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Mateo
Matthew Price
Trail: Camino de Santiago Goal: 500 Miles
Dates: Aug 29 2017 - Oct 11 2017
I am walking my first Camino after 35.9 years of life, 8 years of supporting medical training, 6 years of marriage, 3.5 years of parenting, 2 years of graduate school, and not enough time to free my mind.
I am walking for The Solidarity Project, ... more
I am walking my first Camino after 35.9 years of life, 8 years of supporting medical training, 6 years of marriage, 3.5 years of parenting, 2 years of graduate school, and not enough time to free my mind.
I am walking for The Solidarity Project, an organization that works with Honduran leaders who need capital to build their community. In January, I joined a board of talented and passionate individuals who seek to leverage privilege while honoring dignity. less
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per Mile |
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Miles
Hiked |
Dollars
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25 |
$5.73 |
$2865.00 |
500 |
$2865.00 |
$0.00 |
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The Solidarity Project supports Honduran leaders who create positive social change for their communities and cultivates transnational partnerships built on trust, equality, and solidarity.
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10 challenges
Trabadelo - Mile 390 - Sep 22nd, 2017
Life is full of fun and excitement for sure, but there are also challenges and struggles. Here are 10 of my Camino challenges, again in no particular order.
1. Sleeping through the night - it has only happened once and I must have been slightly comatose from exhaustion. One guarantee about pilgrimhood (yup, made that word up) is that you will not sleep easy because...holy shit a lot of people snore! Because when you drink 3-4 liters a day you will have to go to the bathroom at all hours and because some people (for some God forsaken reason) prefer to sleep in a stuffy, warm room with the windows closed. My latest experience was at my “silent†(false advertising) retreat. At 11pm I wake up to birds chirping...in the room! I dismiss it as them being Spanish birds waking late from sista and fall back asleep, but these birds are resilient and don't stop until 7am. Later in the morning I learn that if you put hearing aids together in a confined space they make noise...guess what they sound like!?
2. Pilgrims - I fully embrace the motto that everyone walks their own Camino. However, if you are a bicigrino (pilgrim by bike) let me know you are passing. A bell, shouting, putting hearing aids together, I don't care, just a heads up is all I ask. Admittedly, I have thought about ramming my trekking poles into spokes of blazing by bicigrinos - so far I have resisted the urge. Then there are the tourigrinos (people who identify as pilgrims and stay in hotels, send some of their luggage ahead so they don't have to carry it all, often skip parts of the camino by riding on a coach bus and eat at nice restaurants). I reiterate, everyone walks...err does their own Camino. I was eating at the one nice restaurant I have been to - fresh warm bread, really really good wine, and a leg of lamb with two fellow pilgrims who wanted steak - when in walks 12 slackpackers (tourigrinos). After halfway through their dinner the guide stands up and announces the following itinerary - get up and be ready by 9am then a 1 hour transport, 3km hiking “but don't worry it is slightly down hill†(cue me losing it), followed by a decadent lunch and 10km, but if you are feeling especially brave you can do 13km. At that moment we were not good pilgrims, we did not honor their camino of comfort so maybe I need to add judging as challenge number 11. As a point of reference, the guide book breaks the Camino into 33 stages between 18 and 32 km, with an average of 26 or so.
3. Flies - damn! I realized I am spoiled by the lack of flying pests in the PNW, but the last thing I want to deal with after walking 7 hours in the sun is swatting flies. The weather is perfect to read, snack, chat, and relax outside but the flies have chased me inside on multiple occasions. And then when it is dinner time, often there are flies inside, bleh.
4. My body - blisters, heat rash, knee pain, shoulder aches, foot cramps, more blisters, and vesicles. A challenge has been finding the right nutrients, foot care products, blister care, and rest combinations to honor my temple. While the first 10 days were frustrating the last 2 weeks have been much better and I can focus more on why I am here rather than how to avoid the most painful rocks every step. I actually have enjoyed overcoming this obstacle which includes consuming 5 bananas which is the equivalent of what I have consumed over the last 25 years of life.
5. Reflection frustration was also a big frustration for the first 3 weeks. Thinking of the same thing, not making progress, not hearing insightful ideas from other pilgrims led me to questioning if this is worth it. Part of the retreat included walking with the priest and exploring acceptance of the life I live and where I am at. While there is a balance between complacency and exhaustively searching, I think I could work a bit more on the being happy with where things are at side...specifically when considering my career.
6. Bunk beds - loved em as a kid. Jumping off the top bunk onto the double bed until we broke it was good times. Now they squeak (see challenge #1), are hard to climb up when there are no ladders, are disastrous to get in when the top bunk is too low to the bottom and make you feel like sardines. It is a part of the Camino but a wise pilgrim cued me to the solo beds and now I always seek those first.
