Love in the time of Covid

In the summer of 2019, I decided that I was going to visit Machu Picchu in 2020. I started looking at flights and various tours. In the midst of my searching, I received an email from Living in the Light about a retreat in Peru in March of 2020. I would be able to enjoy a wellness retreat, visit Machu Picchu, and see Lima within the same trip. I immediately decided that once again the retreat came at the perfect time for me.  I wouldn't have to plan anything other than my flights, so this was a win. I made the reservations and I was ready to go. My flight was scheduled to depart for Peru on March 13, 2020. However, I received a cancellation email from United Airlines on March 12. After that weekend, the world as we knew it came to a stop due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. In the spring of 2020, we foolishly thought things would be normal again by the fall. The retreat was rescheduled for August 2020, then March 2021.

In the meantime, all international travel was on hold. My last international flight was to Mexico for my birthday in January 2020. I flew to Chicago for a funeral in June. I remained grounded after that, but I didn't stop exploring. I embarked upon road trips around Texas, and had a good time visiting new places and revisiting others with great companions.

During 2020 and the first half of 2021, I experienced loss, as did the rest of the world. Life changed dramatically.  The world that I knew changed.  We lost my mom's 2 surviving sisters - Aunt Mae, my rock, and Aunt Mil, my great tree - as well as other loved ones. There was a lot of grief and pain. However, what I felt most was love. Love from my family and friends, love from God through grace, and love for myself. I knew things would be better.

The Living in the Light retreat was rescheduled to August 2021. Before leaving home for the airport in Houston, I paused to think about what I wanted to take with me to this sacred space built by the Incas, and my eyes landed on Aunt Mil's tam. It was easy to carry and fit easily into my already full bag. "Auntie's beautiful, cute, educated, pretty, sweet, little traveling niece" finally visited Machu Picchu and took a symbol of the giants who built the platform for me to stand. While there, I carried with me the love and light that I received, and I radiated joy. It wasn't because of the location though. It was inside of me all along and I only had to recognize it like Dorothy.

Sun Gate that the sun illuminates only during the solstice

Be Still and Know...

5-25-16

The retreat was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, but some of us flew in on Tuesday night. We had a private Facebook group for all the ladies so we could introduce ourselves and share our travel schedules before the retreat began.  Those of us who were scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, made arrangements to stay near the airport together.  There were 4 of us in our group who were supposed to be at the hotel, but one of the ladies missed her flight from ATL. She booked another flight, so she would arrive on Wednesday morning.

My flight landed after 1am in Managua, and the shuttle driver from Airport X Hotel was waiting at the door as soon as I cleared Customs.  After checking in, I was escorted to my room where I showered and immediately fell asleep as soon as I laid down.  I woke up the next morning and went to the reception area for breakfast.    As I waited for my breakfast to be prepared, I saw a familiar face walk my way.  Buttafli and I were students at FAMU at the same time, but we didn't know each other there.  We introduced ourselves and began talking about how excited we were to be there and ready to experience the full retreat.  A few minutes later, we were joined by Mia.  The 3 of us talked and ate breakfast before heading back to our rooms to get ready for the day.  We took the hotel shuttle (a worker's car) to the airport and met the rest of our group there where we all boarded the shuttle van from Aqua for the 2 hour drive to the resort.  

For the past 2 hours, I've been exploring the resort.  It is comprised of semiprivate tree house villas, a spa, restaurant, beach, and exercise platform.  I was escorted to my room by one of the workers who showed me all the features of the resort.  When we arrived at my villa, I was pleased to see a small pool right outside my door.  I opened the door to find a bed facing the window with a view of beautiful green foliage below.  There's also an outside shower that I can use for a more natural experience.  There are no phones here.  Each person was given a cell phone by the resort to call reception, housekeeping, etc.  There's also free Wi-Fi.  I quickly emailed my mom to let her know that I had arrived.  I unpacked my things and took my time exploring outside.  Walking up and down the steps along the various paths was no easy feat.  I stopped at the spa after walking for about 15 minutes and I was breathless.  Sweat dripped from my face and it felt good cooling my skin.  I'm in pretty good shape, but that felt like a major workout.  This place is not for anyone with a physical impairment.  

I am currently sitting on a private beach in Tola, Nicaragua.  The waves are crashing and the sun is setting.  All is right in the world.

When I walked down to the beach, two of the other ladies were already there.  I took out my camera to take pictures of the setting sun, and they told me I had to take a "Praise the Lord" picture - arms raised to the sky in gratitude.  Sitting on the beach reminds me of God's awesome presence.  He ordained that I would be in this place at this time to receive all that he has for me.  If nothing else happens over the next few days, I know that I already have peace within.  I'm grateful to be able to share with the other women on this path with me.

Your Peace You Give Me

5-24-16 12:05am
The plane is slowly pulling away from the gate, and we are moments from takeoff.  I've already completed 2 legs of the journey - Houston to New Orleans then New Orleans to Ft. Lauderdale.  In just 2 more hours I will be in Managua.  This is my first trip to Central America.  I've been eagerly anticipating this trip for months.  Back in November, I saw a post on Facebook for the From Stress to Peace Retreat 2016.  I knew at that moment that I wanted to participate.  As I read the description, my soul cried out and yearned to go.  I knew that I wanted the retreat and the peace it would bring, but I had no idea at the time how much I would truly need it at this time in my life.

Between November and May, I experienced the worst time of my life - the end of my marriage.  I was angry, hurt, sad, confused, hopeful, disappointed, and on a constant emotional roller coaster for the first few months of 2016.  Once everything was settled between us, I knew that I needed to work on making myself better by refilling my spirit with peace, love, and forgiveness.  The retreat couldn't have come at a better time.  Not only will it allow me to relax and enjoy myself, I will learn skills to help me become more peaceful in every aspect of my life.  We will meditate, do yoga, hike, and more all at the fabulous Aqua tree house resort.  I am grateful that I have this opportunity to join with other women from all over the US to experience all that is to come over the next few days at the retreat.