21. Oct 2025

Lourenza - Abadin

Photo 1: First picture of the day. The weather kept changing from partly cloudy, to rain and sometimes windy. I put the poncho on, then off, then the wind jacket and back to the poncho. That's life on the trail.

I had a good God-talk with a young lady from Germany during breakfast at the hostel in Lourenzá. As a child she opted out of going to confirmation class and forewent the party and the presents that come with it, because she did not just want to go through the religious process. She wanted to find and experience God and had not yet done so. I shared with her my story and encouraged her to get to know Jesus by reading his biography in the four gospels.

Photo 2: Whenever I see a rainbow in the sky, I think: "God remembers and keeps his promise." The same is when I see a snail carrying his shell on the back. I remember God's promise to me to be with me on the way and to help me when I need it. He has been faithful! When the weather is like this, I see more snails. I was dreading going through this week of rain. Now I am almost through it. In France I learned: "Jesus and I, we can do 40 degrees and hike up hills." Now I know: Jesus and I, we can do rain and hike up hills." Today it was 1107 altimeters.

Photo 3: Pilgrim crossing to the city Mondoñedo since the 16th century. The current struture was built in the 18th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.

Photo 4: Cathedral of Mondoñedo

Photo 5: As I was going up the hill leaving Mondoñedo, a young woman, a pilgrim, passed me on her bicycle. It was almost noon. About fifteen minutes later and further up the hill I saw her again sitting on a bench at a bus stop and having lunch. This time we looked at each other in the face. It was Stephanie whom I had met three days ago. We had had a God-talk at the hostel back then, but I forgot to offer to pray for her. Because of the rain weather she had taken a break for two days. So against all odds we met again and continued that conversation. A third pilgrim joined us from the UK whom I had met at a hostel a while back and then saw again at the hostel yesterday evening. I prayed this time for both before we continued on our Caminos.

Milestone: 3000 kilometers. I always wondered how I would feel when I would reach this milestone. Now I know... just like at the end of most walking days: you are happy to get a shower, get your clothes washed, get something to eat and get to sleep!