Finding Courage and Faith Before the Camino

Walking into the Unknown

One of the reasons I am drawn to the Camino is one of the reasons it scares me. I don’t know what each day will bring.

I’ll wake up in unfamiliar places; I’ll walk roads and trails I have never seen. I’ll meet people whose stories I can’t imagine. Some days I would think will be beautiful, and others will be exhausting, lonely, frustrating, or painful.

My life has been built around predictability. I have learned through challenges throughout my life, that the more I want it to be predictable, the more unpredictable life becomes. And the more I want to control everything, the more I feel like I am out of control.

The Camino asks us to loosen our grip on that control. The fear of that loss of control, and the excitement of finally being able to is exhilarating to me.

Trusting the Journey

With only a little over two weeks until the beginning of my walk, and during my planning, I have made several realizations:

Courage is not absence of fear.

Courage is to keep preparing anyway.

Courage is to make another reservation or plan when it feels unreal.

Courage is getting all of the things together for the backpack, even though you are fearful of being able to carry it all of those miles.

Courage is allowing yourself to put one foot in front of the other on preparations, even before you step foot on a trail.

Finally, courage is giving way to faith.

Faith that the days away from my family will not affect the relationships, but only make them stronger.

Faith that all things will work out – at home while I am gone, and on the journey.

Faith that I can recognize the lessons to be learned.

Faith that God will comfort me in difficult days and that I am not alone.

The true beginning of the Camino is not at the trailhead in France, but in the quiet decision to move forward despite the uncertainty.

Finally, as I make these last preparations, packing all of the items into my backpack, I pray that although fear seems to be the most prevalent emotion at the moment, that the courage and faith, are closely behind and ready to take charge.