Day 12: Reflecting and remembering

As this day of liberation is considered a time for reflection and remembrance it feels quite appropriate for me to be reflecting today too - even if about other things.

I did briefly pop out to see some of the celebrations in the square as I could hear the music from my cosy little room, but it began to rain so I didn't stay long and now I'm back with another cup of tea to hand, the fire on and the shoes still drying out beside me. I definitely got very wet feet yesterday and am so grateful for this time as the thought of walking in wet/damp walking shoes has no appeal at all!

Having had a bit of headspace today without having to constantly keep an eye on my app on my phone to make sure I'm going in the right direction, or watching where I'm going down a gravelly hill, or have my eyes fixed on the uphill path with the sound of my breathing in my ears I have been struck by a few things. 

- It's been a joy to share with the various folk that I've encountered on the way - whatever language or whether Google translate has had to be involved. Most notably the pilgrims also on the journey with me for whom I am truly grateful to have shared some significant life moments with: Horst and Elsa, Giancarlo, Maximo and Mario, Ali and Angela, Ken. Thank you to you all for making this pilgrimage so special!

- Then Google translate - what a miracle technology is to enable us to communicate across languages! I have found it such a blessing and a comfort to facilitate communication.

- Hot showers, a warm room, a comfy bed, a kettle. When I've arrived at the various accommodations (by the time I reach Rome I will have stayed in 16 different places) and particularly if the shower hasn't been hot or the room is chilly it has been challenging after a long days walk, but these have also made me appreciate the times when all has been good. And the absolute delight of the one place that had a bath with a plug (there was another place with a bath but no plug 😔) and those that have had kettles - this has brought forth joy untold! 

- Switching off - the nature of walking a pilgrimage is such that you have to simply get from one accommodation to the next. One foot in front of the other, over and over. There have been many moments of pause on the ascent with related heavy breathing, the sound of my heart pounding in my ears, and there have been many moments of tentative descent - the path beneath my feet feeling unsettlingly unsteady. But in between, as I reflected with Ken yesterday morning, there has been sweet release in realising that the day has passed and clearly I've thought things, but I don't really remember exactly everything I've thought about. This has been so freeing because it has been so drastically different to the usual everyday-ness of my role which usually involves quite a lot of thinking and planning and preparation.

- The support of my family has been a blessing in more ways than I could ever have expected. Andy, and my children, have cheered me on every step of the way. From the start of the day and through the walk with encouragement and at the end of the day with celebration and congratulations! And they have sent messages that have lifted my spirits just when I needed it the most. I'm aware when a message comes in as my smart watch buzzes and I've often used it as an incentive to get to the next tree or shady spot to be able to read it.

And I've also carried them with me on the way. Andy made me a handheld cross which has journeyed with me every step.

And rather thoughtfully my mother's day gifts this year were tokens to represent each of my children and a little silver book with their pictures inside for me to take with me.

They also sent me a little toy Moomin who, just for them, has had little adventures along the way, often sharing meals with me as it's not always been easy dining alone when you've been alone all day. Here he is wearing my Camino Tau cross in Assisi - he's been a really lovely Cammino companion!

My family have been such an amazing source of support and I know are so inordinately proud of me and this has kept me going, step by step.

- My church family and friends have also been wonderful. The stone of blessing has travelled with me - usually in an easy to reach pocket in my rucksack for suitable photography moments. Two moments stand out for me - one was that first pilgrim encouragement part way up the ascent out of Assisi when I was wondering what on earth I'd led myself in for! And it felt right to add the stone to that just for a moment as a marker. It has been an Ebenezer stone for me for sure (1 Samuel 7:12)

And then, when my pilgrim brothers were leaving me arrows adding the church blessing stone to that felt so significant - because as I walked those arrows were pointing me onwards that day and ultimately to Rome, yes, but also eventually to my church family once again. And the encouragements from my friends via social media have been simply marvellous in spurring me on.

- My tau cross. Bought in Assisi at the cathedral, I've worn it all the way. A connection between myself and Francis who walked the way before me. A connection between myself and God - a reminder of His faithfulness during my lifelong journey of faith so far and a promise of all that is still yet to come. 

- Blue and yellow. These colours have been for me guidance on the way, encouragement and a blessing. From the painted markers on stones and trees and fences, to tiny pieces of tile, from rubbish bins to flowers - these colours have inspired, consoled and comforted me as I have made the journey so far.

Now I'm sure there will be more to reflect on in the future, but I shall leave it there for now. But just to say that even just taking the time to do this today has brought the journey over the past 10 days back to life. It truly has been a "Buon Cammino" and, even with the slight apprehension that the next few days may still hold some challenges (my left hip/back being my major concern at the moment), I look forward to the final days that lie ahead. 

Roma - sono in arrivo! Rome...here I come!