Deeply human: friendships made with fellow pilgrims

“I had a brain tumor and had to get check ups for five years. Now I can finally be out here.”

“I’ve dreamed about doing this for years… finally I’ve saved up the money and put forward the courage.”

“I needed a break from routine.”

“My family supports me. They know this is who I am.”

”God called me to walk. I’ve never hiked before.”

“I’ve been taking care of my wife for months when she had dementia. When she passed it became my time to do this, to take care of myself.”

“I hope by the time I reach Santiago I will know why I am out here.”

While I enjoy walking through hillsides of sunflowers, snacking on watermelon, and exploring historic towns, it is the humanness of fellow pilgrims I love most.

I’ve met people radiant with joy, and others shaking free of trauma and pain. Pilgrims driven by faith, by higher callings. And others drawn to the simplicity of walking.

We each hike our own way. And, at the same time, this line in dirt, gravel and cobbled stone, weaves us together. We see familiar faces each day, exchanging smiles, popping each others blisters, swapping stories of loves had and challenges faced.

A mother and daughter from France smile sweetly at me over a shared hostel dinner— a universal tool to communicate despite our language barrier.

A man from Brazil is driving town to town to support his wife hiking the Camino, though a back injury prevents him from doing the same.

A hostel owners works all day every day to welcome hikers. He tells me he hopes to one day hike the Camino with his mom.

A couple with a two year old child push their daughter up a hill, the path rocky. They take their time.

A circle of strangers come together to sing, play the guitar and break out of that too tight skin of shame. Wriggling free, dancing, clapping, living.

Conversing with people from all over the world has been one the biggest blessings of my time so far on the Camino. Friendships made despite country boundaries, language barriers or political stances.

What I love about meeting people on trail is that chats quickly become profound, touching not on what we do but who we are as humans. And what is more, no one is here to look, sound or act perfect. We are here for joy and growth and all the beautiful messiness that comes with reclaiming life and embracing challenge.

As for me, I got to celebrate my 24th birthday surrounded by lovely people I’ve met on the Camino. We laughed recounting moments of uncertainty, faith, pain and pride we’ve felt so far on this journey.

I’m grateful for those I’m meeting, and for the stories people have been vulnerable enough to share. It is all so deeply human.