Day 31: The Last 5 km to Santiago

After nearly 800 km I have finally arrived in Santiago! Truth be told, I could have arrived here a day earlier, but I decided to stay in the super-albergue in Monte del Gozo; which holds over 400 pilgrims and was built in honour of Pope John Paul II visit in 1993 (ish). The night before arriving in Santiago, I sat at the top of the hill and watched the sunset over the city with a group of pilgrims. It was an interesting experience because we were so close to our "end-goal," meaning Santiago, the thing we had been walking towards for weeks (some months), and yet none of us were in a hurry to get there. The reality is that it was never about arriving in Santiago - it wa simply a destination - it's been about the journey.

Yesterday, I received my Compostela, a certificate that said that I made this pilgrammage and to be honest it was a very proud moment. This certificate, along with all my stamps represents the people I have met, the kilometers that I have walked, the tears that I have shed and the overwhleming amount of joy that I have felt. I then celebrated the Pilgrim's Mass with my fellow pilgrims in the most beautiful cathedral. It was a beautiful moment and we even had the privilege of seeing the Botafumeiro, which is a giant swinging incense burner that provides people with a blessing and is only used on special occasions. Afterwards our first series of goodbyes took place. Some of us are going on to Finisterre, so we still have 3 days of walking (100 km) ahead of us. But for others, this was the end of this particular journey. Tomorrow I will be going on to Finisterre, but before I move on to the next adventure I want to take time and enjoy this city and reflect upon this journey that has been on my heart since February. I will leave you will an excerpt from journal yesterday upon arriving in Santiago - it's part reflection and part thank you to all the people that have helped me get here! 

I did it - or should I say WE did it! I use we because I was certainly never truly alone out here. I was constantly walking with God and in His presence. There was also my Camino Family, who taught me about: love, laughter, integrity and generosity. There were the French women, Agnès and Geneviève, who were so gentle and gracious. Although we met in the last part of the Camino, they were an integral part of this journey, and they taught me about perseverance, selflessness, joy and taking my time to enjoy every moment. There were the hospitalaros who cared for me physically and often times emotionally. There were also the other pilgrims that I shared the trail with, who I simply shared a smile or a kind word with, but with whom I ultimately shared this experience with. Finally, there were my family and friends back home who prayed and encouraged me! Without each of these people and without God's strength, I would never have accomplished this feat. I am lost for words. Nonetheless, my heart is full and a bit sad. But I am reminded of the words of the German woman (pilgrim) who said to me earlier today: although this journey is ending today in Santiago, a new adventure is about to begin back home. That is because we leave this place and this experience forever changed. 

- Buen Camino