving in unison, a new psalm for our God to hear. A love song, a cry for help, a thank you.
Pentecost. The Way is steep as it is long. Are you ok? Can I help you? Give me it. Your pain. Your fears. Your doubts. Let me take it with me. Just how He taught us to do. He’s with me you know. Walking with me. He helps me carry it too. My legs hurt, my lungs ache, but still He helps me carry it. I don’t deserve it but still He does it. Pentecost. Tongues. Redemption. Forgiveness. Newness in life. The Way. The Sun has burned away the haze. A lamb is born in the field.
!Buen Camino!
Walt
June 7 - Daniel Jaime
“Wanna go see a dead body?”
While on the trail, we all chuckled at this quote from “Stand by Me” but the truth suddenly hit me like a train.
We were going to see a dead body! Well, sort of. The tomb of Saint James is said to contain his remains, but we know that he is in the loving embrace of our Lord.
This connection was one of many parallels with the movie Stand by Me, and just like in the movie, we actually made it to the body.
The day we arrived in Santiago de Compostela, we were joined by a multitude of other pilgrims who were also on their way to see St. James. Walking into the cathedral square was like walking into a stadium with a multitude of voices and cheers. It was like the whole world was gathering in one place.
After what felt like winning the World Cup and millions of pictures later, we headed to our hotel for a much-needed shower and respite. Our team was given a tour of the town where we learned of its history and colors. With those colors, we were able to paint a picture of Santiago that was very intimate and warm. We learned of its people and their stories. Santiago welcomed us with open arms, proof that it was very much alive.
At the end of the tour, our guide dropped us off at the foot of the cathedral. We joined what seemed like the longest line of people excited for church. When we finally made it through the doors, I sincerely thought I caught a glimpse of heaven. We entered what felt like a palace and a reverence fell upon us like a warm mist. Everyone was consumed with awe and innate respect. We could tell we were stepping into sacred ground. Pilgrim’s Mass had begun.
The sounds of chants and bells caressed the senses as we, alongside many brothers and sisters, participated in mass as a single body. As it turns out, we did find a body, but not a dead one. We found a body of believers that was very much alive.
After mass was over, I came to the conclusion that much like Stand By Me, this adventure was not about the body we were looking for, but the friends who walked with us.
Our pilgrimage may have been completed, but Pentecost comes next and much like in scripture, we the believers were gathered so that we may be scattered.
As we prepare to go to the ends of the earth (quite literally) I hope the world feels a little bit smaller upon our return.
To close this reflection, I do have one more question for you:
When we go to the ends of the earth, will you stand by me?
¡Buen Camino!
Dani Jaime
June 6 - Katherine Norvell
This morning, I stood in front of the window, taking in the view one more time before we set out from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo. I already knew I was going to miss it. My roommate, Sofia, and I were lucky to have a view of rolling hills, lush green trees, and a little farm with cows. I felt like a kid again, getting excited at the sight of farm animals. I remember how much I used to love seeing cows, chickens, and goats. It’s nice to feel that childlike wonder returning.
Each day on the Camino feels different, yet there’s a rhythm that’s beginning to feel familiar. Now that we’re on Day Five, my body is aching less. It still hurts when I get up, but not nearly as badly as it did on Days Two and Three. I have to believe it’s not because the path is any less challenging, but because I’ve grown stronger. More capable. It’s not the world that’s changing — it’s me.
It reminds me of the Christian journey: the road isn’t meant to be easy, but we’re invited to persevere, to be transformed through the walking. Like faith, strength grows when it’s tested. We don’t pray for the mountain to be moved — we pray for stronger legs to climb it.
As we walked today, I took in the scent of eucalyptus trees and admired the wildflowers that lined the trail. I’ve started noticing things more — the colors of the petals, the way shadows stretch across the path, even the giant slugs inching their way along the ground. The little details I might have missed when my mind was still buzzing with everyday life.
