At 0800 this morning, a very dear friend boarded a plane for Guatemala. He is embarking on a significant portion of his life journey. I will not go into detail as to where he is going and what he is doing, all I know is that I will miss him dearly. It is a profound sensation when you are made aware of how much someone means to you in your life and the depth of the connection you have.

I took on the discipline of capoeira in search of something to better myself in a craft with deep roots in the African consciousness. It has been three years since I began playing and it has been quite a revelation. The roda has revealed facets of I and I that have brought on tremendous growth, and in the roda I have come across many people. There are many that I have played with, sang with, talked with that are amazing people. However, it was only a few that have marked me so deeply in my life. This friend is one of them.

Our paths crossed for a brief time and in that time our exchanges have shown me the value of what it is that I am seeking, that I have not lost my mind and in the most tumultuous and reality-shifting moments of my life – the glimpse of the Universe I was fortunate enough to capture was real. It wasn’t a figment of my imagination. It wasn’t an idealistic mirage in a land parched of humaneness. What I saw was Truth, and my journey is just beginning.

I wish you safe travels, Irmão. I keep you in my prayers so that your Ancestors may guide your way and keep you on your Path. It is a long road ahead of you and you give me courage to walk my Path with conviction. May the Sunrise Light your Mind and the Sunset Whisper the Secrets of the World in your Ear. Walk with the Infinite One. Ayibobo.