Closing in on Departure Date

I just returned from travelling with my two daughters who will be walking in Spain. As a test run, we packed our back packs for the week away and weighed them before we went. My pack was 23 lbs, and the other two packs were around 20lbs. We need to pack for 2 weeks and be between 14 and 16lbs. Mind you we won't be packing jeans, long sleeved shirts, shampoo bottles, cosmetics. This items add up to a few pounds.
We intend to use the bar shampoo from Lush (TM). I found travel sized deodorant,because I refuse to smell like a traditional pilgrim. I have located a number of items to protect, heal, help sore feet.
While travelling last week in the states, I came across a product called Monkey Bum. I am hoping that no one on the trip gets Monkey Bum 'cause that looks painful. I think the product is for diaper rash, bum rash maybe from cycling. A very interesting and thought provoking product that caused a few giggles from the girls.
We skied one day on our vacation. This allowed for the testing of the wool socks that I purchased for everyone for the trip. To our amazement, surprise and relief, the wool socks kept our feet dry! They are worth the money for sure.
We also tried out our windbreaker/raincoats. While I have been told the best way to imitate the rain in Spain is to put on your raincoat and stand in the shower, I opted for wearing while skiing. THe rainwear is breathable and the water beads off the jacket and no leaks.
I remember as a kid I had a yellow rubber raincoat and that coat was so hot! I melted inside that coat. I couldn't imagine wearing a rubber jacket, carrying a pack in the poring rain in Spain in May. I continue to be optomistic that the jacket I have selected for everyone will work.
I checked out Europe Bound Outlet on Queen St East in Toronto. There are really good deals there for accessories such as socks, shorts, tops. I managed to purchase my rain jacket, a Patagonia jacket for 1 daughter and I will go back with my husband to get his as well as pick up a rain coat for the other daughter.
Being wet on the body and the feet is the bain of the pilgrim. I continue to pray that the weather is cooperating and while we can stand rain, that the number of days of rain are limited.
Tomorrow will be a long walk along the lakeshore. Walking west to the pedway bridge and beyond is our target. Taking time to enjoy the day and not rushing will be the order of the day tomorrow as well as when in Spain.
Life goes on at such a fast pace in Toronto, the feeling that everything must happen at the same fast pace creeps up on all of us. The challenge for us is to pace ourselves when walking and not start out with a head of steam that dissapates quickly and the walking becomes painful and unbearable. The goal is to walk the distance required each day.
I intend to measure the daily distance by being aware of my surroundings, being present in the moment and most of all, being thankful for being given this rare opportunity to live out a dream that I have had for a number of years.
God does work in a mysterious way. The individual steps that I have taken that have brought me to this time and place were guided by God each step of the way. While I am excited, nervous, anxious and all other ious's, I know that by laying it down before God, I trust that the steps that I continue to take as I continue to prepare for Spain, will continue to be guided by God.
Who I am now and who I will be at the conclusion of this part of my life's pilgrimage I willingly give up to God. He will provide what I need and by trusting completely in God's mercy for me, I know that all the trials ahead of me in the immediate future are part of God's plan for me.
God's Blessing to all.