Day 8: Final Day
Hello, family (said in Rosa’s voice)!
We wanted to write one last trip journal to say THANK YOU to all our familia/darlings/new friends from the Africa New Life fundraising trek. Your fundraising accomplishments and personal connections to the organization were inspiring to both Chandler and me, and it was a real joy to come to love the change ANL is cultivating in Rwanda through all of you!
We are so thankful for our final day in Cusco together, and our trip culminating in the encouragement (“nug jug”) circle we shared at Oqre for our last meal. We wanted to leave a few words that were spoken over each person so that they’re documented in the Beyond photobook. We pray these words of life will encourage you for days to come!
Anna Caroline: mature beyond her years, flexible/adaptable, and kind
Lauren: nurturer, caring, and a model mother
Cooper: overcomer, so much ahead of him!, incredibly strong (physical and mental toughness), and we loved Chandler’s charge to pursue the narrow road
Corbin: amazing father, intentional (asks the most thoughtful questions!), and great cultivator of family
Joe: glue of our group, a pursuer of people (intergenerational friendships), connector, + Joe jokes!
Reagan: spark, the soul of our group, and our source of sunshine and energy!
Basil: deep thinker, quiet strength, the combination of the best parts of both her parents :)
Steve: the person we all want to be!, generous, and inspirational
Lisa: heart of our group, kind, loving, caring, open/curious, willing to learn/try new things (+ raised an amazing son!)
Mary & Jen had already jetted off to the Amazon, but Chandler and I got to conduct a mini nug jug with them the night prior to their departure. We shared that we are grateful for their example of a healthy, joyous mother/daughter relationship, we love Jen’s “gift of tears” + her big heart, and we were blown away by Mary’s ability to befriend everyone in our group with her winsome personality and big heart…
This was a PHENOMENAL GROUP, lifelong memorable trip, and it was our great pleasure sharing the past week and a half with all of you. We can’t wait to reunite on our van tour!
With gratitude and admiration,
Mary and Chandler —
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This is the last day for the group in Cusco. Today is a day to relax, enjoy the beautiful Belmond Hotel and tour the city and enjoy some shopping, eating, etc. The trip will end with a celebration dinner before heading back home. It could not have been a more perfect week in Peru with a wonderful team! Here are some pictures from their week together!