# Vallum Barn - Link: https://mywalkabout.net/vallum-barn/ - Published: 2020-01-11T04:15:36-07:00 - Author: My Walkabout In the year 2000, the couple decided to convert the horse stable property into a B & B to accommodate walkers, cyclists, and North Umbria countryside travelers. The result is the lovely [Vallum Barn](http://www.vallumbarn.co.uk/index.php). ![](https://i2.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/HipstamaticPhoto- 588523967.593290-1.jpg?fit=940%2C705&ssl=1) I read about the history of this place as I’m toweling off and nursing the first injury of my walking journey, an annoying blister on my right foot. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_5388.jpg?fit =768%2C1024&ssl=1) Makeshift nursing skills make quick work of the blister, and although it doesn’t look pretty, my foot is comfortable and I am able to walk without any further discomfort. I say a little prayer and head out into the village for dinner at the local pub, The Sally. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/HipstamaticPhoto- 588531455.729458.jpg?fit=940%2C705&ssl=1) The pub was only a two minute walk along the quiet street. I am quickly seated with a cold ale and place my order for halibut risotto. I sip my drink and think more about my time in Kenya, trying to reconcile my guilt over breaking such strong ties so abruptly with the people that I came to truly love. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but I was going broke. No matter how much I gave, it just was never enough compared to the needs of so many suffering in the slums. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TinType-588584106.869333. jpg?fit=940%2C940&ssl=1) The sun has almost set as I leave The Sally. The St. Kentigern public church whispers for me to come closer, and as I do a wave of comfort washes over my body. Perhaps I can find the answers I am looking for on the grounds of these old and hallowed places of worship? ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_5376.jpg?fit =940%2C705&ssl=1) A bout of loneliness hits me that night as I stare at the clouds filling the night sky, and carries into the following morning as I watch the sun rise to a new day. The truth isn’t always easy to accept, but forgiveness can be a powerful tool to help one accept those truths. I’m sorry that I let people and children of Kenya down, if they are hurting because of my actions or unresponsiveness. Forgiving myself is a step in the right direction in trying to come to terms with my loss of Kenya. ### Share this: * [ Email ](https://mywalkabout.net/vallum-barn/?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Vallum%20Barn&body=https%3A%2F%2Fmywalkabout.net%2Fvallum-barn%2F&share=email) * [Post](https://x.com/share) * [Share on Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share) * [ WhatsApp ](https://mywalkabout.net/vallum-barn/?share=jetpack-whatsapp) * [ Nextdoor ](https://mywalkabout.net/vallum-barn/?share=nextdoor) * [ Threads ](https://mywalkabout.net/vallum-barn/?share=threads) * [[ * [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) * [ Reddit ](https://mywalkabout.net/vallum-barn/?share=reddit) ### Like this: Like Loading…