Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

John Newton
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The Long and Winding Road

The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I've seen that road before
It always leads me here
Lead me to your door

The wild and windy night
That the rain washed away
Has left a pool of tears
Crying for the day
Why leave me standing here?
Let me know the way

Many times I've been alone
And many times I've cried
Anyway, you'll never know
The many ways I've tried

And still they lead me back
To the long, winding road
You left me standing here
A long, long time ago
Don't leave me waiting here
Lead me to your door

But still they lead me back
To the long, winding road
You left me standing here
A long, long time ago
Ohh
Don't keep me waiting here
(Keep me waiting)
Lead me to your door

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

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Strange as it may seem, the last 4/5 days I have been dreading this day. I don't want this journey to end. But in my heart I know it has and in the days ahead I will need to readjust to 'normal' living once more, but for now I can continue living the dream.
While there was no need for an early start we decided that we would like one more early morning walk in relative silence. Because we had made the effort yesterday our early start would ensure that we were well ahead of the 'hoards' of people who would have stopped at the guide book suggested stop!
It was a 'soft' morning the first wet morning since Pamplona - four weeks ago!
The joy of walking into the square is hard to describe and I won't even to begin to here! Just as I arrived into the square, I heard my name being called which seemed very surreal. It was Kim, a Korean man that I had met on the very first day of the Camino. We had met several times during our time and it seemed fitting that we both arrived at the same time.
The sense of achievement, joy, belonging, community, humility, love and happiness is enormous and it will take time before I could even begin to articulate it!
The reunion with fellow pilgrims that I shared was heart felt, heart warming and downright emotional. The day was the most glorious celebration I have ever witnessed or been involved in. People who were total strangers a few short weeks ago, people whom I have gotten very close to. Words feel totally inadequate to describe today so I will not even attempt to do so!

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Do not look back
No one knows how the world ever began
Do not fear the future, nothing lasts forever
If you dwell on the past or the future
You will miss the moment

Rumi
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Take control of your destiny.
Believe in yourself.
Ignore those who discourage you.
Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
Don't give up and don't give in.

Wanela Hope Carter
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