It’s hard not to take a million photos. As I was writing today’s blog post, I paused to join Compline with our group. During the service, we read from Matthew:
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28–30)
I smiled when I heard it — I had just been writing about how beautiful the wildflowers are. That passage reminded me that God has just as beautiful things in store for me. I shouldn’t worry so much when I know He is with me. During my walks, I often step aside to pray and ask God for guidance on my next steps in life. Lately, I’ve felt some stress about it. This verse felt like a gentle reassurance: trust. It’s going to be okay.
At one point today, I heard what I believe was Celtic music soft and deeply rooted. Galicia has a strong Celtic heritage. There’s something powerful about walking through a land that holds both spiritual and cultural echoes of the past.
One of the most beautiful parts of the Camino is the people. Every traveler has a story — a reason they’re here. Some walk for healing, some for clarity, some out of curiosity, and some simply because their heart led them. I’ve met some truly inspiring people along the way, but my favorite part has been getting to know our group more deeply. Each day, I try to walk with different people and hear their stories. I feel incredibly blessed to be on this journey with them.
At night, our rooms don’t have air conditioning, which was an adjustment at first. So we leave the windows open — and now, I love it. The fresh breeze, the birds chirping even at dusk, the distant chime of a church bell, the sound of children laughing nearby… it’s like the world is gently reminding me that life is happening, always. And best of all, I haven’t had to battle a single mosquito.
Tomorrow is our final day, and I’m already feeling sad that it’s almost over. These five days of walking have flown by. I’ve formed special bonds with our group that I’m not ready to part from, and honestly, I’m not ready to stop walking either. I’ve come to enjoy it — not just the motion, but the meaning behind every step.
I’ve heard it said that the Camino doesn’t end when you reach Santiago — it stays with you. It becomes part of who you are. A lifelong journey.
But for now, I’m just grateful. For the path beneath my feet, the stories shared along the way, and the strength I didn’t know I had until I needed it.
¡Buen camino! :-)
Katherine Norvell
June 5 - Eddy Martinez
Today’s hike
We left Melida for Arzúa today around 9:30. It would have been 9:00 had I not forgotten my phone in the hotel room. The walk was a beautiful one the whole day. The first part of the day, I was on my own, walking and listening to an audiobook by Paulo Coelho, until I met up with Kevin, Walt, and Dani. From there we had our first stop after a really tough uphill in which we all consumed Aquarius and hung out for a while dreaming of the paella that would come in Arzúa. We left and walked in the rain until we came upon another stop at which we all had a piece of an empanada. We all took off our raincoats thinking the worst part was behind us only to be rained on 10 minutes into the walk. And after one last uphill, we finally arrived in Arzúa. As we walked in, another part of our group was finishing up eating paella, so we stopped and had lunch there. We proceeded to the hotel where I had a shower and then took a nap, I almost slept through dinner. I ended the night walking around Arzúa with friends, stopping to get some ice cream, and watching the Spain vs. France soccer game.
!Buen Camino!
Eddy
June 4 - Molly Duggan
Camino day three got off to a soggy but spirited start as we set off from Palas de Rei in the chilly morning rain. All of us a little harrowed from our arduous journey yesterday, were excited to hear that today's walk at only 17km wasn’t going to be nearly as long.
While the dampness started to settle on our skin and make some of us shiver. It was quite a sight to see all the little jellyfish covered in their plastic rain ponchos. I thought the garment unnecessary until I pulled out my damp pilgrim passport with its now curly edges and reluctantly dawned my uniform only for the rain to immediately stop. It's funny how things can happen that way. God's kindred sense of humor at work.
Today was a major day of reflection for me. As the lush forest seemed to glisten and sigh at the weight of the droplets on the leaves, I found myself putting one pole in front of the other and really gazing inward as my eyes watched my feet travel, one step and then another step. Yesterday’s walk was a major trial for me that left my feet sore and blistered and my fervor a little drained. I was feeling myself begin to doubt. To doubt my capabilities both mental and physical on this journey, to doubt that I was suited and ready for major changes and challenges that God has and will continue to throw at me.
I thought a lot today about the burdens I was carrying. What my stone represents to me. One of those things being the anxiety of not being capable. Not having the strength, agility, and grace to navigate the blisters of life.
