Three Gifts for My Camino

by Kerry Aguilar | Portland, OR

I received two gifts to send me off on Camino. Along the way, I received a third. 

The Gift of Daily Song: Each morning of my Camino, a good friend would send me a song on Spotify, inviting me to start the day invigorated or contemplative. Each song provided just the encouragement I needed that day. The selections ranged from John Denver to Khalid, Steely Dan to Sia, and Prince to my favorite, “Esto les Digo” performed by the Messiah College Concert Choir Chamber Singers. The variety of music evoked thoughts of the people I met on the Camino, and how we came from all parts of the world to join in one personal yet communal experience. Back home, I continue listening to this playlist. 

The Gift of 69 Cards: When I decided to walk the Camino, my sister began an arduous task of creating one card for each day, 69 in total. Each card, kept safe in a packet, was inscribed with a note from my sister and a poem, quote, or funny picture. Randomly selecting a card each morning, more often than not I seemed to pick the card the Holy Spirit had chosen for me for that day and the “issue du jour.” 

The Gift of Virtual Connection to My Home Church: An unexpected gift on my Camino was being able to attend online church services held at Washington National Cathedral, which had become my home church during the COVID-19 pandemic. As I streamed the church services, from the albergue or sometimes even while I was still walking, the verger greeted me with curiosity and encouragement, and offered prayers for my pilgrimage.

Thinking about these three gifts, I am reminded of the story of Hagar in Genesis 16. In Hagar’s wilderness journey, she names God El Roi, which means “the God who sees me.” Often on the Camino, I felt like a tiny ant, unseen. Yet, each day—through my friend’s special playlist, my sister’s cards, and the verger’s encouragement and prayers from my home church—I was reminded that someone out there sees me and knows each step I take. This gift of being seen brought more comfort than any tangible item in my pack.