Let’s Walk – report group game grimage of the Let’s Talk foundation

Last September, the Let’s Talk foundation ran the Walk of Wisdom with a group of deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind people. Written and sign language interpreters accompanied us, so that everyone could feel understood. We thought it was a special initiative and were happy to be able to do something in the form of a special departure ceremony.

Below are two reports from participants: Jolanda and Elsbeth. Glad you had such a good time together!

LETS’S WALK / WALK OF WISDOM

It was on Thursday morning, September 19, 2024. I was in Nijmegen. I was waiting for others from Let’s Walk. Together with the group to the chapel. Sang a song together, expressed a wish, etc. It was a wonderful start to our pilgrimage. We were completely happy and we were really looking forward to walking. The starting point of the pilgrimage route and we set off. Beautiful surroundings near Nijmegen.

First, I had arranged a place to stay for the first 7 nights. I had told them via email that I was going to walk the pilgrimage. I hadn’t told the people of the residences that I’m deaf. I found it very exciting. I didn’t know what to expect from them. Did they want to communicate with me? Was I welcome at the overnight stay? I let it wash over me and saw what was going to happen.

I slept at the various places to stay, including B&B, hotels and via Vrienden op de Fiets near Nijmegen. Upon the arrival of the accommodation, I had immediately said that I cannot hear well or that I am deaf. At first they were surprised when they heard my voice and they could hear me well. They were very friendly and welcoming. Delicious full breakfast by the various hosts. Very nice! Have a nice chat about Walk of Wisdom and also about Santiago.

At the first night at B&B Wasboerderij I had met people who also walked the Walk of Wisdom . Very funny. After a few days I met them again during the walk of the Walk of Wisdom. Very spontaneously, they tell us about the route. They asked me if I had arranged the overnight stay. They hadn’t arranged it yet and they had to find the places to stay. Handing out tips together. We exchanged contact information. I enjoyed meeting on “my” hiking trail.

On the 7th^{day I} wanted to spend the night in Afferden. The group from Let’s Walk went to the monastery. I was able to eat at a cafeteria. After dinner I made my way to the residence. I saw a dark sky. The rain was pouring down. It had been raining heavily. I already put on two rain suits. I couldn’t see the road and I took shelter under the trees. My hiking boots were very wet. I decided that I was going to walk on. It was only a 2 km walk to the accommodation.

Walked to the house, rang the bell. Not at home. Texting the hosts again. It turned out that I had called number 34 at the wrong house! They lived at number 43. That too! I wanted to turn on Google Maps to type in the address, I couldn’t see it well because of the rain showers. It said about 3 km walk. Full of courage I started walking to the abode. After texting, my hostess came to meet and I received a warm welcome in the house. Immediately take off rain suits, dry immediately on the handlebars of the bike. I took off my walking shoes, immediately put newspapers in my shoes. They offered me a cup of tea. We talked about our experiences with hearing impairment and I told them about Let’s Talk. I had shown them the information about Let’s Talk via mobile. They were very impressed.

The next day I started my last stage to Nijmegen full of energy. Over the Waalbandijk with beautiful views over the Waal. After 10 kilometers I had walked on the asphalt road and I didn’t like it. We discussed with others whether we could walk along the water. Lovely walk on nature trails. I fell completely in love with the beautiful nature. Beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees, animals and much more. Halfway along this route I had met pilgrims. They wanted me to take a picture with them. Done this. Nice memory. It’s funny that I had met the pilgrims on the first day and the last day. In this trip I had already spoken to the pilgrims for the^4th time.

Upon arrival in Nijmegen it was still a 1.5 km walk. It started to rain. We took shelter under the bridge of the Waal for a while. Eventually we walked to the Stevenskerk in Nijmegen. It wasn’t raining anymore. We arrived at the Stevenskerk and we signed off as pilgrims. We had completed the journey.

We walked the Walk of Walk of Wisdom tour from 19 to 26 September 2024 together with Let’s Walk. We had lovely weather all week, at the last minute only rain, for a short while. I really enjoyed this beautiful and varied pilgrimage route and the hospitality at the accommodations and special encounters with pilgrims.

Warm greetings from Jolanda

Elsbeth: this is my story

Together with Let’s Talk, a foundation that gets people with a hearing impairment out of loneliness by organizing fun activities. For example, walks, weekends away, a game weekend or a summer week of vacation in the Netherlands.

Now we walked the Walk of Wisdom with a group of Let’s Talk from Thursday 19 September to Thursday 26 September. It was a unique experience with the beginning of the ceremony. Beautiful walking stages through the meadow, through the forest, over the dike. We all slept together in the Dominican monastery in Huissen. Very nice monastery where we got a good bed and good food. The weather also cooperated well. We enjoyed it.

Elsbeth Rademakers

More about Let’s Talk with Interpreter

Would you like to know more about the Let’s Talk foundation and their activities for the deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind? Check out their website: link.