The Camino Will Provide

The Camino Will Provide - Learning To Trust the Universe is one man's journey of body, mind and spirit. The adventure begins with a valiant leap of faith, as the author, David O'Brien, heeds the final words of a dear friend "Follow your heart... life is brief" and embarks on a 500-mile walking pilgrimage across Spain. Feeling that his comfortable life in Alaska no longer nourishes his heart, Dave is drawn to celebrate the 40 days flanking his 50th birthday walking The Way of St. James, most commonly known as El Camino, a 775 kilometer(500 mile) route that has been walked by millions over the centuries in search of a second chance at life. The pages erupt with physical, mental and spiritual challenges as Dave mingles with his fellow travelers, wrestles with his boots and blisters while learning to listen to his own rhythm and inner guidance. Endless questions accompany his daily treks: Where should I stay the night? How far can I realistically go today? Where will my next meal come from? Will my money hold out? What items really warrant their weight to be carried all this way on my aching back? Why in the world would I embark on such a journey without being in better shape? What is the best way to lace my hiking boots? Does "lancing" blisters really work? Where does that last ounce of strength come from to keep going when physical exhaustion threatens to deflate my ability to go on? Why have I not "settled down"? Why am I doing this? Not really knowing how he would take to a 40-day, 500-mile sojourn, Dave brought 50 unopened letters containing words of wisdom submitted by his friends and family. The serendipity and inspiration of reading these quotes and messages from his loved ones never ceases to encourage (and amaze) Dave as he perseveres toward his goal of attending the Pilgrim's Mass in the Cathedral of Santiago, marking the completion of this long, arduous journey. Fellow "pilgrims" (as those who walk the Way of St. James are called) become forever etched in Dave's heart as they share miles of challenges, triumphs, meals and accommodations. Jacques, a retired French college professor, rescues Dave on Day One when he finds him lost after only 200 yards on the trail. Rodney and Gordon, a couple of Aussies, one 60 something and the other 70 something, who carry 50-pound packs, regularly inspire and embarrass Dave when he has trouble keeping up. By the time he enters the final stretch, Dave's "gaggle" of friends has grown to also include Sasha, Clarey, Carole, Jerome, and Graham, each of whom added another significant thread to the rich mosaic that became his 50th birthday celebration. Emerging from the Camino's end, Dave's heart and soul found the nourishment and meaning he set off in search of. The Camino will Provide- Learning to trust the universe allows adventurers of all walks a glimpse into this simple yet miraculous journey through the sharing of Dave's Camino journals. By walking alongside Dave every step of the way, readers are heartened as they are reminded of the power of sheer faith, kindness and perseverance.