"Father, You stand before me and behind, beside me, in the place I see myself, and everywhere I go. You are in all things I look upon, the sounds I hear, and every hand that reaches for my own. In You time disappears, and place becomes a meaningless belief. For what surrounds Your Son and keeps him safe is Love Itself. There is no Source but This, and nothing is that does not share Its holiness; that stands beyond Your one creation, or without the Love Which holds all things within Itself. Father, Your Son is like Yourself. We come to You in Your Name today, to be at peace within Your everlasting Love."

When I read this prayer I read it aloud. There is a music in it for me that transcends the world, that shines in God's Love for me and for all of my brothers and sisters. It helps me to see no differences in all. And when I let God's Love guide me there are no coincidences. Everything that seems to happen to me I ask for and receive as I have asked.

In my hitchhiking journeys through Mexico I met people who went far out of their way to deliver me to safe destinations. Some shared their meager foods with me, their language, and their love. What I experienced was unconditional love and acceptance from everyone I met. My journey to Mazatlan was like that, and when I got there I met Marcus Antonio (Mark Anthony!) who put me up in one of his bungalows on the hill by the cross, which was a city landmark.

I walked around the city and met so many loving people. On a bus I met an older gentleman who smiled with the sparkle of gold teeth that shone behind his moustache. He asked what part of the United States I was from. When I told him Santa Fe his smile sparkled all the more as he shook his head up and down. We talked for a short time and before I knew it he was guiding me through Mazatlan like an old friend. He took me around the Mercadas and showed me how to choose cooked foods. Right into the kitchens we went. He pointed at a pot and suddenly two bowls appeared filled to the brim with a mixture of meats and veggies and chunks of green chilies! Tortillas jumped into my hand somehow and I followed Don Juan to a rugged wooden table and bench where we enjoyed the food only to be brought another huge portion from another pot he had nodded at. This time it was the biggest shrimps I had ever seen. The juice that trickled down my chin was a flavorful hot red chile sauce! More tortillas! Just when I thought I was unable to eat another bite along came a bread pudding that melted in my mouth! There's nothing like a sumptuous meal to cement a friendship!

Don Juan took me around the city and showed me everything one could possibly see in a few hours. He told me about the history and guided me toward a place that translated to Rock Island in English. There, he said, is the place to live without paying any money. And when we parted he gave me a jar full of opals that gleamed in water. He would not accept any money when he bid Buenas Noches. I never saw him again.

I felt honored to have met Don Juan and so many people like him. They gave from their hearts and accepted the loving gratitude I returned. My experiences were always blessed with angels like Don Juan and I always thanked God for His Love that was expressed through the people I met. And, still, I am surrounded by the Love of God.