I find myself writing from Santiago de Compostela, the famous ending point of the Camino de Santiago. Those who have followed my journey know that I’ve walked numerous Camino de Santiago routes across Spain, Portugal, and even my home state in Wisconsin (the Wisconsin Way).

I’ve had the privilege to be a pilgrim and arrive in Santiago de Compostela only to collapse and cry in front of the Cathedral in the energetic plaza of Praza do Obradoiro. It has been an honor to be surrounded by fellow pilgrims who walk to seek healing, closure, or maybe even a celebration of something grand.

Walking the Camino de Santiago for the first time in 2022 changed my life and the way has called me back numerous times since then.

Today I walked to Praza do Obradoiro not as a pilgrim with my backpack but as a quick passing to simply say thank you as I begin navigating this exciting journey of temporary residence in Spain. My dream is to hopefully make this move a permanent one.

Nine months ago I began my visa application with NALCAP (North American Language and Culture Assistants Program) to teach English in Spain. I started the journey before I boarded a plane to walk the Camino de Invierno. Like all big decisions in my life, I find the Camino the perfect place to reflect and a safe space to walk with my thoughts. So I gathered all my paperwork, set-up my account, started the long visa process, and went on a long walk.