But today, invigorated by a night of giggling, pillow fights, and hydrocolloid patches, in the moments when I least expected it, the anxieties about not being capable seemed to be lifted by the presence of a friend at my side. Someone who shifted the focus from my aching feet to the great big world around me and how much less daunting it seems when shared with a buddy.
I realized it was the people, some strangers at first and now familiar friends, who make the burden of walking through life not so tough or at least who make the journey a little more enjoyable. Filling space with either thoughtful silence or sharing in passions and perspectives.
Before I even realized it, by the end of the day, I had four wonderful people by my side filling the dewy air with laughter and energy. Energy that filled my heart and seemed to patch my feet until all of a sudden we were at a table surrounded by friends and octopus and the walk was over. And just like that, I felt more than capable.
!Buen Camino!
Molly
June 3 - Sofia Munoz
Hola a todos! My name is Sofía Muñoz and I will be telling you all about our second day on the Camino, from Portomartin to Palas de Rei.
Day 2 began on the balcony of our hotel room. Surrounded by the misty rolling hills of Galicia, we met for morning prayer; full of energy, giggles, OJ, and, of course, jamon. After a nice prayer, we decided to start the day with a bit of stretching, and thank God we did, because little did we know what the day would bring.
We began our journey with a long five-mile stretch containing no restaurants and no bathrooms. This was unfortunate for me, who had forgotten to use the restroom and fill up her water before leaving. However, the miles of farmland and dark green trees made for wonderful views to accompany us. I walked this section with fellow pilgrim Eloise, and her wit and joy helped to pass the time quickly. I had not met most of the people on this trip prior to arriving but we have quickly become close, and the time spent walking together has been such a gentle reminder of the importance of community in Christ.
It was that community that got me through the next part of our day. After our initial five miles behind us with relative ease, we stopped for a while at a cafe to sip on Aquarius (Spanish Gatorade) and some coffee. Eloise brought out her playing cards, and we spent some time laughing as a few of our fellow pilgrims poured in and joined us. After filling up on electrolytes and caffiene, we set out for the next section of our day and were met with a gentle reminder that the beautiful rolling hills of Galicia, do in fact roll.
The hill came into view very slowly, but our aching calves and creaky knees quickly brought to attention the subtle incline we were walking up. Our walk suddenly became quiet, and we realized that the next mile would not be easy. I took my hands and placed them firmly on the straps of my pack, deciding with certainty I would attack the hill head-on. 'Si se puede' we all repeated - we can do it! As we came to the top of the hill, we saw yet another peak, we turned around to see a wall spray painted with the bright red words 'Don't look back'... ok. Noted. At the second peak, there was a turn hiding another peak. I looked to my group time and time again, 'We got this guys!'. The encouragement of my new friends helped to soften the stinging of my lungs (just a bit). By the time we reached the top, we had tackled three false peaks. I am still not sure if the view was 'worth it' but we agreed it was stunning. After a quick break for pictures and some water, we continued on.
Looking back, I am reminded of what my friend Dani wrote yesterday, 'If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.'
At this point, I was really starting to feel the 14 miles from the day before, but somehow I found myself full of joy and energy. Vinny, who I had met just days ago, danced with me to 'La Vaca', a popular Latino song about a cow, and Elosie loved our fantastic dance moves (I think). The knowledge that we were all on the same journey made it easier to keep going - one step at a time. After another few miles, we stopped at a cafe and found some of our 'faster' friends had stopped at another restaurant (and already had a full meal!). We decided it was time for food and sat for a bit.
Unfortunately, this was when things got a bit more difficult. I wasn't that hungry and decided to tackle the last few miles alone - something I hadn't done yet. We all thought that there were only about 4 miles left in our walk for the day, but it turned out to be a good 6 or 7. By the time I hit mile 14, I was exhausted, and thinking there wasn't more than 20 minutes left in my walk - I stopped at a cafe to rest. A few friends stopped and said hi - then kept walking as they too thought there was only a bit left. I continued on with my walk, still alone. These last two miles hurt. Every turn I thought was the end, and with no one to cheer me on time was passing quite slowly.
