Hello everyone! Monday was our last day in Lourdes, and I really did not want to leave. Lourdes is abounding with peace, and so many graces flow from there. It’s a place like no other. If you ever can visit, please do. You won’t regret it.

We made our way from Lourdes to Logrono, taking 1 train and 2 busses. Planning the transportation was difficult, but I was surprised at the ease of actually doing it. We stayed in a lovely hotel, and had plenty of R&R.

On Tuesday (today), we managed to get from Logrono to Navarette before issues arose. It turns out that Google lied to me, and there was no bus from Navarette to Najera, according to locals. Najera is where we finished last year, so it’s where we need to begin. We were planning to arrive in Najera today, stay the night and then begin the Camino first thing in the morning, but due to Google’s lies, we have changed gears and got a hostel in Navarette. Tomorrow we’ll catch a Taxi to Najera. 

It’s not all bad, though! We intentionally stopped in Navarette to visit our favourite church from our travels last year. For myself, (Hannah), it was a source of great joy, yet great pain. At the time, I was struggling deeply with the weight of deciding whether to return home weeks in advance, or continue walking. If we were to leave, we had to do it soon, so I felt immense pressure. I specifically remember sitting in the church crying (literally) to the Lord, “What do I do? How will I know? What if something happens before I get home?” Ultimately, as many of you know, we left soon after, which is part of why we returned this year. Yet, in spite of all that, visiting this church was like a wave of peace I desperately needed. I was comforted in this church, and felt a sense of deep trust in the Lord. 

Visiting the church this year has brought back a flood of emotions, both happy and sad. Nevertheless, I am extremely grateful to have returned, in thanksgiving and praise to the Lord who provides, and who loves me greatly. I know my Dad is also elated to be back. This was a very positive highlight for him. Before we decided to leave, we both said, “If our Camino ended today, seeing this church would make it all worth it”. Little did we know we’d be leaving less than a week later. Everything has come full circle by starting this leg of the Camino with the place that made it all worth it in the beginning. 

On a lighter note – I got trapped in a bathroom today for about 10-15 minutes haha. European bathrooms and I do not get along it seems. We’ve already met a woman from British Columbia who is also on the Camino – what a small world! We are looking forward to our first leg of the journey tomorrow, and ask that you please pray for us! 

Thank you for reading my novel. It’s a pleasure to share with you all, and have this blog to look back on when we are home. We are praying for you!! 

Buen Camino, 

Hannah and Tony