For some comparison

Minnesota is approximately 128,119.9 sq miles in size, while Spain is approximately 313,7925 sq miles in size. This makes Spain about 2.5 times larger than Minnesota.

In population, however, Spain is much larger. Minnesota has approximately 5.3 million people, whereas Spain has 47.2 million people.

*The snapshots and information were taken from mylifeelsewhere.com

A Liturgy for packing

The following was taken from the resource we have compiled for pilgrims on the Camino De Santiago. You can get a free digital copy here. Downloading and giving your feedback helps us to spread the word.

I have too much, Jesus.
I have too much.

You who had nothing extra.
You who gave it all away.
You must laugh at my idea of simplicity.

But you also know me. 
You know my home and bedroom,
My closets and cupboards.
You know all the possessions I cannot even remember.
You know that this pack, 
Bulging as it is,
Is a big change for me.

But I still have too much.

I carry so many things “just in case.”
I fear that I might need them tomorrow.
I wonder if I will be uncomfortable,
Cold,
Hungry,
In need.

I am not as trusting as a sparrow for my next meal.
I am not as confident as the lily for my daily clothing.
You reminded us that your Father provides for them.
And that he would provide for us.
But I still wonder.

I still fear the “what if” of today.
I worry about tomorrow.
And those thoughts are a burden.
I carry them every day.

O loving Jesus,
Give me eyes to see 
And ears to hear.
Give me faith to live today 
Unencumbered by the risks of tomorrow.

I have too much, Jesus.
I have too much.⁠
-----------------
Matthew 6:25-34

A Liturgy on awaking

The following was taken from the resource we have compiled for pilgrims on the Camino De Santiago. You can get a free digital copy here. Downloading and giving your feedback helps us to spread the word.

My ever present Father, 
Who never sleeps nor slumbers,
Forgets or wonders,
Guide my steps.

I am sore and scattered.
I have spent night after night in beds not my own,
In company not familiar,
In conditions not ideal,
And I am weary.

Today I take another step,
Walk another hour.
O God,
Guide my steps.

You promised that you would never leave nor forsake your own.
You promised that you would know the path of the righteous.
You promised that you would guard your children.

Guide my steps.

Today I may stumble and fall.
Give me strength to rise again.

Today I may lose my way.
Give me wisdom to find it once more.

Today I may see a once buried part of me.
Give me courage to face it.

Today I may meet someone in need.
Give me eyes to see them as you do.

Today I will keep walking.
Guide my steps.⁠ (Hebrews 13:5–6)

Visiting Colorado

We were able to spend a week near Colorado Springs and then a weekend up with friends in Longmont. We loved the mountain views! On our way south we stopped at the Four Corners Monument. We decided to let the kids explore a state on their own.

Travel: Camino Portugués

This past week we took five days to hike through a part of Spain that we were not familiar with. Our goal was to get to know the area and see how we might be able to encourage new church plants in this region. We ended up hiking about 70 miles on the Camino Portugués with the whole family, which was quite the adventure. We have put together some videos of each day of the hike, and they will be uploaded over the coming week. You can see them over here:

Here are some photos from our time.