·
At the Santiago de Compostela airport in Spain, behind us is a stylized scallop shell which is a symbol of the Camino which we finished two days ago.
Yesterday we took a bus to Finisterre on the coast. The two-hour ride was such a contrast to walking the 90 km (63 miles), which would have required four hard days of walking. Young and strong Ben did it in three, but we had not budgeted the time or energy…this trip. Finisterre translates to ‘the end of the world’, and to Europeans living before Columbus crossed the Atlantic, sailing past this furthest-west point of Spain meant falling off the edge of the earth. We didn’t find any scallop shells which pilgrims used to use as proof of completing their Caminos, but did enjoy a fab sunset.
In centuries past, many pilgrims didn’t make it to the coast- they were sick and their bodies were worn out from the journey. And they still had to go home again. We Praise the Lord for planes and buses- my legs would not hold up for a reverse traverse of the same trail.
The highlights of our last six weeks could fill a book, but a brief list would include:
Being together with Jane and having Christine plus all four children (not to forget the plum-sized NextGen Kies) with us for at least part of the pilgrimage, and Ben for almost all of it;
The numerous words of encouragement we received, knowing that we were accompanied in spirit by relatives and good friends;
The uncountable new friends, from LOTS of countries, that we made while walking and sharing communal meals in the evenings;
The beautiful scenery, impressive churches, and warm hospitality of the Spanish (and other nationalities) people along the route;
My almost-daily doses of delicious coffee and chocolate croissants;
The support already received for the Africa University Scholarship fund. If you still want to help, please contact me at LKies@africau.edu and I will send you the links.
To all reading this far- May you realize your dreams, even if sometimes they seem unreachable , and may the items on your bucket list be checked off!!!
