In late Nov 2001 I was nudged to take a journey to a small village in Brazil, which is a plane ride from Sao Paulo and a taxi ride a few hours outside of Brasilia. I thought I traveled to this small village to retreat, re-group, and meet an incredible faith healer. Today, I realize there were numerous reasons and more to unfold. I'm forever changed by the vast experiences of this three-week spiritual awakening and amazing adventure.

I planned this trip in a short time. I wanted to leave in early December, the busiest time of the year, and 3 months after the 9/11 tragedies. Miraculously, it all came together in perfect order in a matter of a week.

On this trip, I was to meet up with a group of spiritual seekers. Members of my family were quite concerned as I'm directionally challenged. So much that it's a family joke. What my family never explored or realizes, even today, is the fact I have the courage to travel across the world. I am sometimes blinded by "disturbing thoughts of mainstream directions," but my own faith, trust and angel guides, always lead me to and from, safely.

The first part of December I was sitting in anticipation at the San Francisco airport, awaiting a stand-by ticket and only saw fully loaded planes. By divine grace, I hopped aboard the last plane, and was told it was the very last available seat of the day, headed for Miami. As I sat in economy, like a canned sardine, in the back row, middle seat, I felt appreciative and was ready for the next blessing on this journey.

Traveling alone and arriving in Miami, I headed for my next flight. It was late and I was eager to get to Sao Paulo. I sat for about 40 minutes and watched the area clear as the agents called ticketed passengers to the flight. A few people were left waiting and they were seriously staring at the airline agent desperately wanting the last ticket out of Miami. As the time got closer to take off, I moved next to the podium and closer to one of the three men left in the corner section. Minutes before the last name was called, it seemed like we all were in "deep breath mode" and wondered about our fate for that evening. By 12.00 a.m. only one other was escorted to the plane. It was the first time this has happened to me in 3 years using stand-by. I was jolted, I needed to ground myself and get into trust, faith and knowing that what was happening was for my highest good.

Gilbran, the man I stood by, glanced at me and I knew, instantly, we had the same thoughts…"Now what?" After taking another deep breath, we both decided in a heartbeat to team up. First, to find a hotel.

For three days, Gilbran and I tried to get out of Miami but with no avail. As it turned out, we needed all the in-between time to lead us to our next step on our respective journeys. We waited and waited for hours on end, for 3 days at the Miami Airport. In-between the back and forth time to many airline counters, we conversed non-stop. We became fast, spiritual friends and created a bond that will last a lifetime. As destiny would have it, I needed to meet Gilbran for greater reasons than the immediate. Our separate journeys made a dramatic turn to create another twist to a growing story. One never knows what the Universe has in store for us.

All airline flights were full to Sao Paulo. The airport was so chaotic we couldn't believe it. We finally decided to travel to Rio, catching a flight to Sao Paulo as that flight had seats available. Gil mentioned that we could stay with his mother but I was hesitant. I felt I was imposing. He and I went back and forth on this subject until his phone call to her at the Rio airport. This invitation was something I've never experienced. I didn't know how to respond. In the states, this would be a rare practice. I was in awe of how virtual strangers (by U.S. standards) welcomed me into their life/home. Our time was brief but it was comfortable and memorable. I found Gil's mother to be a spiritual, gracious, woman. The next day we drove around Rio to view some of the beach area and then Gil's mom dropped us off at the airport. We flew to Sao Paulo where Gilbran and his lovely wife and young daughter reside. I then flew to Brasilia where my taxi was waiting to take me to my destination.

In the spiritual, healing, community many miracles happened. I witnessed healings at the sanctuary of John of God. This wondrous experience alone was beyond my imagination. I didn't witness cures but others in the group did. Operations were preformed in front of the group, daily. Tumors were removed from different areas of individual's bodies. One man got up from a wheel chair after a dozen years paralyzed. The group I was with observed this and was in total awe. There's a room filled with wheel chairs, crutches, eye glasses etc.

Thousands have journeyed to this small village and thousands have been cured or healed. I found out early, healings and cures are not the same. Everyone gets a healing but not everyone is cured due to one's destiny, karma, the lessons that go with that person and those surrounding him/her. This is a subject in itself to be written about another time. The center called " THE CASA " is built on a vortex with abundant minerals beneath which creates an incredible energy. I was told this village was chosen for this reason. I've never experienced this sort of energy/feeling before. This combo was amazing along with JOHN OF GOD and his remarkable volunteers that are dedicated to the mission of his work and the amazing people that gathered from all over the world. It felt like we were in this love bubble. It's so difficult to put into words as words bring this shangla down a BIG notch. I feel it was the closest example of heaven, bliss, unconditional love that permeated everyone after they'd been there awhile. What does that mean? It means, I witnessed with my eyes, ears and heart, personal, astonishing, shifts people made during my three weeks in Abadiania. I didn't want to return home. The experience was that incredible. I want to add this isn't an upscale resort. It's a small impoverished (by mainstream standards, thinking etc) community. I stayed in a boarding home with very basic accommodations. A small room to sleep, bed and bookshelf and a make shift lamp with a dangly wire holding it to the ceiling. A small area w/toilet/sink and shower head in-between the two necessities. T.P. could not be but in the toilet so we had to dispose of everyday outside the building. A first for me, but this all was secondary, not important. We were all there for greater reasons then what was presented on the surface.

