Alvin and Jean Witten, a couple from South Africa, recently embarked on the Camino Francés, a historical route that converges on Santiago and the shrine associated with St. James. The couple, who began their journey on September 3 at Saint Jean Pied de Port in France, aim to give their walk a deeper purpose by raising funds for Masithandane, an organisation that provides health and nutritional support to children, adolescents, adults, and older people in the Sedgefield area.
The Camino Francés, one of the most popular routes of the Camino de Santiago network, attracts people from all over the world who walk for various reasons, including religious or spiritual purposes, self-discovery, or adventure. For Alvin and Jean, faith and the pleasure of walking together are complemented by their desire to make a positive impact on a community far from Spain. Jean, who is part of a group called Happy Hands, has firsthand experience of the organisation's work, as they knit squares and crochet blankets to supply to Masithandane.
Alvin's personal connection to the cause is rooted in his childhood experiences of growing up in a large family and facing poverty. He recalls arriving at school hungry and waiting for the first break, when a feeding scheme provided a meal. These experiences have shaped his perspective, and seeing children face hardship today draws a connection to his own walk. The couple's journey is not just about personal growth but also about giving back to the community.
The first steps of their pilgrimage, from September 3 to 14, were marked by challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. The couple faced a steep rise through the Pyrenees on their first day, but by the time they reached their first stop, they felt a sense of achievement. As they continued on their journey, they encountered fellow pilgrims and shared meals and stories, highlighting the sense of community that defines the Camino experience.
As they progressed on their journey, Alvin and Jean encountered people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. They met Eve and Lars Gunnar, a Swedish couple aged 77, who were walking their third Camino and approaching 50 years of marriage. The couple also experienced moments of kindness and generosity, such as when a former pilgrim offered breakfast for a donation, and when 64 pilgrims pooled their efforts to prepare supper, eat, and wash up.
The Meseta, a vast and flat landscape, presented a new set of challenges for the couple. With no GPS, they had to follow markers through traffic, facing a flat final 8km to Tardajos. However, the Meseta also offered moments of reflection and beauty, as Alvin noted that "there is beauty in the ordinary." The couple's journey was marked by small acts of care and kindness, such as Jean putting plasters on Alvin's feet to prevent blisters.
As Alvin and Jean continue on their journey, they remain committed to their goal of raising funds for Masithandane. Their shared destination, Santiago, serves as a unifying force among people of different faiths and cultures. The couple's story is a testament to the power of compassion and the human spirit, and their efforts will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of those served by Masithandane.
Key points
- The couple aims to raise funds for Masithandane, a community care organisation in Sedgefield that provides health and nutritional support to children, adolescents, adults, and older people.
