Never in their wildest dreams did the Walker family think their 13,000-mile journey would culminate in a meeting with the Pope. But that's what happened in Philadelphia after the Vatican called.
L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP
Catire Walker, Noël Zemborain and their four children hopped in their 1980 Volkswagen bus in March and set off from Buenos Aires on a journey to see Pope Francis in the United States. Here the family celebrates their arrival in Philadelphia. From left are Dimas, Cala, Noël, Carmin, Mia and Catire.
Walker family
It was important for the Walkers to spend time as a family. They traveled 13,000 miles through 13 countries together.
The Walker family
The family began their journey with Mass at the cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of Lujan, Argentina's patron saint.
The Walker family
In Concon, Chile, the family met Monica Ahumado, who, despite tragedy in her life, opened up her home.
The Walker family
In Copiapo, Chile, the Walkers were taken in by Angela Boggioni, back left, in the middle of disaster. Torrential rains flooded villages and towns in the Atacama Desert.
The Walker family
The Volkswagen bus was relatively cheap and certainly endearing, but it has had its problems. Catire has had to fix it several times. Here, Chilean friend Rafa helps with the engine in Copiapo after the devastating floods and mudslides.
The Walker family
The kids had fun on the beach in Pimentel, Peru. They've made many new friends on their epic trip.
The Walker family
Catire makes dinner on the beach in Mancora, Peru. The family packed camping gear to make the long trip affordable.
The Walker family
It was a fun-filled day for Cala, 12, in Mancora, when she got to swim with the turtles.
The Walker family
Carmin celebrated her third birthday in Armenia, Colombia.
The Walker family
At the port in Cartagena, Colombia, the Walkers had to empty the bus so that authorities could conduct a drug search.
The Walker family
The Walkers have been visiting Catholic shrines and churches on their journey. In Bogota, Colombia, they toured a cathedral built in a tunnel of a salt mine, the only one of its kind.
The Walker family
The family has been grateful to people who have taken them in. They stayed at a farm near Bogota owned by Carlos and Claudia Mazabel.
The Walker family
Claudia Mazabel gave the kids a lesson in pottery at the farm near Bogota.
The Walker family
The 1980 VW bus stands out wherever the Walkers go, even against the most scenic landscapes such as the mountains of Colombia.
The Walker family
Another birthday! This time, the family surprised Catire with a special breakfast on the 24th floor of the apartment building where they stayed in Panama City, Panama.
The Walker family
The Walkers have visited several historic spots in Latin America on their journey. In Panama, they visited Fort San Lorenzo, which UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site.
The Walker family
Dimas, 8, affixes the Nicaraguan flag on the back of the bus. The children have been taking turns with the flag stickers, but when they reach the United States, all four plan to put on the Stars and Stripes.
The Walker family
In Nicaragua, Catire and Noël were impressed with the lush landscape.
The Walker family
After an unexpected delay in Guatemala, the Walkers were forced to skip Belize and go directly to Mexico instead. In Oaxaca, they joined the Assumption of the Virgin celebrations.
The Walker family
Getting closer to the United States in Puebla, Mexico.
The Walker family
The Walkers finally made it to the U.S. border on August 30.