7. Language - I speak English and I can converse in Spanish but it is frustrating when I have to resort to charades to find out that someone is a chemist. I want to meet people and hear their stories but it is amazing how limiting a language barrier can be.
8. Translating - I've been ask to translate twice for hospitaleros (people who host and run the albergues). Both instances were at faith based places. While I was glad people were able to participate more fully I am also very aware of my limited vocabulary. Needless to say I got some strange looks when I began adlibbing. My biggest frustration in it all was that I couldn't fully participate as I had to listen so intently to every word being said. And I was already tired!
9. Pricing - I am a pretty frugal shopper and at home shop around but that is not why I am here and I don't want to add additional KM just to save a euro, but damn! Who knew orange juice prices could span 300%.
10. That's it. I'm really content and grateful to be doing this.... 175KM to go!
Mateo
Trabadelo - Mile 390 - Sep 22nd, 2017
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Happy birthday Lick lick! I'm joining you on your next adventure :) good news about GBR😀 Miss you tons. Be safe. Xoxoxo
Timothy Price
Sep 26 2017 8:30PM
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Happy birthday Bro!! Love you!
Dawn McCracken
Sep 26 2017 5:18PM
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Birthday Blessings, Matt. Thinking of you in a special way today, with lots of love. UC & AP
Penny Gardner
Sep 26 2017 04:43AM
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Happy Birthday Matt! I love reading your story! Thanks for sharing! Peace, blessings (for your feet) and love. TQM, Tia
Nancy Luna
Sep 22 2017 7:55PM
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Feast Day Blessings, Mateo! Thanks for your 10 fun/enjoyable things entry, and congratulations on making it to Astorga. I hope you enjoyed your retreat. Uncle Charlie and I just returned from a few days retreat a place called "Light on the Hill". We prayed for you daily (along with all those in pilgrimage), and did so today as we prayed morning prayer together. Thanks for your prayer for us, too. We love you. UC & AP
Penny Gardner
Sep 21 2017 11:10AM
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Good morning, Matt. Thanks for sharing your detailed journal entry...AMAZING. Prayerfully, you met your goal of your 2 day silent retreat. Prayers abound for you, step by step, for health and safety and that you are filled with the Fruits of the Holy Spirit as you embark on the second half of your pilgrimage. One fruit in particular that stands out is JOY, which is rooted in God and comes from Him. Joy is much more "serene and stable" than "worldly happiness". (FYI...this was mentioned in Father Hogan's homily many years ago.) May God, our protector and strength, continue to keep you safe and fill you with JOY! 931 forever Dad & Mom 💙💙
Colleen Price
Sep 21 2017 03:06AM
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Hi Matt, Sounds like you are having a wonderful journey with God! Will continue to pray for your continued success of good health and safety as you continue to walk with God along this challenge that you have taken on. Take especially care of your feet! Prayerfully, Nancy May
Nancy May
Sep 18 2017 09:56AM
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Love the latest entry! Paso a paso! Think of you daily brother ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™.
Pedro Luna
Sep 18 2017 09:35AM
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Hi Matt. Happy Jess's birthday! Thinking of you in a special way today. Wondering where you are. Maybe at Burgos. I pray that your body is letting you continue on this journey in a healthy way. I know you've had several challenges. I too and thinking about your joy questions. That were Joy is kind of a Hallmark for me. Blessings as you continue hiking. I love you!
Penny Gardner
Sep 009 2017 1:10PM
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Thanks for sharing stories from your journey, Matt! May the quest for conversation continue! Sending prayers of clarity your way!
Kara Uhl
Sep 009 2017 10:29AM
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Loved reading about your journey! Family is my joy!
Nancy Luna
Sep 007 2017 9:07PM
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thank you so much for sharing Matt - you are such a talented writer and I look forward to hearing how you explore these great preguntas. Hard to know exactly how to answer the questions but i think i have the most joy when I connect with others and am really present in the moment and am living in a way that really celebrates the core of mine and others humanity.
Jean Baumgardner
Sep 007 2017 8:05PM
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Wow beautiful journal entry Mateo. Sending you lots of love and good healing vibes for your feet and legs. My wheels are turning on the 3 joy questions... will keep you posted. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we are expected to be in the path of a major hurricane this weekend. Thinking of you always on this journey. Namaste ðŸ™
Pedro Luna
Sep 007 2017 6:37PM
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Buenos Dias!
I write from the church steps in Grañon. Tonight, I am staying at the parish albergue operated by 3 volunteers who have walked the Camino and want to support the peregrinos on the way. There are 40 or so mats spread out across the floor where we will sleep. If it is like the place I stayed two nights ago the number of people will be low and I will double up the mats. Making dinner starts at 6, mass is at 7, and dinner is at 8. As I sit here, my hand washed clothes soak in the sun and flap in the breeze.
