So much for my feet being healed. I found out this morning that today's walk would be as long as yesterday's. I knew my feet couldn't do that, but thought I could do part of it, them maybe take a bus. The land we're walking through is in the middle of nowhere, and there is nothing for the first 12 km, 7.5 miles. I realized that I judged poorly 2 miles in. I quickly couldn't walk without a severe limp, and walking on the top part of the sole, while not letting the heel touch the ground. Definitely not a good idea on an artificial knee.
Unfortunately, I still had 5 miles to go to get to the first stop. It was slow & painful. Jim was a trooper and carried both backpacks.
We decided that I would take a bus ahead to León Spain. The problem is, when we got to the first town, no one spoke English, I was in extreme pain (8-9 on a 10 scale), and we had no idea where the bus station was. Jim was very worried & frustrated.
All of a sudden, Alfonso, whom Jim had met last night, came into the cafe and said he was going to take the bus to Forista at 1:30, and would helps figure out how to get to León Spain. Alfonso stayed with me, which allowed Jim to continue on to meet the rest of the group. It eventually took me 10 hours to get to León. There were many delays, but also many angels who were put in my path to help me. 2 women Peregrinos waiting for a train to León helped me get the ticket and make a reservation once I got to León--I didn't even think of that. Alfonso came back to put my backpack on the train & made sure I got on. The conductor who saw how much trouble I was having called attendants at the next stop to help me, and personally handed me off to them. One of the attendants stayed with me while the other rushed to buy a ticket to León that was coming in 5 minutes.
When the last train got to León, I got a taxi to the hostel. I couldn't figure out how to get in because it was all locked up. I asked for divine help directly at this point, because I was tired, in pain, and feeling very alone. Whenever I asked, I got what I needed right away.
My lesson for tonight is that God is listening, and Jesus and the Blessed Mother are here to help.