Eventually, I made it to town - my feet aching so bad I didn't think I'd be able to walk ever again. I rested at the hotel for a bit, then went down for group dinner and found everyone else just as dead as me. No one had known that the day would turn out to be the longest and most difficult with 16 miles, with an almost 2,000 ft. elevation gain. But everyone had done it. Dinner was lovely, full of laughter (fueled by delirium) and good food (save for the single banana some of us received as dessert). After conversation and some commiserating, we all returned to our rooms and did compline with our roommates. An intimate and refreshing way to connect to God and each other.
Day 2 was hard. But like the entirety of the trip, it was a reminder we can do hard things. Some might have finished the day by 2:00 p.m., and some by 5:00 p.m., but in the end, we came together - in joy, gratitude, and community. I was reminded I can do hard things, even when alone. And I also learned to appreciate the power of community, and how important it is to have someone walking by your side.
'...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through he who gives me strength.' - Philippians 4:11-13
Thanks be to God!
Sofía Muñoz
June 2 - Daniel Jaime
Hi, my name is Dani Jaime and I’m going to walk you through our first day on the Camino de Santiago.
Ready, Set, Go!
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Indeed, this journey began with a single step. Although our journey is nowhere near a thousand miles, the first day feels so daunting and exciting that it might as well be!
Our team woke up extra early to make sure our bags and gear were ready and downstairs at our hotel to drop off and have a hearty breakfast. After a feeding frenzy of yogurt, eggs, and plenty of ham, we made our way to the front of the building where other pilgrims were waiting in line for a stamp on their pilgrim’s passport to officially begin their journey.
Backpack? Check. Passport? Stamped. Our feet? Taking that single first step on our journey of “a thousand miles”.
“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
After that first step came the second, and then the third, and so on and so forth until the team split into smaller groups. Everyone went at their own pace… but this didn’t mean any of us went alone. Along the way, were other pilgrims who were taking the same journey as us! This meant there was always someone to talk to and accompany us, ensuring that none of us ever truly felt alone. A lot of us made new friends today! Some from very far away places and some from places closer than you might think.
Besides, our closest friend, Jesus was walking alongside us every step of the way.
“We walk by faith, not by sight”
After departing the town of Sarria, we ventured into rural territory with splendid vistas of green hills, vibrant green trees, and precious flowers. The world seemed to come alive with its sights, smells, and sounds. Many of us discussed with each other what these real-life portraits and scenes reminded us of and tried our best to describe them (our words fell short every time).
Finally, our team was reunited in the town of Portomarín. Although we all arrived at different times with our sub-groups, we all crossed the same bridge over a grand river (not much unlike the one back home).
Day 1: Complete!
This first day was truly gold, but the greatest treasure that we are slowly discovering along the way isn’t the things we can see or feel, but the things we are learning in our heart to be true about our faith in a God that loves us. We know that this journey has an end, but it is not a destination. My hope is that by the end of this “camino”, every step taken has drawn us closer to God and each other, closing any gaps that may feel a thousand miles long.
¡Buen Camino!
Dani Jaime
June 1- Tami Woods
Day 4 started and ended great. It was the middle that had us all sweating. The morning started with a small group getting up early for a double-decker bus tour of the city. After getting on the wrong bus, we were dropped at the correct location (different than the instructions provided when booking) for the tour. We learned about so many things, from famous gardens and architectural wonders to the largest palace in Europe containing over 2,000 rooms. We ended the tour with only one hand caught in the bus door. Our second group walked to a nearby restaurant for breakfast. It received rave reviews and encouraged our pilgrims’ amazement at how affordable and delicious food is in Spain.
Once we had everything packed up and ready to go, we started calling for Ubers and taxis to head to the train station. We hoped for two larger and one small one to fit all 16 of us. Unbeknownst to us, the very large, very busy street we were staying on had been partially closed for a speed walking race. Yep, you read that right! Because of this, our rides kept canceling our reservations due to their “inability” to get to us to pick us up. Despite walking all over the place to get to a spot they could access, the rides were canceled again. We finally broke into smaller groups and were able to get some taxis to pick us up. With our last two people running through the train station to get through security, we made it on the train with 10 minutes to spare.
