"I accept the challenge!" - Fernanda said.
"We'll find ya, nobody will discourage us!"
It was late at night, the road was without signaling, without light and the only saw the arrow indicated the asphalt.
"We are alone in the middle of nowhere!" - Said Fernanda discouraged.
"We must continue to walk ... is not possible don't find a hotel!"
It was dark and the only sound was their own steps and speed of cars passing on the highway. The plates indicating the direction to the neighboring town, A Rúa.
"We're heading toward another city ... and did not find any hotel! "- Fernanda said.
"God, protect us from that darkness! Give us the opportunity to find light and shelter! "- Isadora said in prayer.
"Amen!"
The darkness insisted on staying, when a flash on the sky appeared very suddenly.
"Look at the sky!" - Isadora said, impressed.
"How beautiful!"
Both were amazed with the beauty of this vision. One whitish light like a trace of milk in the sky. Thousands of stars danced like fireflies shining with the light intensity out of the ordinary. Comets, shooting stars and many lights. They were under a rain of stars. They were under the milky way. They stood for a long time admiring that wondrous phenomenon. The sky brightened all the way. The energy of the stars has connected with both like a magnetic force impossible to disengage.
"We are not alone in this world! Feel the energy of this place! I never felt anything like this ... "- Isadora said, impressed with the beauty of the stars.
"We're not alone!" - Said Fernanda surprised.
They were ecstatic during a time when they realized that they needed back in search of an accommodation.
"I think we need to go. This energy is very intense and we do not know the consequences. It is a touch strong and unknown. It's wonderful, but I feel that we need following it is time! "- Isadora said, startled.
"I also feel something between us. There is something higher and much more intelligent that plays tricks on us at the end to giving us a surprise. Think about on the day we had today. "- Fernanda said, looking at the sky.
"Yeah .. so many trials and difficulties, and in the end, he wanted to show us Your face. He have a language sometimes a little difficult to understand, but who opens to him, has wonderful surprises! "
"Now we must go! We need to find a shelter, so, we will spend the night here. "- Said Fernanda still thrilled.
"Come on!"
Now, no worry with the time, for shelter, for nothing. They knew that they were not alone, and that everything would be well. They keep the way and did not feel pain anymore, fear, sleep, just courage and an inexplicable feeling of euphoria and happiness.
One light at the end of the road indicated a small town. Followed on a dirt road, perceived a lighted house, it was a simple hotel. Entered. In the reception there was an attendant and said there was just one double room.
"It's ours!" - Fernanda said, smiling at Isadora.
On the bed, Isadora could not stop thinking about the surprise of that night.
"Now, I understand why it is called Way of Santiago of Compostela ... the way of the Milky Way ... the way the constellation." - she thought.
Her voice was manifested again.
"Every human being is one autonomous center of consciousness, energy and desire individual ... like a shining star and there is thanks for their own inner light, paving the way in the heavens shining without suffering any interference .. . except insofar as your celestial course be gravitationally changed by the presence, near or far, the other stars. On the call the astral light, you can see an exact reflection of yourself in all its parts, powers and qualities. The stars are frequently considered as a symbol of truth of spirit and hope, and is also considered a symbol which connects the divine spark inside each of us. "
Isadora listened to the voice and imagine the size of the power of the universe.
"The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy where we find the Solar System, a structure consisting of approximately one hundred billion stars. We are a small point inside the immensity. Our solar system is located in one of the regions outside of the galaxy, within a smaller spiral arm, called Arm or Local Arm of Orion, which is a mere link between the arms more massive interior and exterior, the Sagittarius Arm and Arm Perseus. Similar to other galaxies, supernovas occurring in the Milky Way at irregular intervals along the time. "
Isadora falling asleep while doing a prayer, thanked that sweet and loving presence and the sense that the journey of the Way of Santiago offered them.
SIX OF CLUBS
You will attain the victory through
domain of its forces.
The strength is a gift from the universe,
and you are just a receiver,
should use it in a manner
coherent and sensible.
Today is the last day ... and more interesting was that in the middle of the fight for our goals, and us do not forgoten to watch what the signs were telling us. "- Said Isadora.
"I have been noticing on this way how fragile we are , and ignore the human essence is to ignore yourself." - Fernanda said, as she packed her backpack.
"The craziness day to day makes us forget about what we have the most precious ... our soul, which is much larger than our bodies and is intimately connected for something much bigger than our minds can imagine. There are many mysteries between heavens and earth, and the mystery is no doubt ... amazing ! "- Isadora said, smiling.
