St. Andrew United Methodist Church

Day 3 • Exploring Leon

Today we continued our journey in León. We woke up to a delicious breakfast at the hotel – an all you can eat buffet with an assortment of bread, jam, cheese, meat, and more. We have been eating very good on this trip, and have enjoyed trying new things. Before we left for the day, we met and shared what worries we are going to leave behind on the Camino. We have all brought worries from our daily lives with us. But acknowledging them will help us be able to leave them behind and divide the burdens of them among each other. Rev. Mark led us in prayer and we were on our way.

We toured another beautiful Cathedral in León. It was similar to the one in Burgos – with gorgeous sculptures, artwork, and stained glass windows. We were all in awe of its beauty and the way we felt God’s presence in that space. Sitting in the pews and gazing at the artwork was inspiring and impactful.

Next, we continued our tour throughout the city. The buildings continue to surprise us, and the city was so amazing that it didn’t feel real – as if it was something we see in movies and not in real life; we have gotten some great photos, that’s for sure. The girls and boys then split up – while the boys got a beer and the girls enjoyed some coffee and later, a meal at La Mary. We are all really enjoying each other’s company and have shared lots of laughs. 

The girls were late to meet up again, but everyone else had a fun time placing bets as to when they would get back. We are definitely on Spanish time here – a slower way of life. We then headed to Lugo, stopping at a stone village on the way – a place along a part of the Camino that we won’t walk. It was very rainy and foggy, and we weren’t prepared for Spain to be that cold. But we stopped at a beautiful church in town. This church was more intimate and smaller than the Cathedrals we’ve toured. Red candles lit the place and prayers lined the walls. There was a shelf of about 50 or more Bibles in different languages that reminded us of not only the diversity of the Pilgrims along the Camino, but also the magnitude of the reach of God’s Word.

When we walked back to the bus, the fog had lifted and a beautiful scenery laid behind what was previously covered. We were grateful to see such a gorgeous hillside after such a dreary fog. God works in mysterious ways and will always provide in His time. He will continue to watch over us and give us strength on our journey. 

Here is a passage from a Pilgrim’s prayer posted in the small church. It gives us hope to start our walk tomorrow:

¡Buen Camino!

-Cassie and Maya

The group starts the Camino the following day.