Thunderstorm predictions for mid-Missouri and especially Columbia presented a narrow window of walking opportunity today around 1:00 pm. I was in the middle of a video with dishes in the sink ... and I just strapped on my new Merrels and headed out the door to a route I knew was heavily shaded; if it came to rain, I had foliage to keep the worst of the rain off.
Only, at the very last minute, this Autumn 2021 Porto-Santiago (3 in Spain, a newbie to Portugal) Camino-dreaming gal changed to a different route, one with a bit of elevation, which pilgrims bound to either country know, we really need to work on.
Coming back towards my car, an elderly (well, I am 76) woman walking two charming, friendly dogs paused headed the opporsite direction. When she replied to my question about the dogs, I detected an accent. "Vous etes francaise, par hazard?" "Oh, no, I have been living in Brazil for many years!" I ventured that I had loved my several weeks in Brazil but that I was headed (fingers AND toes crossed) to Portugal in Autumn. And from where did she come from in Portugal?
And if you guessed she wasx born and loved Porto, you would be right.
Sooooo... we chatted and laughed and interrupted each other for a few minutes, until a clear sign from the western heavens indicated the reprise from crashing thunder and very real lightning was baaaack.
We bade farewell. And I thanked ... everyone. Angels, serendipity, perfect timing: the lot.
Who could have predicted that in the middle of a pause in thunderstorms and literally thinking about which Gossamer Gear backpack to take to Portugal, and in the middle of Missouri, I would align to an actual, lovely, native of Portugal?
If you looking for a sign, and you let it go how it comes you, it shall arrive.
Obrigado!
