For over fourteen years Joyce has enjoyed service as an active member of American Pilgrims on the Camino. She served as a co-chapter leader in Denver, and offered workshops and presentations at local and national conferences. Her favorite roles have been blessing first- time pilgrims in local shell ceremonies and helping pilgrims integrate the lessons of the journey upon return.
Pilgrim Paths: When did you first walk the Camino?
Joyce: I discovered the Camino in 2010 when I approached some new chapters in my life . I had some questions at the cross-roads to work out. It was at that time I saw the film, The Way, and the story seemed to intersect with mine.
Although I had never walked long distance or even visited Europe, I felt the Camino calling me to walk. Walking solo from St. Jean Pied de Port to Finisterre in 2016 changed my life as I walked with the world and discovered what I was capable of accomplishing in body mind and spirit. I learned a lot about myself. And I felt empowered to walk into whatever the future held for me.
Pilgrim Paths: What does the Camino mean to you?
Joyce: I believe that the camino calls especially during transitions. The physical walking helps our brain and heart to move into a new place, especially when we walk with intention.
Pilgrimage for me is the practice of intentionally placing ourselves into new spaces making us more open to the lessons or miracles of the day. We say that the "camino provides” . Ive seen that many times. Sometimes the camino provides a life changing challenge. Other times it’s a meaningful conversation that changes everything. Or a new friend. And the grace of sharing or receiving something needed in the moment that touches the heart.
The camino is being a part of something much bigger than yourself as you enter space that has been occupied with the energy of the world's people going back a 1000 years. We get to be a part of that and think of people who will follow us. The camino connects us to the international community, culture, history and spirituality. I experience the camino as a fluid living entity because of the range of weather, geography, and flow of pilgrims. It’s always a fresh adventure.
Pilgrim Paths: What drives you back to the trail?
Joyce: Since 2016 I have walked 7 times. Three times I have accompanied groups on their first Camino experiences. Each group was as unique as the individuals , their personalities and discoveries along the way. It is my joy to share the journey every time. I walked the Camino 4 times for myself. Like my first camino pilgrimage, these journeys were during times of transitions. Ive walked through empty nesting, healing through cancer, pandemic recovery, and this year the camino helped me walk into retirement. Each time I walk I learn something. Returning is like a spiritual reset. It grounds me.
Joyce: The camino has taught me to be resilient. It has instilled a spirit of wonder, gratitude and joy as a body memory deep into my bones. The camino connects me with the wider community of the world and I feel I'm a part of something much greater than myself. Now when I hear about a world event, I often have a face and name of someone I have walked with. If I have their contact I reach out to connect. And, each time I walk I practice my Spanish making me more confident to connect with my Spanish speaking neighbors back home.
Pilgrim Paths: How has the Camino changed you?
Pilgrim Paths: What does your Group Trek have in store for people who join?
Joyce : Pilgrims have walked the Camino together in community for centuries for safety and camaraderie. The blessing of walking with others is knowing that you don't walk alone. You will probably find at least one person who walks the same “way” as you whether it’s the speed in which you walk or the way you prefer to interact with the camino. And you always have someone to break bread with at the end of the day.
Every group member offers something that enriches the experience for everyone. Some share interesting information, and inspiration. Some group members are great with support and encouragement. Ive been grateful for those who see something special in the day the rest miss. And then there are those who get us laughing and we forget how tired our feet feel.
