Proud and grateful – report of a pilgrim

‘Walking shoes that had been cleaned for me, keys to houses that I was given; to be able to sit down with the food.’ Pilgrim Gerda (no. 2460) walked alone for eight days. She shared with us her gratitude for several beautiful experiences along the way.

I was on the road for eight days. On my own, with all my luggage in a backpack, walking the Walk of Wisdom . What a special experience. I feel grateful that I am healthy and fit enough to be able to do this. I feel grateful for all the hospitality I received (walking shoes that were cleaned for me, because I couldn’t go to church like that; keys to houses that I was given; being allowed to sit down with the food; coming back, after having eaten in a restaurant, and then ending up in a cozy house, where the wood stove is lit for you, the curtains are closed and the lamps are on).

I feel amazed by the beautiful and varied nature. I got to know myself a little better, with my sunny and shady sides. And I feel proud; Proud because I persevered and accomplished it, proud because I could be guided more and more by my heart instead of by the question of what others would think of it. And I feel lucky to have a man who supported me in this and who made it nice to be able to go home on Saturday.