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

 

March 2006

Update on the Albadgiana trip.

It's been over three years since my trip to Albadgiana. So much has occurred, don't know where to begin? Perhaps, sharing that John of God is becoming well known. When I traveled to the healing community, very few knew who this man was. Now, he's coming to Atlanta, in April. I've been told he hasn't been to the U.S. in years. Since my trip, I've led many people to Albadgiana. And, I know, a few who have been totally cured of their fatal diseases. I've also wrote an article about Joao (John of God) as well, last year. And more and more interest is building. I see John of God coming to Calif.

I want to reiterate, what I witnessed, were amazing miracles. This wasn't just about JofG. It was about the healing community. It was about the people who came from all over the world to experience something so unbelievable, it has to be seen, felt, experienced. The area in this wondrous place, like a shangra-la. People transformed and shifted into love and peace. I hear many have returned to their respective communities and are helping the world become a better place. One thing I noticed, there's no concerned what race, color, creed one is. It doesn't matter. It's sort of like the NDEers when they returned from the experience, this isn't important. We are all ONE.

JofG was featured on PrimeTime, a national T.V. show last year. I've heard the skeptics and what I say to them, go and stay 2-3 weeks or more. It will change your life. Is everyone happy with their experience? I've heard of a few who have come back to complain. What was expected, a cure? It's quite clear, one's karma is also considered. Maybe complaining is part of something to be worked on?

I had a severe neck problem. JofG didn't cure it. Another Canadian Christian woman staying in our posada cured my neck problem. It took a year to heal, which she explained would happen, but most of the issue is gone. This 80 year old healer has been to the Casa a few times to rest. She's so effective, in her community, people line up outside her door. They come from hundreds of miles for a healing. She turns no one down and doesn't charge anything. In fact, I pulled out some money to pay her and she began screaming and holding her hands up, "please put this money away. I'll loose my healing ability, if I take money. This gift I received was given to me with the understanding I would not charge." She was totally exhausted from the endless healing work in Canada and came to Brazil to rest. She helped a handful of us and I'm humbly grateful for her gift. It has made a lot of difference in my life.

I have lots of stories but I will only write about a few. I came home from Brazil in Jan 2002. My son, had a surgery scheduled a few days later for a brain tumor. My mother and I were by his side before the surgery. I placed a few rosaries on him, I purchased at the Casa, with a few other blessed pieces. I left him for a moment to go to the bathroom. As I walked out of the bathroom, there was a small room with a curtain drawn in front of me. I heard a woman weeping. I approached the curtain opening and said. " Can I come in?" The female voice responded and invited me inside. I had one hand in one of my pockets, holding a small rosary, the last from my Casa trip. I asked her if she was OK? She kept crying. I noticed she had a hospital gown wrapped around her and I felt she had some tests done and she heard the results. I asked if there was anyone waiting for her and she shook her head, no. I then asked silently to myself-- "What do I share, angels?" They told me to ask her if she has a religious or spiritual base to her life? Also, I ask her if she believed in miracles? She stopped crying and said yes. I briefly told her about my trip to the Casa and about my son lying on the gurney waiting brain surgery. I took the rosary out of my pocket, told her this was a gift for her. She held it like it was a life line to hope, faith, love and peace. I blessed this woman's way and attended to my son.

Mitch was a trooper as he laid there with the healing symbols all over his chest but before he went in for surgery, he wanted everything removed, except to hold one rosary.

My mother and I prayed in the lobby and I began meditating. In my meditation, JofG came to me and in a Portuguese tone..."All is well. All is well." I was taken back by this vision but I absolutely knew then Mitch would be OK.

Mitch was in surgery and recovery for a long while. He was then released to his room. My mother and I stayed awhile longer and then left him to rest. On the way home, I told my mother about this strange vision. She screamed. She told me she saw JofG by the surgery room and thought, why is he here? Am I hallucinating?" We both were speechless. Please note, my mother is very Catholic but is open to the spiritual side of things as she has experienced many things out of the unordinary.