Really, Mary Jane , really!! You want me to co-lead a group of women with you to Spain, World Youth Day and do the last 120k of the Camino. Really?? No kids or cell phones allowed! Really! Take 3 and half weeks off from work! Really?

This original proposition from Sr. Mary Jane in November 2010 sounded very interesting and really exciting but I did not know how this would ever workout? I immediately had this deep desire to say yes. However, being a very skeptical and cynical single working mom of a 10-year-old boy, how could I leave North America for 3 and half weeks? Why did I have this deep desire to go? Despite all the obstacles why was 

I sure that I was being called by God to go?

Thru Gods grace I went to Spain and left Canada behind. Completely stripped of everything familiar I was suspended in 

another reality. I was removed from the security of my daily life to serve God in a totally different way. Instead of spending my time as a very busy Mom and Pharmacist, I found myself walking the streets of a foreign land with this diverse group of women. No longer in control but completely reliant on God to lead us we the 8 Canadian pilgrims made our way thru Spain. All 8 of us called to Spain for different reasons, left Spain 3 weeks later uniquely different.

Through out the journey there were countless amazing experiences: 

breath taking sites, life changing human encounters, many experiences of the vibrant unified global Catholic church. I often think of all that I experienced in Spain and smile. In Spain I laughed sooo much! Despite the very long days,

 extreme heat and lack of sleep I felt unusually at peace and rested. Above all while away, I felt very close to God and blessed beyond measure.

Since returning to Canada I continue to discover why I was called to Spain and why God gave me this amazing experience. While I was in Spain it seemed like my Canadian life was on hold. By being completely removed from my ordinary daily life I was able to gain perspective and see clearly again. I have realized that by trying to be the best mom possible, somewhere along the way I forgot that I too am a child of God. That Jesus loves me, Bonnie Beavis. That I too matter, have feelings and needs. Today I have a better understanding of myself and how I fit into this complex and challenging Kingdom of God. My challenge now is to replace my attitude of skepticism with hope and cynicism with trust. The pilgrimage continues, so I need Jesus and to continue drawing from His unending spring of grace.

Recently we all celebrated Thanks giving. My fellow Pilgrims are a gift from God for which I am truly thankful. Thank you all so much for saying yes and taking this incredible journey with me. I miss you all:

Thank you Murielle for your gift of wisdom and fortitude.

Thank you Penny for your gift of quiet and gentle strength.

Thank you April for sharing your deep love for Jesus.

Thank you Millissa for your determination.

Thank you Kayla for trusting in God's plan for you.

Thank you Gisele for your gift of incredible strength and courage.

Thank you Stephanie for being vulnerable and trusting.

Thank you Sister Mary Jane for being a visionary and an instrument for God's work.

Thank You to the global community of The Sisters Of The presentation Of Mary for your service yields good fruit...may God continue to bless you all!

Buen Camino!