Big plans are not always God’s will. Last night as we were talking about our day, I had considered waking up at 5:30, and hitting the Cafe at 6am. Then we could get in our miles before the heat and make for a better day. George was not sold on the idea.

After close to three weeks of walking, one bout of the flu, five days of antibiotics and a few cases of a mysterious intestinal issue, George is having a relapse of some unknown creepy crud. He was up all night, while I slept like a baby. How do I do that? Probably a combination of exhaustion and plenty of vino.

When the alarm clock went off, George informed me that he was not going to work today! No energy, no motivation, no way! Well then, Plan B. Taxi to next town of Sahugun. We have covered nearly 75 miles in four days and maybe I need to give my partner a Mercy Card! So taxi it is.

I turned off the alarm and slept till 7am. We packed up everything ever so slowly and made our way to the Cafe. All George wanted was Orange Juice. He must be sick because this man drinks coffee every morning of his life! I had enough coffee for both of us. George summoned a taxi and we were on our way to the half way point of the Frances. Not the way I had planned but still, in fact, headed west.

Hotel Puerta of Sahugan is a huge place on the outskirts of town. The Big Hotel was vacant, not a soul around. Our Taxi Driver stayed and made sure we were taken care of. He rang the bell, then called, and after a few minutes, we had help at the Front Desk. Any chance we can checkin early? She called the maid and asked if our room was clean? No, give me 30 minutes and by 10am, we were situated in a nice room. Never ever in the States would they allow that early of a checkin or attempt to stop all progress and clean your room first. I love Spain and their unending hospitality!

Being in town, I decided to wander the streets and obtain our Halfway Compostela at the Monastery. It was on “The Camino” so I was able to get some miles logged. George came along even after my urging him to stay in the room. He managed to walk the .8 miles and then realized that he needed to retreat back to our cozy bed. Good choice.

I wandered into the Monastery and learned much about Bernardino de Rivera, which was changed to Bernardino de Sahagun, after his home town. He was born around 1499, but no one seems to know the exact date. He moved to Salamanca, the center of Spain where he learned Latin, History, Philosophy and Theology. Around the middle of the decade, he decided to enter the Franciscan Order where he was ordained as a priest in 1527.

Two years later, in 1529 and at the age of 29 years old, he along with other friars left for America, to the recently conquered New Spain (Mexico) on an evangelizing mission; They were led by Fray Antonio de Ciudad Rodrigo, in Mexico, where Fray Bernardino would die many years later, in his nineties. This incredible Monastery is still standing and much recognition was given to this Evangelist. Such a tribute!

After obtaining our Mid-Way Compostela, I made it to downtown Sahagun, in the midst of some Festival. The streets were lined with vendors and all the locals were shopping, sitting with their drink of choice, hanging out with friends and family, and doing what they do. It was just where I needed to be. Not my plan, but once again, God’s plan.

I saw a few of my Pilgrim Friends passing by and sat with the locals. The streets were bustling with activity and everyone was in a jovial mood. I found a vendor selling nail polish and figured that’s light enough to carry to Santiago. I sat down, ordered a beer and painted my nails, blue of course!

I headed back to the Hotel and commandeered some Orange Juice and fruit from the Kitchen. I took it up to Sleeping Beauty and he barely budged. Hmm, maybe he really is sick?!?! Poor guy has spent half as much time on the trail as off the trail, with all his ailments! I’m thinking another day off for my partner as I continue solo.

As George was laying in bed, he was wondering what God was trying to teach him? Gosh, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had some bat crazy injury on the trail that I didn’t wonder the same thing. It is between us and our Lord and Savior to work things out. I can tell you this, George has given it his all, fighting through all sorts of adversities, yet he keeps plugging along. Maybe the Lord just wants him to sit, and acknowledge all that he has done rather than what he hasn’t?

I have always been the Polly Anna of this marriage, focusing on the good and rarely the bad. Maybe just maybe, He wants us to focus our eyes on His goodness. And lean on His strength. Then we can see the real beauty that He has in store for us. Just my two cents, whatever it may be worth. Right now, I think rest and sleep is in order so that is the plan. I’ll let you know how that goes.