In October, I was lucky to be the winner of the Alliance for Cultural and Economic Exchange raffle. That meant that I got an all expenses paid trip to Ecuador which was designed by Deborah Strafuss, and focused on creating a new connection to earth, wind and sky.

In our community of seven, including Dream Factory member Karen Bump, we travelled to the rainforest, Papallacta, Otavalo, and Quito.

We had a huge bus, a driver, named Marcelo, and a guide, named Raul. We luxuriated at the spa in Papallacta, shopped in Otavalo, and had the grand tour in Quito. But the highlight for me was the sights and sounds, and work we did in the rainforest.

Rainforest Scholars

The Dream Factory partners with AlliancExchange for our annual April conference. The proceeds from our silent auction funds scholarships for rainforest students to go to high school.

We got to meet the kids and their parents and hear first-hand what this opportunity means to them. Our meeting at Tomas Lodge, included our thoughts for them, introductions, dancing and more. Parrots and toucans were included as well as heart-felt sentiments that connected us with them.

Parrot under Deb's chair

It was the kind of trip you don't get over or forget. It inspired me to want to get more involved as we explore the educational process for these amazing indigenous people who taught us the importance of community and getting the right balance when reaching out to help.

For more on AlliancExchange's Scholarship Program.