During my stay, I journeyed to small mountainous villages and met artisans tucked away in these magical corners of the world. I was in awe of observing and participating in the sacred ceremonies of African-Brazilians. I traveled to different churches and sanctuaries to experience their treasures. I got to view the largest crystal in the world held above a sacred labyrinth and was honored to walk this revered symbol twice during my 3-week stay, with insights, that poured forth during and after this blessing. I met and mingled with incredible people from Brazil and from all over the world. In our group, there were school teachers, physiotherapists, family therapists, parapsychologists, a real estate agent, a Zen Buddhist, a homemaker, published authors, a contractor, an artist and our group leader who was a healer, published author and tour guide. It will be interesting to see how many books/art/stories come forward from this trip alone.

Before I left the states I contacted many people I knew who were health and emotionally challenged. I was told "John of God" could heal from photos and material belongings of those wanting a healing or cures. I brought a stack full of photos and belongings. I was going to wear the clothing, bracelet, of my beloveds each day to the center for healings. Most people responded with anticipation and welcomed this blessing as many have tried everything and this gave them a sense of hope. A few were fearful and stepped back. I honored where they were with their fears, apprehension. BUT, they ALL wanted to know the story when I returned. I prayed everyday for all my beloveds, even those who surrounded me daily in Albiagina, in mediation, at meals or in community, visiting, sharing lives, and sharing stories. Some of my beloveds here in the states want to experience this wondrous place themselves. One has to see it and feel it to believe it. And it's one for the books. I will return.

Some of you may have a difficult time with all of this, but to be fair, again, one needs to see it and feel it to truly grasp this miracle blessing. John of God does not charge for his services and everyone working at the Casa donates their time and love. Healing isn't about money. JOG does this work out of love. His mission, service and everything else is provided, including money. The mindset is truly different than the U.S. Too many healers charge exorbitant prices and many ill people cannot afford them. People in Brazil cannot grasp this concept. In my life and I 'm sure most individuals, struggled with total faith and trust when things got tough. This experience has brought me to another level of understanding.

One blessing I want to share. I met an incredible Irish man, J.A. who gave me a massage and also an angel reading while in Albaginia. He travels the world and his only income is that above. J.A. charges by donation, only. If someone cannot afford or simply doesn't pay him, he is more than OK with that. He's in total trust and faith and he's always been "provided for." He is so much "provided for" that he travels where he wants, when he wants and worldwide. He was a great teacher for me, he didn't just appear by chance. J.A. gave such insight and is a true example. I'm humbly touched by his light and willingness to spend hours with me to help me learn and grow though love and service. He told me he has helped many in service, and his service and love are the same, no deviation, if someone pays him or not. Again, he's always "provided for" and more and more as he shines his love upon the world. Most in the mainstream may think this is something out of a fantasy book. His example may be extreme to most but it's a lesson we all must learn espy in these times. Faith and Trust in something more than living on the surface of life which encompasses our pocketbooks, our job titles, our this and our that. It all stays, when we die, we take nothing. J.A. is no different from you and me or the President of our nation, the child living in an orphanage or a mansion, an African, an Asian, the Queen of England or JOG. He doesn't separate people. He sees everyone as part of source.

Each day many things occurred that has and will continue to change my life, profoundly.

The wondrous story is more detailed and I will write about it someday.

After 6 months of planning, we are ready to bring forth our newest treasure from one of the most healing, spiritual, mineral rich places in the world. Gibran's lovely wife, Anna, a jewelry designer, partnered with "A Sacred Memory" creating these beautiful treasures.

In the age of crystal healing discovery we're honored to be the presenters of "Sacred Journey Bead Circlets." Ours alone.

Our company felt it would be very important to create this ritual gift and incorporate a written "intention" to the giver and to the receiver. Some may call it a prayer, a request, a blessing, thoughts, feelings, emotions or affirmation. Others may look at it as an ancient sacred intention from the past brought forth renewed, to bless those on their journey. A link, a healing, loving connection for everyone to hold in vital moments if loved ones cannot be there. We wanted to leave the intent open, not to restrict, as this is a universal symbol welcoming all people and where all people will feel they are connected, not separated or alone. Our angels welcome those who aim to place the highest intentions of this sacred ritual gift. There are those who will purchase these gifts, or these treasures may be gifted by "A Sacred Memory."

Our angels ask to not copy or sell as your own, as the energy will not be the same. If one wants to partner with us, we would be honored to hear from you as we want to work together in healing, building healthier relationships and stronger bonds for the future, especially for our children.

As I began researching the symbology of Sacred Journey Beads intricacy, it's amazing what has come before me to share with you. We will begin with " The Science of Prayer", as these treasures are sort of a depiction of a small rosary or spiritual/religious prayer beads, but these gifts are a universal symbol not separating people from each other.

Pamela Sodi wrote an interesting piece on the power of prayer. Followed by the influence of the ancient sacred circle and an article written in a Stanford University magazine about beads made/used as ritual tokens thousands of years ago. These tokens were among humanity's first symbols representing one of the most important revolutions in our species career, the dawning of modern human behavior, says anthropology professor Richard G. Klein.

Click Here for Cynthia's Soul Brasil Magazine Article

In loving kindness and in service,

Cynthia M. Long
ASacredMemory.com