unday, july 4, 2010
Dear family and friends,
So many thanks for your generous donations during our hike4education, which will entirely be fowarded to Guatemala and Honduras according to your specifications.
So far our joint effort has raised an amazing € 22.600, a fantastic amount for which we are very grateful.
Of this amount, € 9.500 has been destined for the Montessori pre-school of the NPH orphanage in Guatemala, which will serve both the NPH orphans and poor children from the nearby village who previously did not have access to pre-school education.
A further € 13.100 has been donated for the three NPH students in Honduras, ensuring that Osman and Augusto will be able to complete their studies and that a substantial amount is already gathered for Elsy’s study. Of course we will be looking for ways to cover her full study period.
So together we are really making a difference!
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, both for your very generous donations and for all your interest and support during our hike4education.
A big hug to all of you,
Beate, Carla, Julienne and Marie Louise.
PS: Beate will keep you informed on the projects’ progress.
friday, june 11, 2010
Last stage: Los Arcos - Logroño 30 km
Today Beate and Marie Louise had to keep up for all of us. And they did a great job!!!!
They did not only enjoy today's walk, they even wanted to continue with another leg of the Camino. Indeed they are in great shape!!!
Again vineyards, olives, crossing the border of Navarra and Rioja. After one week of travelling Beate and Marie Louise experienced and enjoyed once again the kind attention of the local Spanish people in every village they passed. This region is into pilgrims, not so much into ordinary tourists.
Carla and Julienne actually had a fine day. Logroño celebrated the Fiesta de Santo Bartolomeo. Thousands of people walking through narrow streets, lining up for free rioja and fish and chips. All the shops and museums were closed, but all the churches had opened their doors and they did not miss one church.
Meanwhile, one of our children Elsy (graduating in Social Studies this autumn) was sending us mails. Not only to learn about our walk, but also to inform us about her UN project, which focuses on communities in one of the poorest regions in the northern part of Honduras.
Dear friends, it makes all the difference doing this together. We supported each other, we encouraged each other, we took care of each other and we never forgot the purpose of this trip: study finance and preschool for orphans in Honduras and Guatemala.
We sincerely hope that the donors who have been so generous so far, will be an inspiration to new donors.
They did not only enjoy today's walk, they even wanted to continue with another leg of the Camino. Indeed they are in great shape!!!
Again vineyards, olives, crossing the border of Navarra and Rioja. After one week of travelling Beate and Marie Louise experienced and enjoyed once again the kind attention of the local Spanish people in every village they passed. This region is into pilgrims, not so much into ordinary tourists.
Carla and Julienne actually had a fine day. Logroño celebrated the Fiesta de Santo Bartolomeo. Thousands of people walking through narrow streets, lining up for free rioja and fish and chips. All the shops and museums were closed, but all the churches had opened their doors and they did not miss one church.
Meanwhile, one of our children Elsy (graduating in Social Studies this autumn) was sending us mails. Not only to learn about our walk, but also to inform us about her UN project, which focuses on communities in one of the poorest regions in the northern part of Honduras.
Dear friends, it makes all the difference doing this together. We supported each other, we encouraged each other, we took care of each other and we never forgot the purpose of this trip: study finance and preschool for orphans in Honduras and Guatemala.
We sincerely hope that the donors who have been so generous so far, will be an inspiration to new donors.
thursday, june 10, 2010
Day 5: Estella - Los Arcos 21,7km
Beate, Carla en Marie Louise hit the road expecting another tough day.
But this part of the Camino turned out to be nice and easy and so much fun.
Visions of fountains of wine, olive trees, well maintained hilly farmland became reality. Only Carla had a swollen leg. Upon arrival in Los Arcos a doctor advised her not to try the last long day's hike. We all feel sorry, but you have to take it as it comes.
Meanwhile, a new driver took Julienne to Los Arcos. A sleepy small village at the foot of one of the most beautiful medieval churches of the Camino. Santa Maria is situated at a convenient distance of 50 meters from the hotel, just perfect for a not-walking pilgrim.
Finally we all got the pilgrims' blessing
In the Santa Maria from a engaged vicor..
Due to technical problems we are not able to produce our pictures. Tomorrow is another day.
- update: photos! -
But this part of the Camino turned out to be nice and easy and so much fun.
Visions of fountains of wine, olive trees, well maintained hilly farmland became reality. Only Carla had a swollen leg. Upon arrival in Los Arcos a doctor advised her not to try the last long day's hike. We all feel sorry, but you have to take it as it comes.