The train ride was uneventful and resulted in our safe arrival in Sarria. We had a delicious dinner with the Eucharist to follow. This group is amazing. They have become such a cohesive group of people over these past couple of days. We begin walking tomorrow!
!Buen Camino!
Tami
May 31 - Tami Woods
The best, longest day ever. For some reason, none of us were able to get much, if any, sleep on the flight to Madrid. We successfully got through customs and headed straight to the Airbnb. We arrived just in time to catch the “ones who made it” group before they headed out to the Oasis Community Center to meet Sharon Miller (friend of DWTX). The excitement of finally being together helped the younger exhausted travelers to rally and head out with the group. The “olders” stayed back to take a break and met up with them at Oasis a little while later.
Spending the morning at Oasis was a wonderful experience for the whole group. The pilgrims helped prepare decorations and supplies to be used at the summer camp hosted by Oasis every summer for the children in the surrounding neighborhood. They learned about the community that is served by the good people of Oasis and the various programs that are offered.
After saying our goodbyes to Sharon and her interns, we made our way to a nearby Moroccan restaurant for our first meal as a whole group. The food was delicious and the conversation was lively. Only two people fell asleep at the table!
After lunch, the group was able to enjoy some free time to explore the city. While some went back to sleep and shower, others visited El Retiro Park and the Prado museum. Madrid is an expansive city with a variety of wonderful attractions rich in history and soaked in the Spanish culture.
We wrapped up our day together with dinner at an Italian restaurant down the street from our lodging. We unanimously agreed that it is going to be hard to leave such amazing food at such affordable prices!
As I lay in my bed fighting the time change and trying to will myself to sleep, I couldn’t help but smile to myself as the giggles of pilgrims playing card games at the dining room table drifted into my room. There is an excitement buzzing through the group as we get closer to our departure to Sarria tomorrow. What will we learn? Who will we meet along The Way? What is God revealing to us as a group and to each of us individually? I don’t know, but we are going to find out!
!Buen Camino!
Tami
May 30 - Tami Woods
Well, not to be out done by Day 1, Day 2 brought plenty of its own adventures. For those of us stuck in Chicago, our delayed flight was rescheduled for 5:00 pm. The younger adults decided to take advantage of the extra time for some site seeing while the “older” adults decided to rest at the hotel and head to the airport early. The site seeing group visited the bean, went to the art museum, and even got some authentic deep dish pizza. As they made their way back to the airport with plenty of time to spare, the train suddenly stopped at about the halfway due to debris on the track. After further delay, the train was unloaded. Our young adults, with luggage in hand, called an Uber and raced the rest of the way to the airport. Cutting it too close for comfort, the group was reunited and boarded the plane as planned. We were finally off to Madrid.
As for the rest of the group traveling on their own, everyone arrived in Madrid as planned on Friday. People who were familiar and unfamiliar with each other were forced to navigate checking into the Airbnb and acquaint themselves with each other and the city. They did great! They explored the city on foot, went to dinner, and enjoyed getting to know each other. Only one person’s wallet was lost/stolen (we aren’t sure), but their passport remained in their possession.
Although we have not had the start that we had planned, the pilgrims have been flexible and joyful with whatever has been thrown at them. Our experience thus far has been filled with memories we will all cherish. Now, we just need to start making those memories as a whole group!
!Buen Camino!
Tami
May 29 - Tami Woods
There is a belief that a person’s Camino begins at the moment they begin their planning. Others believe it doesn’t begin until the moment you start your walk. Either way, for many of us, our Camino de Santiago and all of its lessons is already in full swing. Seven of our pilgrims have arrived in Madrid and are settling into our lodging. As for the rest of our group, not so much. After several delays leaving San Antonio, we made it to Chicago in time to wait some more. Our flight was eventually cancelled for the night and rescheduled for the next afternoon. So, we made the voyage through O’Haire to find transportation to our hotel for the night. Today, we will try again.
What is God beginning to reveal to us on this great adventure? What are we learning? Patience? Endurance? Acceptance? Maybe nothing. Maybe this is just the “liminal” space between where we were and where we are going. Either way, the popcorn place at the airport will be open today, so at least there’s that.
!Buen Camino!
Tami
