61 Mile Pilgrimage

This year on Memorial weekend instead of raking leaves and barbequing with friends, I decided to walk over 60 miles with my church group, from Keiser to Portland (Oregon). Why would I decide to do this? When my friends asked me if I was going, I just asked the Holy Spirit if it was for me. He said  yes so I signed up. I did not plan or think deeply about my decision, and it only hit me afterwards what I really signed up to do. 

I did not think I would make it past the first day. I thought I would either be the strongest or weakest person there, but no in between. The truth is, I was incredibly in between. I had spurts in the middle, back and front, there were times I ran and skipped and times I got a ride in their car to the front. I went through all of this on my period, something that challenged me and really made me feel connected to my womanhood. I felt so connected to every woman there and Mary the mother of Jesus. We prayed rosaries throughout the whole pilgrimage, especially at the hard parts. Every time we prayed I could feel myself getting stronger, I could feel myself getting lifted up. Every day I was reminded of God’s strength being used in my weakness. There were times I just wanted to go home, so I told God and I had to keep trusting in him. 

The second day had the most to walk, about 27 miles.My feet were already hurting, I was emotionally disrupted and pretty tired. I knew I needed God to help me with every step. Somehow, every day when we were about to start, God gave me the strength and will to keep going. We would chant and play music and it got me in the perfect spirit to continue. That day I was so anxious I would give up or be in pain, but the worst part was the anxiety itself. If I didn’t worry, there would be no issue. I will say, elevating your feet is more important than I knew at the time. My hips and feet had the most pain, and I got to the point where I was tired of thinking about my own pain, so I started praying and God led me to pray for my enemies. It helped me realize they really don’t affect me too greatly and those people just need the love of Jesus. Praying so much every day helped me so much, and I also realized I could pray all day, without ceasing, and I would not grow tired of it, and neither does God. We had many breaks on day two, making the pain and distance manageable. God truly takes all my fears away, he eased my anxiety and helped me find purpose in it.

Looking at all the farmland and nature helped me see that my dreams are not far off, God really has me in the palm of his hand. I loved praying with my friends, it showed me how strong and loving they are, and how blessed I am to have the friends I do. I had the most beautiful conversations with people, I met new friends and deeply connected with others. God really gifted us that weekend, and I am so thankful for it.

The pilgrimage showed me I am much stronger than I think, I even shared my testimony on the bus back home. I felt so befriended and strong and clear about God’s direction for me in my life. I needed to do it and I am glad I did. It really showed me I can do crazy things for God and truly reap what I’ve sown. The last mile we walked without shoes, I kept my socks on, in Portland Oregon. It was the slowest part but really empowering that I was able to do it, I almost wanted to take my socks off! The gravel and concrete did not hurt like I thought it might, it was a beautiful ending to a great weekend. The ride home was beautiful with a pink sunset, and through that I just knew God was looking out for us. He admired our willingness to die to self and offer up every pain for him. Thank you Jesus for this experience.