23. Jul 2025

Carmarthen - Llanelli

Photo 1: I said yes to Jesus when I was 16, and I said yes to Astrid on this day 38 years ago, two decisions that I have never regretted and that have greatly impacted my life. This is the fourth time in a row that Astrid and I have not been together on our anniversary, because I have been walking on the Snail-Trail.

Photo 2: I went inland and up and down a number of high hills the past day and a half to get to this bridge. It would be another few days before I would reach the coast once again. One of the few Highlights of today's stage was the stretch through the river delta to get to this bridge in Carmarthen. Shortly before reaching the bridge I saw two people coming my way. One was an older man, JJ, who was being escourted by a young African, Oliver from Swaziland. JJ asked about my big backpack, and so we started talking. Both trust in Jsus. When I offered to pray for them, JJ said that he would prefer a hymn. I suggested "Amazing Grace". So we sang the first verse of this great hymn together on the walkway through the river delta.They apparently did not known or could not remember (JJ) the next two verses, so I did a solo on those verses. Oliver and JJ had big smiles. It does not take much to make someone happy.

Photo 3: In Carmarthen I went to a grocery store to get food supplies for the rest of the day. This would be my last possibility to do so until the next day. I had just put my backpack on my shoulders getting ready to leave the premises, when Emanuel came to collect my grocery cart. He asked where I was going. I told him I was walking with Jesus. He gave me a big smile and said that he was with God, and showed me his name tag: "Emanuel" which means "God with us". He was so happy to have me pray for him. It is not easy for immigrants to find their way through life in a different country.

Photo 4: I did a lot of walking on the road today, but this was another highlight of today's walk: a bike trail that had once been a railtrack, away from the traffic and in the shade.

Photo 5: "That man has walked a number of miles today!", Dermot said to his wife Sharon, when I arrived at the campground. They had seen me hours earlier on the road. Dermot called out to me and asked me whether I would like something to drink. Not only did they give me something to drink, but made me a bacon and egg sandwich a bit later in the evening and heated up water for my instant noodles... sure beat the can tuna which I was planning to have that evening. Dermot and Sharon were very kind and helpful to me. They were celebrating their birthdays, and I my anniversary. We had a good talk that evening and think they were touched by the prayer of blessing.

It had been a long day. It was now dark, and no internet connection at the campground... good night Astrid, happy anniversary! Love you!!!