Labruge

Today our destination was Labruge, Portugal.

We knew before we started trekking we’d need to be adaptable, eh? Yet none of us had considered dodging wildfires in Portugal! We’d only envisioned the lovely coastline and salty sea breeze encouraging us on.

Yeah. Nope. Not today.

What if… we can’t trek today? Well, then, we’ll find another way.

We consulted with our tour agency, local proprietor, and did our due diligence with online resources. Even so, calling the taxi was a surprisingly difficult decision to make. If it wasn’t for hard data on air quality, we’d likely have tried to give it a go. Fortunately, wisdom prevailed.

We arrived at the guest house in Labruge too early to check in. Our hostess allowed us to drop our stuff and pointed us to a quiet little cafe nearby. I felt like an expat, lingering over a Café Americano, delectable pastel de natas, and nothing to do with my day!

Eventually, we strolled on to the beach, not far away. There isn’t much to Labruge, beyond the beach, and much of that protected habitat, plus a couple of restaurants and cafes. It’s a sweet and sleepy little town.

The surf action here is fierce; swimming was not advised. I only hoped to get my feet wet, which I did later in the day. Because by the time we finished lunch, air quality had noticeably improved.

We know the data don’t lie. From 184 in Matosinhos last night, to 140s on our route this morning, we’ve dropped below 100 in Labruge late this afternoon. Now there’s a lot more yellow and even some green on the air quality map of Portugal. We are immensely relieved and hopeful for tomorrow.

It’s no coincidence my devotional this morning was on counting your blessings. I had no problem listing them off; no doubt, my list would look familiar to you. This afternoon, I’d add cleaner air to breathe!

As afternoon leans into evening, however, I’m thinking about my blessings in another light. I’m humbled to consider those doing the difficult work of fighting fires; several have lost their lives. We saw newsfeed of those struggling by bucket and garden hose to save their homes and gardens or farms. Many have experienced respiratory distress, some life-threatening. But not everyone can avoid exposure, and we saw many carrying out workday duties without masks. What about the homeless folk in Porto, who received food and gifts gladly? Are they suffering on the stoop?

All things considered, our “difficult” decision today was not, really.

The author noted we are blessed to be a blessing. Just as God has blessed us abundantly, we are to give freely to others. “God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 MSG)

All along The Way, even before we’ve started trekking, I’ve had opportunity to give with delight. Most often I do give wholeheartedly. But other times, a bit grudgingly. Even today, I failed.

As if it were all about me, eh? It’s ever so much better to give with delight! May God help me to get it right.

Hold hope. Keep faith. Walk your walk.

~ Sincerely, Sondra

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