Our walk commenced at a sandstone house nestled high in the Eastern Free State mountains, dwarfed by even higher sandstone cliffs on Boschfontein farm.
The air was crisp, and the expansive view over Lesotho and
its mountains was breathtaking. The sacred silence was rhythmically broken by
the sound of iron striking rock, echoing from the far side of the mountain-a
stonemason diligently chiseling raw rock into building blocks.
Here, massive rocks fallen from the mountainside are
reshaped into foundations and walls. This transformation of sand, reformed over
years into sandstone, served as an early reminder that our own life paths are
shaped by our experiences and choices.
The forest path led us from the rocks to the roses. The
fragrant garden, where breakfast was served to the pilgrims amidst colorful
flowers and soft sand, represented our brittle and vulnerable nature, as well
as our potential for growth and transformation.
Every flower and leaf, every grain of sand and rock, every
insect and antelope whispered stories of unprecedented greatness, inspiring the
pilgrim to rediscover their own inner garden and precious treasures of peace
and joy.
We had lunch on the next farm.
For a brief interlude, the world of sand and stone gave way
to iron rails and steam. The romantic display of trains at Sandstone Estates
served as a reminder of bygone days, inspiring the pilgrim with tales of
pioneers, inventors, and adventurers who dared to dream big.
Shortly before supper, we arrived at our next destination.
At Rensburghoek, if you listened carefully, you could hear
the sacred silence rhythmically broken in the distance by the sound of hooves
near the sandstone cliffs-a herd of wild horses! That night, around the table,
the wild horses within each pilgrim's heart were tamed, preparing them to
return home. This fortress became a turning point, a homecoming for the heart.
Just as every street corner presents a crossroads,
Rensburghoek awakened the courage within the pilgrim to seek their True North
once more. The vastness of the farm and its stately sandstone house became a
beacon of self-discovery, where the wildest dreams and forgotten desires could
once again find a place in the heart.
The name Valuta, where we would spend the following night,
spoke of invaluable values and uniqueness. Just as the word Valuta is linked to
different currency units, the ground beneath its banner became the pilgrim's
place of self-reflection and growth. Here, one rediscovers oneself as precious
and valuable, deserving of respect and esteem.
At the sandstone house on Valuta, the pilgrim realized they
were no longer a brittle grain of sand, but a strong and resilient living
stone, built into a spiritual house, and transformed by the power of the Holy
Spirit to understand that the richness of their individuality shone brightly
like a rare and precious pearl.
After a path with steep inclines and expansive views, we
arrived at the end of our journey, at Polo Africa. Walking through tree-lined
avenues, we couldn't miss the disciplined horses. The leaves rustled softly in
the breeze as a white horse approached. The proud look in its eyes reminded us
of something within ourselves, speaking to the importance of utilizing our
passions and desires in service to our Master.
The stonemason's work was now complete, the building stones
in place-proof of the transformative power of the Camino! The sandstone cliffs
of Polo Africa represented the solid foundation of our faith, now tested and
refined by a walk full of perspective and insight.
We have become living stones, built into a spiritual house,
with Jesus as the cornerstone.
