Joy McGinnis – Camino de Santiago

April 29, 2024

This is my third and final night at Alminhas da Mindua with this lovely family. L-R Antonio, his wife Jessica, Ana and Carlos (Antonio’s parents)

Antonio’s great grandfather (Carlos’ grandfather) owned this house. It had been empty for some years and was in ruins. They restored it so beautifully, with the intention that it would be used for disabled people and their families. Everything is wheelchair accessible. The idea was born out of their own experience of family vacations with Ana’s mother and the difficulties they faced because nothing was accessible for her wheelchair.

Tomorrow morning Carlos will drive me to Ponte de Lima on his way to work so I can meet up with Merideth and Judy, where we will walk partway to Tui in Spain.

It will be hard to say goodbye to this place and this family. Ana says “you are a part of this house now.” Love lives here and it spills out on everyone who enters their door.

Pictures from my walk around their village today. This is their house. From the outside you could never guess the beauty that waits inside.