“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on Pilgrimage.” Psalm 84:5

The idea of Western Kentucky Presbytery Executive, Rich Cooper, wanting to go on a Pilgrimage began several years ago when a dear friend, John Klein, a retired Episcopal priest, recounted his Camino experiences during a visit. When John began making plans for his third Camino, he invited to Rich to join him. Rich shared the idea with the Personnel Committee, received their blessing, and, indeed, the Presbytery of Western Kentucky granted him a sabbatical.

They would sojourn the famous Camino de Santiago de Compestela, also known as the Way of St. James, a 500 mile centuries-old route that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, France on the east side of the Pyrenees and winds across northern Spain to Santiago, in the northwest part of Galacia. Legend holds that St. James’ bones are buried in the cathedral at Santiago.

On May 12th, Rich received an inspiring send-off when the Presbytery lay hands on him and asked for God’s divine protection.

Rich left Hopkinsville on May 18th, taking only his backpack and a hand-carved black locust walking stick made by Elder Karen Napier from First Church, Auburn. He and John met in Baltimore where the two old army chaplains caught a military hop to Europe. On May 22nd, they reached St. Jean, received their Pilgrim credentials, and began their Pilgrimage. Below are excerpts from Rich’s texts.

“In the first 10 kilometers (km), we climbed straight up about 1000 meters (m). At about 7 km into the walk, I began to feel terrible. I drank 2 liters of water and got sick, but I made it to our first overnight stop! A nurse from Australia (we met people from all over the world as we walked) gave me some hydrolyte, and I felt alive again. The next day we finished climbing the Pyrenees. The scenery and especially the golden eagles were so beautiful. The descent was more difficult than the ascent. I began to realize that I had not done anything this hard in soooo long.”

“It is difficult to describe how tough the first days were, but soon I developed a rhythm. John and I began each day with the Lord’s Prayer and Pilgrim’s Prayer. We determined that since we were traveling on others’ land, it would be most appropriate to use trespasses, instead of debts! I lifted up a different church and pastor each day for dedicated prayer.”

“Willee made me a little carrier for my water bottle that I keep strapped around my neck. It was so useful, and every time I reached for a drink of water, I said a prayer for my wife and family.”

“John and I developed our own rhythms. I liked to make time in the morning. John started out slowly but sped up in the afternoon. By then I was tired!”

“Exactly one week into the pilgrimage (190 km), I developed a problem with my left foot. I went to a doctor, and she diagnosed it as tendonitis. She gave me have two kinds of medicine and a “foot sock” to wear.”

“Willee and I communicated with text messages. She made me aware of presbytery members in need of prayer. I have been praying for Don Troutman, Don Barger, and Bobbie Russell and Glen from Ebenezer”.

“By June 4th, we reached Burgos, the largest city along the way. It took a long time to walk the 7 miles into the city. We've now traveled 300 km. I have been praying for Chaplain Jennifer Rogers and Sandy Cook. My feet are killing me.”

“When I walk, I don’t mind being alone. I think the best part of the Camino is when I'm alone. I can think and pray and watch and look.”

(June 11th) “Your prayers have done wonders. Overall things are going smoothly. Tomorrow we will make Leon – 500 km down and only 300 to go. It is interesting staying with all sorts of folks. Modesty is always trying, but the sure thing is to not pay attention to anyone else. Prayers today for Rockport, and always for Don, Don, Bobby, Lisa, Jen, David, and my family.” Several have commented about my water carrier. I proudly say - a gift from mi esposa.”

“We walked 25 km today, June 18th, and will do ‘El Ociebrieo’ tomorrow, the ‘climb from hell’ – a 1000 m climb in 5 km. We're about 165 km from Santiago, and I'm counting. I prayed today for all, but it is not easy to pray while walking in 90 degree weather. Your prayers about feet and sun are so timely. The sun did not smite us!”

“June 20th finds us 130 K from Santiago. The walk in Galacia includes hills and farms and lots of cows and animals. Tomorrow we will join thousands of pilgrims who walk the last 100 km to get "credit" for the Camino. The trip has become easier. Hills are steep but not bad any more. As nearly as I can figure, I've lost 25 lbs. on the journey. My pack seems lighter. I climb hills well.”

“Wednesday finds us 37 km from Santiago. I'm ready to arrive.”

“Today is Friday, June 26th, and I am safely in Santiago - 500 miles down and no more to go! I stood in line 2 hours to get my Compestela. I'm staying at the Minor Seminary. I have my own room with a sink, fairly luxurious considering the places I’ve been staying. Time for dinner, and then to celebrate with folks we've walked with during the last month.”

“The journey was a great time for prayer and reflection! It was a gift that I cannot find words to describe. There was some pain, ‘and lots of gain!’ I view it as both an accomplishment and a time of personal renewal. I almost experienced sensory overload looking at the beautiful scenery! I’m not sure that I would ever do it again, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything! Western Kentucky Presbytery, thank you for your prayers and for the opportunity to experience the Pilgrimage. Buen Camino!”

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