Have you ever completed a goal and then realized it was the journey to that goal that shifted your spirit into its higher divine understanding? My trip to Peru was more then just a vacation it was a spiritual experience of personal growth. The best thing about this journey was that I was not alone. From the tour guides to my fellow group companions, each person contributed, motivated, and assisted me in this shift. New adventures arose from every place we visited. All human senses were awakened. The crisp air on the Lares trail filled lunges and rejuvenated, the screaming wind biking down the Sacred Valley danced on ears and energized, the historical ground under hiking feet balanced and uplifted the soul, the sun kissed cheeks from Amazon were sweet and warm. All these experiences contributed to my still thoughts that were filled with gratitude and humbleness. So the big question, "what was your favorite part of the trip?" is what most people want to know. We saw so many amazing sites but for me it was the orphanage we visited. Arturo, our tour leader, on his day off took us to El Hogar de las estrellas. It provided a great experience to see the children of Peru, especially those in need. There was the most amazing spirited women, her name was Martha, she was one of the women running the orphanage. She stands out in my mind as a truly fulfilled women giving only her time and love to those children of Peru. To me Martha represented the spirit of the Pachamama because she was filled with love. They say the Pachamama is a good mother and Martha was more then a mother to those children she was their lifeline. She reminded me to be filled with the spirit of Pachamama and carry love from Peru out into my world here in Northern Virginia, USA. When you can come back from such an amazing trip and your spirit was shifted by other human beings it reminds us we are really not all the different. And that love and giving are the common values that can unite and bring forth shifts towards the betterment of all mankind. You can't put a price on that. I offer a toast to Pachamama, our mother earth, reminding us of our own reflection within her embodiment. This is a video of our thoughts as a group on our last night together. It is not the best shooting - but it is a true testament to how life-changing these trips can be. Also, it shows the true heart our tour leader Arturo, his efforts were always way above and beyond. He has a true spirit of giving and he has a lot of love and pride for his country. If you have 9 minutes, you should watch. I'm shooting the video. Copy and paste link http://youtu.be/BC_7UDYmelU Much love and respect, Merry Collette Stumpf

| January 1970