Healing Retreat at Pachamama, Costa Rica

Dear Friends,

The last nine months have been quite a whirlwind for me! After experiencing some intense challenges regarding housing instability and feeling forced to return to full-time work as an in-person classroom teacher, an occupation I have found severely dysregulating for my nervous system, I have decided to take advantage of my time off for the summer by joining the Pachamama community in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

I have chosen to spend my summer this way for three reasons:

1. I want to begin gently transitioning into an intentional community, or eco-community, abroad. This visit will give me some insight as to what my experience could be like when I am officially ready to relocate into such a community. I am really looking forward to feeling what it is like to be a working member who contributes something valuable to a larger group, as I intend to participate in the work-trade program by cooking and possibly gardening.

2. I have a pressing desire to do some deep inner work and exploration this summer. In particular, the Pachamama community appears to have amazing workshops and retreats and is a profoundly unique space because of the depth and scope of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual transformation and healing one can encounter. I have personally spoken with at least two people who have experienced the fullness of Pachamama over multiple months at a time, more than once; both stated they were forever changed after the first visit, and no part of either stay was much like the other

3. This is an early birthday present to myself. Being almost entirely surrounded by the gentle, quiet, peacefulness of nature 24/7 will definitely give my nervous system the reset it desperately needs, before I pick back up with teaching in August. All areas of my health have been significantly impacted, especially since my return to full-time teaching last fall. I would like to have a fresh, healthy start next school year.

Many of you are personally acquainted with me and are very familiar with my rather significant vision impairment. You may even know of my daily efforts to live a full, productive, high-quality life despite being challenged by such a limitation. I feel deeply called to have this experience in and with a wonderful community of like-minded and like-hearted people and determined to not allow my vision impairment to stop me from stretching and growing in this area of my life. I want to continue living a full, beautiful, bold, bountiful life!

Pachamama has graciously accepted my application to join for the summer. However, for very practical reasons, the community is requiring that I bring a fully sighted person with me to assist me with traversing the tricky terrain and helping me learn my way around the large property. Daniel “Dan” is that person for me.

So here is our situation. We are planning to leave in three weeks, and we need no less than $3000 to finance our entire two-month experience. The cost includes lodging, transportation, some food, at least one workshop, potential medical expenses, and other miscellaneous costs that could arise. Dan is doing all he can to make this happen for me. He deeply cares about and believes in me getting to take on opportunities to stretch, grow, and evolve where I feel spiritually called. Additionally, we both see this as a chance for him to benefit in his physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual journey as well.

This feels like a really big request, and we both are more than grateful for any monetary assistance you can provide. I really want you to know that your contribution to my GoFundMe is helping to make my summer dream come true!!! :)

Thank you for being such a beautiful blessing in my life!! <3