Friends,

We are one month from the start of the Elders Gathering. The valley has been particularly energized this year by the one month silent retreat at Vajra Dakini Nunnery which has just completed.

There are several people staying on the land, the gardens are blossoming and the whole land seems vibrant. There will be many ceremonies coming up this summer and many memories to capture as the Peace Village lends it energies to our journey together in this time.

We are grateful for our teacher Venerable Dhyani Ywahoo and to the place of the home fire...the Sunray Peace Village.

We remember all the Elders who have blessed us with their words, thoughts and deeds over the years at the Elders' Gatherings.  Many have made the crossing ... yet as we gather again, we know that they are still with us and inspire us to meet again with those that are stepping forward in this time. What a precious experience.

The land is being prepared, Elders have been invited to come, the people are planning their activities that support the Gathering and the call to all those who could benefit from being at the Peace Village at this time has goes out in our prayers every day.  May all obstacles to being with the Elders be lifted and the path made clear to come to the Peace Village in right relationship; to sing, dance, pray, play and listen to what the Elders have to share with us this year.

One way we clear the path and remove the obstacles is through our generosity.  We have sent out many requests to the local businesses that might feel the call help support the Elders Gathering thru the Elders Kitchen donation program.  We are so blessed to have a strong base of support from the business community as well as Sunray community members who donate time, products, and money to feeding the Elders, their families,volunteers and staff.

Once again it is time to think what each of us can share for this effort.

We are also aware that the land that supports us could use some of your attention in reciprocity by becoming a member of the Sunray Peace Village Land Trust which asks us to annually make a financial commitment keeping the vision alive of our Land based activities, the fire, the arbor, the temple, and the campground need your support.

So you will be asked many times over the next few weeks to make your commitments of support for all the activities of Sunray. We ask that you look at this like a circle knowing the cycle of giving and receiving begins with giving.

Blessings of Love to all of you and your Families,

Andrew Tobey
Elders' Workstudy and Kitchen Focalizer