As some of you may know, I quit my job administering the DOJ mentoring grant the day before I left for the camino. One of the thoughts most prevalent on my mind has been what will I do next? To answer this, I have spent many hours contemplating what brings me joy. Since that prompt has yielded little in terms of new insights, I decided to expand my feedback circles beyond myself to other peregrinos. After the obligatory questions of where did you start, where are you from, and how far are you going, I eventually give them the background above and ask them what joy means to them, what brings them joy, and what would others say brings them joy. My hope is that by understanding other people's experience with joy it will give me a fresh perspective.
Of course, the first night I decided to do this I shared a room with two kind Swiss women who didn't speak a lick of English or Spanish. Through hand signals I figured out they worked as Chemists and one had retired Friday. That night, I committed to finding someone to discuss joy. However, the next two days of walking I was either by myself or with a non-native speaker! Patience Mateo, paciencia y fe. Since then, I have had a few exchanges and we all agree that connecting with others is a universal source of joy. So now I have added the emphasis on work/vocation/career.
Today, I walked with Montse, a Mexican doctor who finished additional studies of Palliative care in Barcelona. She indulged my question with answers of what made her happy. I pushed further, inquiring what was the difference between alegria (happiness) and gozo (joy). She said depth and appreciated the distinction. While we reached her destination before she could answer directly, we discussed the importance of service and the hope that one day my calling or vocation will be clear to me. I told her it will probably happen while receiving palliative care. She smiled.
In the meantime, I try to take care of my blisters and attend to a gnarly heat rash which is now accompanied by pinky nail-sized pustules (you are welcome for the visual).
I think of you all daily as I start the day in bed with prayer. This helps me slow down as I am often the first person to wake up.
If you could pray for all those listening for callings or searching for where to serve next, I know a lot of us would appreciate it! And if you feel really bold, use the comments section and take a crack at the three questions - what does joy mean to you? what brings you joy? and what would others say brings you joy?
In gratitude,
Mateo
Matthew Price
Sep 007 2017 07:17AM
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Praying...step by step...healing, fortitude, and wisdom to continue to see the world through God's eyes. God bless you and we love you, Matt! Dad & Mom 931
Colleen Price
Sep 005 2017 03:58AM
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Your mom sent me a link to a map (not a nap...although that sounds good, too), and your note that you had reached Los Arcos. I copied the map and put it in my prayer space. Thinking of you so often, and now I have a little more sense of where you are! Looks like you are heading into wine country. Enjoy the scenery, the company, and may you have all the quiet you need. Con carino...
Penny Gardner
Sep 004 2017 2:12PM
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What a great way to spend the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and beginning of the Season of Creation. We will remember all of you in our prayer service for the World Day of Prayer at St. Norbert Abbey (De Pere, WI) later today.
Steve Herro
Sep 001 2017 09:15AM
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Thanks for the update, Matt. So did you start at Mile 1? Wish l had a nap of your route. May try to find it with the clues you have given.Hope you have (had?)a good nap, and your big toe lets you continue your trek soon. ♡
Penny Gardner
Sep 001 2017 07:37AM
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Thinking of you and hope you arrived safely! Sending lots of love! Happy hiking! Love, Sis, Bry, & the Boopie Brothers
Dawn McCracken
Aug 29 2017 6:29PM
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Just thinking of you as you arrive in France....whenever that is in EST. Trying to imagine all you will see crossing the Pyrenees and all along the pilgrim route. I look forward to your journal entries.
Love, Pej (U.C., too)
Penny Gardner
Aug 29 2017 2:16PM
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Que las ansias de tu corazón sean llenados por medio de este santo peregrinación. Estamos contigo en oración y cariño. ~ Penny y Charlie
Penny Gardner
Aug 28 2017 05:20AM
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Praying for you step by step, Matt! Love you!!
Dad & Mom
Colleen Price
Aug 27 2017 6:45PM
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Have a good hike! Chip, Angela, Lucy, Isla
Chip Holloway
Aug 20 2017 07:35AM
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David Uhl
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Daniel Flynn
Caminando en la luz de Dios!
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Anonymous
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Nancy Luna
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Jean Shields
Pedro Arrupe, Matt!
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Nancy May
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Jean Baumgardner
So proud of you Matt! Thanks for being a part of TSP!
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Marty and Kris Ohman
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Dawn McCracken
Good luck on your hike!
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Wendi Chiong
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Scott Winkelmann
love, strength & perseverance from your RdC community!!
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Penny Gardner
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Colleen Price
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Linda Savio
We're praying for you. Don't get blisters! xoxo
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Julia Fitzpatrick
Buen Camino, hermano!
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Aaron_Kristen Hallerman
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mike schloss
Go get your hike on!
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Jane Stenson
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Steve Herro
Best of luck on this spiritual and physical exercise
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Chip Holloway
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Craig Keenan
Buen viaje Mateo!
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Matthew Price
In case I need any motivation to get to the end!
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