When I arrived in Spain July of 2012 and began walking it was a very short distance every day. I dealt with tremendous amounts of pain on a daily basis because I would have horrible swelling every day. I also very quickly ended up with an open wound on a skin graft I have on my heel. But I persevered. Every day I would meet new pilgrims but would never see them again. One of the things that helped me the most along this part of the journey were the people that ran some of the albergues I would stay in. (An alberuge is a hostel just for pilgrims) I very quickly noticed when I stayed in a place that had an atmosphere of love and caring for the pilgrims along with a hot shower, a good meal, and some decent sleep, I had way more energy for the next day or so. After about two weeks of walking and thinking about this very noticeable increase in energy, I first had the idea that it would be lovely to run one of these albergues and give back to the people what I had been receiving.  However, I very quickly pushed this thought aside and figured it was probably something that a lot pilgrims felt along the way and it was more of a fantasy.

In 2016 I decided to do the camino again for a second time. Very quickly the idea of being a host at an albergue came back. This time even stronger than on the first camino. Pretty much right after this started filling my thought process I stayed at a new albergue that had only been open for a month. The chef came out and started talking to me after dinner and a small
ways into the conversation I shared this idea that I couldn’t seem to shake. He then made me an offer. “When you finish your camino, why don’t you return here. You can be a hospitalera and get some experience. It is hard work and you can see if it is something you really want to do. In trade you stay for free and eat for free.” So I told him I would consider more carefully as
walked. When I finally reached Santiago I knew I needed to at least try and see if this was something I really wanted. So, I returned to La Finca with a plan of staying and working for a week.. Almost immediately I knew for sure this is what I wanted to do. I changed my flight home and ended up staying and working there for over a month.

The next summer I returned and volunteered for three months. During this time I found I had something unique and special to offer the pilgrims. Every night I would go to bed exhausted but totally happy with what I was doing.  When I returned to the USA I found that my previous passion for technology had totally faded.  That passion had changed into a passion for helping people. I knew deep in my heart it is what I am meant to do.  So I returned again to Spain to look for property and albergues for sale. When I spoke at length with Fernando who owns La Finca, where I had spent all my time volunteering he expressed he
would be willing to sell.

So no you have heard who I am and and my story. Now I am going to ask for your support. You have seen I don’t give up when I have a goal. My goal is to assist pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago and the best way for me to do this is to be interacting with them as they walk.  So if in reading this story you feel called to help in any way it would be greatly appreciated.  Just a $5 donation can do wonders toward the final goal.  If you have an specialiaties and want to help by donating time this is also extremely welcome.  Please join the Discord to see what ways you can contribute or just become a part of  the community.