Sponsor a Pilgrim!

I have been looking at the cost of this journey, and while on the surface it seems relatively inexpensive, it is going to be costly.  First of all, Leo and I will not be working or paid for six weeks.  Secondly, even though the cost of a bed in an albergue or refugio is only 10-15 euro...translate that to the American dollar, multiply it by 40 nights, and then double it for two people.

And then there is the cost of food for forty days as well.  

I have come up with the idea of having you help me, by sponsoring my trip.  So send me money.  Now.

Ha!

I have spoken before of the Cruce de Ferro, the Iron Cross, which is a place pilgrims leave a stone to signify the unloading of a burden.  Some people also use the symbolism as a prayer request.  After much thought and prayer, I know exactly the burden I plan to leave during my journey.

I am also willing to carry a burden for you.

I am going to order some small lightweight lava stones to carry in my backpack.  For a donation, I will carry one for you.  You can tell me your prayer request or keep it secret, it really is between you and God.  Here is how it will work:   although most of the beds are sold for a set cost, there are churches and hostals along the way that ask for a donation.  That is when I will use your money, when the benefit will be paid forward.  I believe some of the churches also provide pilgrim's meals, and I will use your money there as well.  I think it is a win/win/win solution.  I earn a little money for the trip, which I will give to a church in exchange for food or shelter (a pilgrim's two basic needs), and you will symbolically share your burden with another.  

When I spend the money earmarked as yours, I will write down the name of the church and the village, and if you wish, I can leave your stone there.  I will also document with photos, so that you will see where and how your donation was spent.

And as I need to start adding weight to the backpack now, I can begin carrying your prayer requests as soon as the stones arrive in the mail.

I will let you decide how much your burden is worth, but would ask for a minimum of $20, as I think this will be enough to pay for one bed for one night.