Ready. Set. Go.

The first two days of walking El Camino are in the books. My anticipation and excitement of finally starting this trek were greeted with walks through small towns, sleepy villages, and, sadly, abandoned and dilapidated ones as well. Expansive wine country and long-range mountain views followed next. The vistas were stunning, and the people were kind, caring, and hospitable. 

Here are a few things I’ve learned so far. We seem to carry more than needed. Unloading and leaving items behind is okay. It is better not to get too attached. Essentials can suddenly become nonessential when our load is too heavy. Trekking poles give us something to lean on, and there is an abundance of good people in this world. And they will take the time to smile and wish you well.

When locals or pilgrims encounter one another on their way to Santiago, they greet each other with the expression, “Buen Camino.” It means “good way.” It is an endearing salutation, wishing fellow pilgrims a successful journey. Wishing our neighbor a grace-filled, blessed and good journey, well, it’s neighborly. It’s nice to keep this in mind when seeing our neighbor. A quick smile and “Buen Camino” might just brighten someone’s day.

Even if you start walking El Camino alone, you are destined to find companions for part of the trek. They come alongside you when you least expect it. It’s a lot like our daily lives. Companions make the walk

We make beautiful things, and God makes things more beautiful.