Spirit Of The Camino De Santiago

Some of you know me, some of you do not. I am a GP from Northland, New Zealand.

I am also a pilgrim on the road to Santiago. The Saint James Way stretches almost 800kms across the North of Spain. Originally a religious pilgrimage, I have met people walking The Camino (as it is known) for many reasons. Some do it for the challenge, some to heal from a loss, some to learn something, or to become a better person. I am doing it for all of these reasons. Being here, doing this, there is something special about walking in the footsteps of those who came before me with so much hope and faith. And the others must feel it too, The Camino Spirit is infectious. So much good will, so much kindness.

On this journey I've thought about myself, my life, my failings and my strengths, about my sore feet and blisters. I've cried. I've come this close to quiting.

But I've also thought about how lucky I am, how fortunate to have all that I do. I lace up my shoes in the morning after applying blister pads and Vaseline and think about the refugees who walk much further then I will without these luxuries. I climb into bed at night with a full stomach thinking about those who do not.

I am choosing to walk 800kms, for so many it is not a choice.

With these things in mind, as I make the final push to finish my camino, I would like to make it about more then myself. I would like to invite you to help me pass on the camino spirit and the good fortune that we have been blessed with.

I have chosen to support two organisations addressing poverty in a part of the world that is very special to me. From Houses to Homes is run by an amazing lady I know in Guatemala. www.fromhousestohomes.org

It aims to address the root causes of poverty by providing homes, education and medical care to those who need it. I am planning to help out in the medical clinic myself next year.

Casa del Peregrino is a small organization in Monclova Mexico providing meals and emergency assistance to those who need it. Monclova is a major point on the migration route to the USA from Central America and as so has a high number of refugees passing through.