In Harmony

On one of the first days of our experience in Ecuador, as Krystal and I were walking toward the nearby park, I began picking up strains from a beautiful melody. As I drew closer, my eyes spontaneously filled with tears that tumbled down my cheeks as my heart swelled. I wasn't even conscious at that moment of what I was experiencing. It took me a few seconds to recognize the song "Chiquitita" and to mentally sing the words to the beautiful andean flute. As I later pondered my overwhelming response, I realized: this was a song that I had known from my youth, the original artists were Scandinavian, the words were in English, I had heard it and sung along with it often in my former home of The United States. Now here I was, in yet another part of the world, South America, hearing it played on an indigenous flute, welcoming me to my knew home. The title was in Spanish.

The singularity of the experience--all those different cultures and parts of the globe joining together in harmony to provide me this lyrical, soul-stirring moment! I felt very moved.

"Chiquitita" means "little girl." As I came home and searched the lyrics, I found them, also, to be most fitting. Here they are:

Chiquitita, tell me what’s wrong
You’re enchained by your own sorrow
In your eyes there is no hope for tomorrow
How I hate to see you like this
There is no way you can deny it
I can see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet.


Chiquitita, tell me the truth
I’m a shoulder you can cry on
Your best friend, I’m the one you must rely on.
You were always sure of yourself
Now I see you’ve broken a feather
I hope we can patch it up together.

Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they’re leaving.
You’ll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving.
Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you.
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita.
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita.


So the walls came tumbling down
And your love’s a blown out candle.
All is gone and it seems too hard to handle.
Chiquitita, tell me the truth
There is no way you can deny it
I see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet.


Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they're leaving.
You’ll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving.


Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita.
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita.



Music is powerful! It reaches into the subconscious mind and brings forth feelings and actions that have changed lives. Krystal and I have experienced much in the ensuing weeks since my poignant experience with Chiquitita. Not only have I been continuing to feel more and more in harmony within my own being, but I have been getting a more clear vision of how my harmony will, potentially, increase and bless the lives of others, rippling out to bring a harmonious, joy-filled world where, truly, "the hills are alive with the sound of music!"


To recap some of the highlights:

Three weekends ago, the plans that Krystal and I had had for that weekend to go to "El Oriente" (the rain forest) and visit some new friends, learning about the people and their needs in that part of Ecuador, were changed at the last moment. Other plans had come up for those who were also involved and who were going to take us there and act as translators. This propeled me to take us (via bus) to "La Mitad del Mundo" (the Middle of the World) just outside of Quito. This monument marks the place where scientists collaborated and marked the exact point of the equator.

Here I am holding the world in my right hand while Krystal straddles the equator, a foot in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Krystal is looking over a serene setting in the middle of the park-like atmosphere of the cultural center.

Krystal is playing with a young girl on one of the fun park features. She loved this spider-web type contraption that I would spin around and around for them!

A dear friend had told me about a man and his wife that she had taken lessons from years past who would teach about Ecuador, the people, culture, and real estate. She gave me their contact information and the wife and I emailed back and forth a few times. She invited me to Cotacachi for that coming weekend, where they had a beautiful hotel and were offering a seminar for those looking to do business in Ecuador. Their attorney would be presenting info on acquiring VISA's. I thought that this might be just the opportunity that I needed to find answers to what I could do to lengthen my stay--perhaps forever. Although the seminar was several days long, I was invited to freely attend the Sunday class. At the last moment, I found out that the attorney was speaking Saturday morning--and I had no way to get there in time to hear him. Since Cotacachi is relatively close to San Pablo and I had been invited to be in San Pablo for Saturday and Sunday to again stay with the Romero family, I decided to go anyway, and Anna Marie (a new friend and one of the Romero family) came with me to the morning session.

Cotacachi is a beautiful, clean city. It is amazing what a bit of vision and attention to detail, coupled with money being pumped into the town by outsiders, can achieve. What a stark contrast it offered me to many of the other towns (which were laid out very similar to it).

Here is Anna Maria, outside the church in the middle of downtown Cotacachi.

This last weekend, Krystal and I again went to San Pablo. The purpose this time was for Diego Romero (previously referred to as Diego #2) and I to have time to share and explore some possibly related thoughts. Several times I had been told by his relatives that I seem just like him (by both his sisters' families). Although they would share very little, they would marvel often about the apparent similarities.

I have been slowly learning that Diego has given up a lucrative musical career in Quito to move back to his family home in San Pablo with his father and give his life to the poor children there, filling their worlds with music and happiness. He is endeavoring to help the community (particularly its children) learn and enjoy music while finding their own peace and happiness.

Though Diego knows no english, and my spanish is faltering at best, we both knew that as we communicated our hearts, understanding and sharing would take place. It didn't take long before I realized that very possibly the reason why I was "called" to Ecuador was to reopen my dream of "Harmony House" and work in partnership with Diego. Could it be?

It is amazing how cohesive our dreams are! Eight years ago, when I was "shown a vision" of Harmony House, I saw a place of beauty, peace, and healing on all levels-- emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I saw a place of transcendent learning and sharing...a "place of true harmony."

