Well, I almost feel normal again today! Not realised how much physically the walk had taken out of me-been shattered and even taken after dinner naps! I must be getting old…Feet are slowly recovering too I hope but still not great.
Yesterday I did my first run for 10 days. One of my slowest ever but at least I got out there. It’s the virtual Great North Run (half marathon) on Sunday which I intend to do if possible. It was being registered on that which started this whole mad escapade…
To date I’ve raised around £450 so many thanks to all who have donated. 7% of the way to the £6k target.
I’ve put together some thoughts that stand out reflecting back on the trip which hopefully are of broader application are:
*We are all on journeys whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual
*Don’t underestimate the journey-the additional miles to the accommodation were especially hard
*Journeying takes us to completely new places (most of the way for me) but sometimes back to the same place (e.g. for me, Denbies Vineyard at Dorking) to re-iterate earlier learning…or lack of it
*There are some lovely surprises and delights on the way
*There are unexpected conversations-be ready
*Sometimes it’s a monotonous, hard, boring grind that you just need to get through to get to your destination
*It is good to have travelling companions (like Rob on the first day) and a back up team praying
*Learn to be flexible especially when you get a little lost and don’t panic
*You need a good guidebook and map (the bible is a good one for life)
*Carrying a heavy load (in walking and in life) drags you down in every sense-keep your rucksack light!
*Physical tiredness and pain bring emotional vulnerabilities forward-I didn’t always handle these well.
*Rest is as essential as activity
*The feet are really important-if one part of the body suffers so does the rest (like our persecuted family)
*Singing and praying are good for the soul.
*We walk in the steps of those who made the journey earlier.
One of the songs I sang quite a lot was “He who would valiant be” from the “Pilgrims Progress” by John Bunyan as the words are great. Bunyan wrote the book from Bedford jail in the 1670’s where he was imprisoned for his nonconformist beliefs. Times change but persecution still exists.
Thanks for your support and interest.
Adrian@60 