"How are you feeling today?" - Fernanda said, looking worried for her friend.
"My body's aching, but I will not give importance for this ..." - Isadora said looking at her feet.
"I see that you as well excited! Me too! Finally the last day! "
"Today I feel myself renewed, strong, safe ... and without self-pity!"
"That's how I like to see ... you seem back to normal!"
"I feel back to life!" - Isadora said, her eyes shining.
While looking for a place to take one good food, they watched the simplicity of the people who lived in that region without major acquisitions or ambitions. Finally they found a coffee shop and a green area with tables outdoors. While they were eating, one lady who was the table beside seemed to pay much attention on the conversation of the two.
"You are enjoying the way?" - Asked the lady.
"Today is our last day of pilgrimage, and so far we are amazed with every minute ." - Said Mrs. Fernanda.
"You have seen the Milky Way yesterday?"
"Yes .. it was wonderful! You also saw yesterday? "- Said Isadora.
"Sorry for the intrusion, but it was inevitable listen the conversation, you were talking about a manner so joyful and spontaneous, that caught my attention ... and not be all the pilgrims who can have this experience."
"Okay ... Mrs. is coming from where?" - Fernanda asked.
"I come from the Pyrenees ... and this is the second time that I do the Way of Santiago." - Said the lady.
"We know that other people were doing the second time. It is an incredible experience, is not it? "- Fernanda said.
"Do you know why the way is called Way of Compostela?"
"Because is the course taken through the milky way ..." - Isadora said, recalling the experience of that night.
"Exactly! And Compostela means "constellation", the path composed of stars. "- Said the lady, looking at the sky.
Isadora and Fernanda looked at each other and smiled. . They understood exactly the language of woman.
"But you will only perceive the true sense of the way when coming back to their homes and living day to day. Will feel the weight of some things ... and will want to break free of them ... like they did with some things that were heavy in the backpack. - She continued -You will understand what is really important and what are the weights that are worth carrying. "
Isadora reminded of tennis that pressed her feet, and their history with Mark.
"Good way, girls! See you in Santiago of Compostela! "- Said the lady, smiling and saying goodbye with her hands.
"Good way!" - They said.
Isadora and Fernanda was left the road and continued peaceful, yet not forgetting the goal, and that they needed arrive in Santiago on that same day. They went A Rúa, crossed Labacolla city, always appreciating the beautiful landscapes. They wanted to protect in her mind each minute of the last day of pilgrimage. The sun was setting when they arrived at Mount of Gozo. They looked at the horizon and finally, saw the Cathedral of Santiago.
"We have arrived! Let's ask how much time remains until the cathedral. "- Fernanda said, stopped a man who was on the other side of the street.
"Please! ... Do you know how long time to arrive at Santiago?" - Asked Fernanda smiling.
"If you are walking, will arrive at least within three hours." - Said Mr..
"Three hours? But we have just see the cathedral from the top ... "- Fernanda said, startled.
"The Cathedral is so great that seems close ... but you will have to walk a lot ... so, good way!"
"Thank you!" - Fernanda said, disappointed.
They were exhausted ,and that information doing with them to became even more tired. But do not give up.
"We will arrive today! It is our goal! "- Said Isadora.
"No doubt! Can you take? I see that you is limping so much ... "- Fernanda said, worried about her friend.
"Let's move on! We have passed the 30kms ... but we need to arrive today! "
The steps were getting faster, and the Isadora's feet ached increasingly but wanted to accompany her friend. He was quiet and tired, but not stopped. Night was falling quickly, but it was not a hindrance.
The plates indicated the Cathedral of Santiago of Compostela ...bur did not reach the Cathedral yet. They climbed the hill, and the staff supported the Isadora's body , her pack was weighing on her body, and the feet were increasingly debilitated. Suddenly have heard a few applause from some direction. They looked around and perceived some people clapping her hands stops along the way for both, to congratulating the arrival at Santiago. The two looked at each other smiling and crying with emotion. They thanked all attention, and when they crossed a hill, saw two boys playing flute, sitting and waving to pilgrims that arriving. They played the hymn of the pilgrims. Turned left and finally saw the main entrance of the Cathedral of Santiago. Fell to his knees in front of the railing, thanking all the strength and experience in every way. If hugged each other, thrilled.
Now there was no more pain ... it was a quiet emotions of accomplished duty. The goal was reached, and she acquired a great spiritual content to recover the forces dedicated to the goal. The cathedral was closed, but would come back the next morning to receive a blessing at Mass for pilgrims.
