On Monday May 16th, I will depart for Spain/France to begin the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. It is a privilege for me to have the time and support to undertake this journey. A few years ago, I knew I wanted to do something unique and special to celebrate my 25th anniversary of being in remission from non-hodgkins lymphoma. Some of you will remember how weak I was after my month-long stay at St. Elizabeth in 1998, having had two surgeries, a collapsed lung, other complications, and then starting chemo. After my discharge, I did not have the strength to walk from our health care center, Holy Family, to St. Anne's kitchen door. For my St. E. folks to understand that distance, just prior to discharge, I was too weak to walk around 1B, our current postpartum unit which was formerly the oncology unit. So to have the strength and good health to go on the Camino for a very long walk is a dream come true. 

I carry all of you with me in my prayers. The needs and concerns of people throughout the world who are suffering due to war, extreme poverty, climate disasters, and violence are also very much in my prayers. 

I will update this blog regularly throughout my month on the Camino. And I'll include photos of the incredible beauty of southern France/northern Spain. This photo is from my last training hike this afternoon in our beautiful woods at St. Annes! Deo Gratias!