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<BR>I think I am still processing my experience. This is odd that you should ask
<BR>on this day, because I just now received an e-mail from two friends I made
<BR>while on the Camino. I had left a message for them in the Pilgrim's Office
<BR>in Santiago, but didn't have high hopes of them getting it. But lo and
<BR>behold...! They actually fell in love and one is going to Rio to be with the
<BR>other. I am so happy for them, I could spit! I say this is funny because
<BR>Inge and I got into a very lengthy and deeply spiritual conversation while in
<BR>Viana. Unfortunately, while there, I had yet to truly relax enough and get
<BR>over the fear of being in Spain on my own. I had yet to truly feel the path
<BR>under my feet. I lost track of both she and Paulo that next day, but was
<BR>able to remember her kind words everyday thereafter.
<BR>
<BR>Therefore, to answer your question, I discovered who I was and what I was
<BR>capable of on my first Camino. I was able to overcome emotional, physical,
<BR>mental, and spiritual blockades that have followed me my entire life. Now,
<BR>it wasn't the cure-all, but it came very close. As Russ said, everyday, I
<BR>think of the Camino, remember new and little things, and gain new important
<BR>insights into my self and my life - both in terms of my past, present and
<BR>future. I cannot define how I changed. I am a more relaxed and patient
<BR>person. I have abandoned many masques that keep me from revealing my true
<BR>self to people. Even this post...I would not have been able to be this open
<BR>before. I have little to hide now. I also have returned with great hope for
<BR>people in general. People, as individuals and as a whole, are wondrous
<BR>creatures. I had little faith in strangers, and now, I have so much respect
<BR>and wonder for them.
<BR>
<BR>Pieter from Holland, who is on this list, once said to me (I am paraphrasing)
<BR>that he knew many pilgrims who have walked the Camino and many who have yet
<BR>to walk. He holds greater respect for those who have yet to walk, are
<BR>afraid, but do it anyway. I agree with him entirely and he was/is a great
<BR>inspiration for me. But you will have the experience of a lifetime on your
<BR>journey! You will also find that this next year goes too fast and suddenly
<BR>you will find yourself answering a question, such as yours, for another
<BR>would-be pilgrim, and your own physical Camino will have concluded. Savor
<BR>this time of excitement. Savor every step you take.
<BR>
<BR>Upon leaving O'Cebreiro, I came upon a message on the ground written out in
<BR>stones. It said "Let each step be a kiss." When you are lonely, or having
<BR>pain, or are hungry and tired and uncertain where the next refugio is,
<BR>something or someone will come along to lighten your load, and will be
<BR>rejuvenated to begin again the next day.
<BR>
<BR>One of the wonderful things is that the Camino lives on even after you leave
<BR>Santiago. I sometimes feel as though I am able to sense and even hear the
<BR>pilgrims who are walking even as I write this. (Okay maybe right now they
<BR>are turning off lights in the refugios and going to sleep.) But once you
<BR>walk upon the same soil as have many before you, you will know exactly what I
<BR>mean.
<BR>
<BR>I am truly excited for you that you are undertaking this endeavor. I wish
<BR>you a truly Buen Camino. Walk with strength, with honesty, with courage and
<BR>with love and you will be blessed.
<BR>
<BR>Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, as I am an open book. For
<BR>everyone embarking on their first Caminos, plan, make arrangements during
<BR>this time, anticipate what will happen, but when the time comes to take the
<BR>first step, let it tall go. You will find you are on the path you were meant
<BR>to be and you will have everything that you need.
<BR>
<BR>Blessings,
<BR>Gabrielle</FONT></HTML>