<![CDATA[World Family Foundation - Therese\'s Pilgrimage Blog]]>Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:54:36 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[ Thoughts About the Camino]]>Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:37:51 GMThttp://worldfamilyfnd.org/thereses-pilgrimage-blog/thoughts-about-the-caminoPicture
The Camino de Santiago, the 1,200-year old pilgrimage path we chose as the basis of a WFF fundraiser, was something that challenged each of us in different ways.  For me, there was the physical and emotional obstacle of trying to ride a bike with a foot healing from a bad break earlier in the year.  I was afraid and sometimes very worn down as I rode most of the path on my own, not knowing the language or terrain.  During these times, I had to reach deep within the well to find strength to continue.  For me, that well was often the thought of the sweet kids in Prashanti who were counting on us to come through for them.  Imagining children from poor villages, having a place where they are being encouraged to learn and grow and give back to the world....well, is there anything better?

In the end, I learned many things about myself and broke through some of the limitations I had regarding the trip and life in general.  It taught me to be true to myself, help others in the right way (it's not always so obvious) and stand strong...all the things we wish for students of Prashanti International School.  

We thank all of the generous sponsors who helped make this trip a reality.  The funds raised are sacred, imbued with the best kind of energy and love.  We so appreciate all of you for coming on our Camino with us.  Truly.

Therese xo
Picture
]]><![CDATA[Santiago de Compostela!]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2015 21:26:27 GMThttp://worldfamilyfnd.org/thereses-pilgrimage-blog/santiago-de-compostela
Picture
Picture
Picture
]]><![CDATA[On the path in Spain!]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2015 19:10:28 GMThttp://worldfamilyfnd.org/thereses-pilgrimage-blog/on-the-path-in-spain
Picture
Picture
]]><![CDATA[Biking the Camino]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2015 03:02:25 GMThttp://worldfamilyfnd.org/thereses-pilgrimage-blog/biking-the-caminoWhen they say the Camino, which translates as road, it's really not what you think. Steep inclines and descents over rock-strewn paths and uneven cobblestones from long ago have you bracing as one flies over some dangerous and difficult terrain. My bike became my best friend today, and the two of us had the adventure of a lifetime. Those of you who are avid bicyclists will understand this best - it's as though you are part of everything....the wind, the trees, the rocks, the sky and every creature you pass by. Yep, beginning to think I'm breaking out of my fears of riding. Didn't think I'd ride again after my accident. Grateful. Really.

]]><![CDATA[On the Road in Spain]]>Thu, 27 Aug 2015 17:16:57 GMThttp://worldfamilyfnd.org/thereses-pilgrimage-blog/on-the-road-in-spainFinished a monster of a climb yesterday from Villafranca del Bierzo to O'Cebreiro with a broken shifter but oh my god, how exquisite! I love the greeting we Peregrinos shout out to each other, "BUEN CAMINO!", meaning good/sacred journey. Doing this by foot or bike isn't easy but so worth it. The churches and views are amazing and locals very kind-hearted. After my climb, and visiting the church of Santa Maria where many miracles have taken place with the holy chalice, I rode down to Triacastelo. Having lost my riding partner, I checked into an Albergue, into a room with 13 other pilgrims and one bathroom. At only $10/night, it is the choice of many pilgrims and surprisingly pleasant. My bunk mate, an older Italian man who owns a brewery, ended up having dinner with me at a sweet little cafe around the corner. Funny, even though we didn't speak the same language, we managed to laugh and chatter the whole time with me warning him I would throw a zapato at him if he snored. And yes, he did but only a little and no, I did not throw a shoe.

]]><![CDATA[First Day Cycling the Camino]]>Thu, 27 Aug 2015 17:13:58 GMThttp://worldfamilyfnd.org/thereses-pilgrimage-blog/first-day-cycling-the-caminoFirst day cycling...Ponferrada to Villafrance del Bierzo which SHOULD have been 14 miles but after a few wrong turns, it ended up being more like 18. But all good and riding through the countryside was unbelievably beautiful. The locals treat the peregrino's (pilgrims) with such love, it makes one feel the essence of what the Camino is about. Interestingly, nobody is to be seen during siesta time. Businesses are only allowed to be open 90 hours a week so everyone shuts down from around 3:00-7:00. The flip side of that is that they stay up until after midnight. Even the old folks are out!

This was in my room from last night and also "just happens" to be on my bracelet I've been wearing from the start. I asked our beautiful host about it and she said it means energy. Good thing...I'm going to need it for today's climb. 
]]><![CDATA[Photos from the Camino - the first days]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2015 15:48:06 GMThttp://worldfamilyfnd.org/thereses-pilgrimage-blog/photos-from-the-camino-the-first-daysStarted in Santiago with breakfast, took a beautiful train ride through the Spanish countryside and arrived in Ponferrada to collect our pilgrim passports and put our bikes together. This is where the Templar's Castle is and the start of the 200 km Camino passage.
]]><![CDATA[We're on our way!]]>Sun, 23 Aug 2015 02:24:16 GMThttp://worldfamilyfnd.org/thereses-pilgrimage-blog/were-on-our-wayPicture
In Paris with Kim Hanna and Dr. Edie Resto, my fellow Pilgrims. We leave for Spain tomorrow!! We are so excited… wish us luck!
]]><![CDATA[Therese - Pilgrim for Prashanti!]]>Wed, 08 Jul 2015 04:44:14 GMThttp://worldfamilyfnd.org/thereses-pilgrimage-blog/therese-pilgrim-for-prashanti
]]>