The adventure begins

Well the day has arrived - we have packed, rearranged and tucked in some last minute 'oh we should pack..'.  I think I may have overpacked and Rick keeps saying "they probably have it there..." We have enjoyed some great times this last week with family birthday and new home celebrations.  We celebrated accomplishments and enjoyed quiet time with friends and now we are off to our adventure.  We leave this afternoon (Sunday) arriving some 15 hours later in Porto, Portugal, hopefully with all the belongings we checked meeting us there.  [Due to other travel experiences we have allowed 24 hours to let them catch up. :-)  ]

here we go - all we need for three weeks

I have spent the last 48 hours trying to tie up loose ends and give answers to those who may not have the question yet but they now have the answer. I have prepared my plants and gardens for Sarah to care for them in the easiest manner possible (all pots are in one place for ease of watering - making the yard a bid sparse but when we get back it will be beautiful like magic).  I have arranged for messages to arrive to friends & family just because and to congratulate during the time we are gone. I am sure I will be making more lists on paper and in my head of just about anything but what I need to have on the top of each and every list is "LET GO". I am tired. 

In the process of repotting plants I came across the piles of seashells in my garden, collected over the years, mostly from my favorite beaches in NC.  Besides the oyster and conch, I discovered all sizes and colors of scallop shells. If you weren't aware I am somewhat of a passionate 'care for all God's creations' kinda person. And  spending time quietly on a beach being lulled by the rhythm of the waves, studying all the creatures, searching for seaglass and collecting shells is just about as perfect as it gets.  Is this another sign...a green NC scallop shell among my collection? 

The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino. The apostle, James, a fisherman of Galilee and a pilgrim, is seen in many pictures with the scallop located somewhere on his clothing.  Therefore this Way of St. James uses the scallop shell to represent the many starting points from which pilgrims begin their journey. It also points pilgrims in the direction to Santiago. The scallop is used for way marking on the trail, for identifying official pilgrim hostels  - the ribs of the shell pointing the way.  I have to 'Let go' to enjoy this adventure, watch for signs as we travel and  be aware those signs may be right under my feet.

Rick says he will obtain his shell on the compestelo, and I may too but in my day pack I will carry this green North Carolina shell along with another small one given to me just for my pocket as we walk this Way of St. James.

 I pray that I let God care for all my needs as I 'LET GO' on this journey.

Give me my scallop shell of quiet; 

My staff of faith to walk upon; 

My scrip of joy, immortal diet; 

My bottle of salvation; 

My gown of glory (hope's true gage) 

And then I'll take my pilgrimage. 

-      Sir Walter Raleigh

My green NC scallop shell