When the idea forms and the passion builds to "do" something like the Camino, one doesn't realize all the details that need to be attended to. From passports to socks (what material, injinji or traditional, wicking of course but one or two layers...and what should the outside layer be...wool, or morino wool, and do I go with ankle high and risk them not quite covering the upper edge of the Keen which could lead to rubbing or blister...or do I go with the geeky calf high socks -- see, socks are not that simple, oh and how many pair total does one pack), from shirts to first aid kit, from backpack to hat, from walking sticks that are cutting edge and collapsable to a simple wooden stick...so many details, so many decisions. And that doesn't even include all the parish related decisions that needed to be made and worked out (more on this in my next blog).
But due to God's wonderful creation of time, decisions are coming to an end because time is running out. I still need to put some music together and download it to the ipod and pick up a carry-on bag. It seems like a good idea to take as much of my "stuff" in the carry on so it is isn't lost in transit as possible. While I have a wonderful ultralight backpack, that can be replaced much easier than those dang socks...and my Keens. So, all 13lbs of my gear will slip into a carry one and we will pack all three of our backpacks into a slightly used golf bag (thanks to DPCO) and that bag will be checked through.
So many details, so many decisions, so many already made, and just a few left...well at least on this side of the pond. Rachel and Sue insist that this will be an adventure...we need to be open to spontaneity! It is helpful for you to know that prior to serving as a chaplain in the Air Force, I worked as a civilian for the AF and was trained as a war planner. Strategic and tactical, deployment and mobilization...when it comes to planning, I've had great experience. And now, when this government paid training would come in so handy, I am outvoted...no advance reservations, no advance days off, "It's an adventure, daddy!", "Eric, we are just going to be spontaneous!" I have to admit, this makes my skin crawl and goes against everything I have been trained to do...but thats what this sabbatical is all about -- leaving it all behind and learning to find God in the journey.
Ultreya my friends