Inner Flecha

by Andrea Hernandez | Santa Maria, CA

My “arrows” started long before I stepped on the physical trail to Santiago. In 2022, I suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissues that cover the brain. This changed me mentally, cognitively, emotionally, and physically. After my brain injury, I settled into life and thought the Camino would never happen. 

A year into my recovery, I heard about the Central Coast Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino. This beautiful group of pilgrims embraced and welcomed me with open hearts. One activity our chapter held was a three-day pilgrimage. It was then that our chapter leaders, Debbie and Andy Allen, asked if I could help shepherd the pilgrimage. I replied, “Uh. You know I have a brain injury?” Without hesitation the Allens responded, “You’re the perfect person for this.” The Allens, our chapter, and shepherding this pilgrimage were my first “arrows.” The Allens’ belief in my abilities during a life changing event helped me find a belief in myself, which became my “inner flecha.”

Two years later, with the encouragement of our chapter, I completed the Camino Francés. During those seven weeks, I faced many relatable challenges: no vacancy at an albergues, a stomach bug, a cold, a blister, a lost item, losing my way. In these moments, I would also encounter a peregrino, a smile, a Camino angel, or a nudge from above that would motivate me to keep moving forward. On the Camino as in life, sometimes it’s getting lost or losing my sense of direction that gives me the needed humility to ask for help, seek God and others, take risks, be present, move forward, and get out of my own way. 

I still get lost in life. In those moments, I can hear the sweet voices shouting from a tiny village, “Peregrina. Peregrina. Wrong way!” Or, the sweet elderly man who looked me in the eye on the meseta and said, “You’re a champion.” I can still hear the Allens reminding me, “You’re the perfect person for this.” Whatever “this” is post-Camino. 

My “arrows” have been others I have encountered along my way. They helped me find a belief in myself. They led me back to my heart, belief,  valuation, and my own approval of myself. They helped me find my “inner flecha.”