Meanwhile, a new driver took Julienne to Los Arcos. A sleepy small village at the foot of one of the most beautiful medieval churches of the Camino. Santa Maria is situated at a convenient distance of 50 meters from the hotel, just perfect for a not-walking pilgrim.
Finally we all got the pilgrims' blessing
In the Santa Maria from a engaged vicor..
Due to technical problems we are not able to produce our pictures. Tomorrow is another day.
- update: photos! -
Day 4: Puente la Reina - Estella 21,5 km
Today had rain in store for all of us.
Julienne's chariot brought her to Estella, a monumental town with an endless list of artistic landmarks and built for and because of the Pilgrims' Way to Santiago. A visit is a must, but not with an injured leg.
Carla, Marie Louise and Beate set off along rocky Roman mountain paths and tiny ancient villages. The going was rough and the endurance test was going to take its toll.
But all of us arrived safely and the joy was all the greater to hear that again donations are coming in for the children.
It looks like what started as an adventurous way of realizing our targets - contributing to a Montessori preschool for orphans in Guatemala and study finance of three students in Honduras - is becoming reality, step by step.
Thank you donors, we are so grateful!
Julienne's chariot brought her to Estella, a monumental town with an endless list of artistic landmarks and built for and because of the Pilgrims' Way to Santiago. A visit is a must, but not with an injured leg.
Carla, Marie Louise and Beate set off along rocky Roman mountain paths and tiny ancient villages. The going was rough and the endurance test was going to take its toll.
But all of us arrived safely and the joy was all the greater to hear that again donations are coming in for the children.
It looks like what started as an adventurous way of realizing our targets - contributing to a Montessori preschool for orphans in Guatemala and study finance of three students in Honduras - is becoming reality, step by step.
Thank you donors, we are so grateful!
tuesday, june 8, 2010
Day 3: Pamplona - Punta la Reina, 27 km
Early start, facing a day of serious challenges of the mountain pass Alto de Perdon. Faith was with Beate, Carla and Marie Louise. Right after the start they discovered for the first time an open church and were able to light a candle, symbolic for this special day of pelgrimage.
In the meantime Julienne visited Puente la Reina and she was also lucky. The churches Saint Peter and Saint James could be visited and the famous Romanesque bridge was occupied by a group of cycling diehearts.
They passed through inspiring open fields of grains, flowers, mountains, villages and the promise of great vineyards. A detour to the chapel of Santa Maria de Eunate (12th century) was worthwhile, not only because of its ultimate simplicity, but also because of its peaceful location.
In the meantime Julienne visited Puente la Reina and she was also lucky. The churches Saint Peter and Saint James could be visited and the famous Romanesque bridge was occupied by a group of cycling diehearts.
monday, june 7, 2010
Zubiri-Pamplona 24km: a sunny and hot day
The Spanish driver, who is taking care of the luggage and Julienne, arrived this morning in a bigger car. To the surprise of Julienne he brought her four English newspapers! She spent a great day sightseeing in Pamplona.
After an endearing goodbye to the lovely landlady, Beate, Carla and Marie Louise hiked along the river Agra.
They enjoyed bird concerts, crickets, the sound of water, roses and butterflies.
Welcomed by Julienne at the famous towngate Baluante Bajo de Pilar they entered beautiful Pamplona.
After a six hour walk, refreshed by juices and coffee, there was new energy to discover the beauty of Pamplona.
After an endearing goodbye to the lovely landlady, Beate, Carla and Marie Louise hiked along the river Agra.
They enjoyed bird concerts, crickets, the sound of water, roses and butterflies.
After a six hour walk, refreshed by juices and coffee, there was new energy to discover the beauty of Pamplona.
sunday, june 6, 2010
Day 1: Roncevalles-Zubiri 18.9 km
Camino situation: Julienne had a muscle rupture just before leaving, but decided to join anyway. She is being transported together with the luggage (3 maletas y una senora). With the optimism we're all familiar with, she turned it into a mini rally.
After 33 degrees upon arrival we are confronted with mist, thunderstorm and heavy rain. After an hour the sky is clear and we enjoyed beautiful Navarra (see pictures).
We meet pelgrims from all over the world and everybody is friendly.
We are now relaxing in a bar, watching the tennis final at Roland Garros.
After 33 degrees upon arrival we are confronted with mist, thunderstorm and heavy rain. After an hour the sky is clear and we enjoyed beautiful Navarra (see pictures).
We meet pelgrims from all over the world and everybody is friendly.
We are now relaxing in a bar, watching the tennis final at Roland Garros.
