Annette, the standard reparté for your scenario is to remind you that Saint James works in strange ways all along, and away from the Camino. To some of us, sometimes, his methods are downright strange.
But the key it seems, is to have faith that everything will turn out well. Whatever your distress or loss, just "offer it up" as a sacrifice.
In four years walking and working as a voluntario at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago, I have seen far too many serendipitous moments and outcomes to support a mere rationale of "chaos theory." Clearly, there is something more at work here.
I do not profess to have the ultimate explanation. What I can assure you is that you always get more out of giving than the immediate satisfaction of helping another pilgrim in need. I have seen this result time and time again.
In fact, it is what keeps me coming back for a month every year as a voluntario. It is also why, when I walk a Camino, I always tote extra stuff, supplies, etc. to provide assistance whenever indicated.
It has become what I do, and in part, who I have become. My association with the
Camino de Santiago, and with the members of this Forum, have made be a better person (IMHO) than I was five years ago, before my Camino era.
I hope this helps.