On the way they found a restaurant and toasted the victory.
"For our effort ! Our determination! "- Fernanda said.
"At 30km a day! And others will that will come after this pilgrimage! "- Isadora said, raising the glass.
Celebrated the days that have passed together, the patience, tolerance, and what they shared on that trip. Every minute of pilgrimage would be part of their lives ... forever.
"It is from that moment which we will apply what we learned along the way ... we just need to open ourselves to the signals that we receive." - Fernanda said.
"In addition to being attentive to the signs, it is important to follow the voice of intuition ... with faith! Only then can we achieve our goals. "- Said Isadora.
"I'm sure of it! It is time for you back to painting. I want to go in your exposition immediately! "
"So as possible, I invite you when I get back to work for the exhibition. I am sure that this experience will help me so much. "
In the next morning, they attended the special ceremony for pilgrims and received the compostelanas. Isadora left her crook beside the Cathedral's chair, and when she returned, the staff does not be there. She looked around and saw no one.
"The crook really was an instrument of God to helping me along the way ..." - spoke softly,smiling.
In the afternoon they come back to Madrid. Now, they could walk on the road of their lives. Was time to grow up ... Was time to live!
THE STAR
The star represents light and the infinite expansion of universe.
A great guide that helps us explore unknown ways,
illuminating the darkness.
When the harmony is established in the spiritual world
the future looks hopeful, conducting the realization of our dreams and
the achievement of happiness.
When they arrived in Madrid, Isadora went to get her bag and went to the train station. Isadora and Fernanda parted, thrilled, knew that would see soon, and for friends, don't have goodbye, just a see you soon.
The train left the station, and now Isadora know what is feel alive again. She thought that would like to paint frames, the screens, in the smell of paints and the brushes, and the exposures, everything that left to do and what should be done. She had the feeling of having been reborn and would start a new life with more wisdom. When she reached in Granada, grabbed a taxi and on the way, watched your new city. A mixture of past and present, where the landscapes giving one contrast of history and mystery. The old buildings, people walking on the streets, she needed to know their new home. Claudia was home, waiting with many news.
"Tomorrow I'm embarking to Italy expose my paintings. Do you wanna come with me? " - Said Claudia.
"I can not, I have to start at the coffee shop, and I have no painting done ..."
"You will spend your whole life serving coffees or will going back to active? Do not delay! "
"Little by little I will coming back ... I'm rebuilding myself ... I will back at the right time, you'll see!"
"I want to see! Now, tell me ... do you get the documents with Giovanni? "
"Got it! But I need to tell you something ... I feel that he is unreliable and need to talk to the manager of the coffee shop to see if these documents are true. "
"Talk with him and let's solve this ... I'm going tomorrow and I'll be back at 1 week, is just the time of exposure.. "
"What time is your flight tomorrow?"
"In the afternoon."
"In the morning I will talk with him, and after I told you. '
"Now go get dressed. Let's celebrate your back! Pizza and wine! "
"Great, let's go!"
Walking through the city, watching the Piazza del Salón del Violon . A large park in the center gave a live environment and relaxed for the end of summer. The past seemed part of the present, not only in construction, but in the visual elements, the past could be seen clearly, but would take a few days to understand what it all meant. They found a restaurant and Isadora began to tell the news of the trip for her friend.
"This is all real?" - Said Claudia.
"Yes! But now you need to make your way! It's wonderful! "
"One day I will ... now I have lazy!" - Claudia said, laughing at herself.
"I know sometimes it's hard to believe in the extraordinary ... but it exist!"
"You do not exist!" - Said her friend Claudia.
The next morning Isadora began working in the coffee shop. As soon as we arrived was talking to his new manager. His name was Chemma, one men tall, strong and bald.
"Good morning, how are you??"
"Alright! I am Isadora, the new employee."
"I know, I was expecting you. Let's talk in the office to sign some papers input, today is officially your first day. "
"Sure, come on!"
Isadora talk with Chemma and he explained the whole operation of the coffee shop, who were their new coworkers and their schedules.
"You could give me your passport to get a copy? We need to send to the foreign's control, is the procedure. "
"Chemma, I did one visa extension for another three months, but I'm a little insecure with this document."
"Let me see!"
Isadora showed the passport and documents, and Chemma review with all carefully .
"Everything seems to be right ... what is your question?"
The Star (The Way in marked cards #2) Page 4