As my (then) husband and children enthusiastically joined with me in our pursuit, we learned much from other somewhat similar ventures. My attorney husband did all the legal work necessary to attain 501C-3 non-profit status. During one particular visit with an orphan-placing foundation, C.A.S.I., it was determined that the home we would establish (then called "Harmony House for Children") could potentially be a prototype for the Chinese government to help them learn how to deal with their 80+million orphans in orphanages (97% of them being female--raised until the age of 12, at which time they were thus sold for slaves of one kind...or another). The President of the foundation asked me how many we would be able to provide care for. I quickly, whole-heartedly responded, "80 million!"

Well, his meetings with Madame Wang (the leader over all the orphanages in China), the leaders of the Chinese government, and those from the American government did not fare well at all. He came back to say that every door that could be closed, did--particularly by the American officials. When our funding did not come in, the ranch that we had found (through some most amazing experiences) fell through, and then, my marriage dissolved, I had pretty much wondered about that whole, amazing experience and put it "on the shelf" in the back of my mind until understanding came--knowing it would some day. (Much more of this incredible story is told in my forth-coming autobiography.)

I now get it!!! I won't share much in this venue, but, suffice it to say...I wasn't ready! I had much to learn, many attachments (relationships, things, belief systems, etc.) to let go of and rearrange in my mind and life. I had much refining to go through. I had the principles that I am now writing about in my book, "The JOY of Harmony--How to JOYfully Raise Happy Children," to fine-tune and begin sharing.

Now, however, it looks quite possible that the time and I are ripe. I believe the world is crying out (and not in harmony!) for a different vision, another song, another way of living and interacting. And now, I may have a partner who has similar values and who lives, similarly, from a peaceful, passionate heart, willing and ready to help heal a troubled world--one young soul at a time.

Again, I am living in the moment. Although I have a vision of what I want for the world, I'm not completely clear what each of the steps will be for my part in helping to get us there. I do have pieces of the puzzle and will endeavor to live in the NOW and let my life flow from one step to another as I do whatever I feel in my joy-filled heart is the needed.

Here, Krystal is playing with friendly girls in the street outside the Romero house in San Pablo.

Here is a photo of some of the group of students that Diego works with in the afternoons. There is definately a respect and deep bond they each have for him, and he for them.

Outside of the government building in the central square are many indigenous women who wait for their "hand out."

Diego took Krystal and I on a drive and hike a little ways outside of San Pablo. This is his favorite place. As I entered this beautiful valley, I was overcome with emotion. This was beyond beauty. Truly, this picture seemed to match the one I "saw" in my mind that day of late December 2000 when I first was given the understanding of "Harmony House."

Several water falls of various sizes grace this serene land that seems to have never been touched much by humans.

Another view. In the far distance you can see San Pablo lake.

Verdant, lush, gorgeous!

Krystal and Diego by the little mountain stream.

Here, Krystal plays with some of the local girls who were here enjoying the day with their family. They are music students of Diego's. Krystal is deciding that the water is just a bit too cold for her and is on her way out.

(I wish you could see her a few minutes later--nearly naked and sloshing in the rich, black, mud--nearly covered with it. Alas, my camera battery had died.)

My dream for Harmony House, which has been newly refueled, and seems to be shared by Diego, is as a self-sustaining community of peace, healing, learning, creating and love; a place where children without homes and support can be integrated and thrive, knowing they belong, are accepted, appreciated for their unique essence and have a feeling of being needed for their contributions. Harmony House will be a (largely) self-sufficient (food, clothing, water, power, natural healing, empowering in every way) place of peace where street children and orphans can come and find solace, genuine love and healing, growing to maturity in wisdom. It is a community of family-type homes where music and true, passionate education (of the heart and mind together) fill the individual and society. I see Harmony House as a seedbed for a new kind of human, a being who is no longer a victim, no longer lonely, depressed, angry, but empowered and joy-filled as each interdependently and respectfully lives the golden rule and grows UP happy, productive citizens of society.

Early in 2003, I awoke one morning with the "knowing" that I must prepare myself, for one day I would be leading the children of this world in a grand choir of peaceful, empowering, song. (At that time, my understanding was that it was "my" birth children that the message must be implying.) I began immediately to glean from my vast reservoir of music a simple collection of songs that seemed to fit this need. Since then (and, indeed, throughout my life) I have composed simple little tunes of empowerment and joy, sharing them with the children in my "world" and watching as this music has made deep impressions in each of our lives. As I sold off basically everything I owned this last summer to begin this venture, gratefully, I still have access to this music. I KNOW that further music will be written and come forth to aid in this grand healing venture as we each join--in harmony--in a grand "Multi-Verse."

Diego says that the name "Harmony House" ("La Casa de Harmonia" in spanish) "!es perfecto!" Without the addition of ..."for Children" it keeps the implication that ALL who join in the effort and vision will share in the harmony and healing--not just "children." For, indeed, each one of us has a "child" still alive and waiting to be heard and healed living within our own heart.

Years ago, I was "given" the principles for TRUE education. Although I have greatly fine-tuned these through the years, I have named this style of education "Lighthouse Academy." In addition to the healing principles that I have learned (physical, mental and emotional), this education will be utilized in Harmony House. The BASIC needs will be provided for along with the governing laws being: equality, everyone lives by "The Golden Rule," and the pursuit of happiness is the reason for living and interacting, AS IT IS MADE POSSIBLE.

The nearby communities and volunteering artisans and workmen (as well as interested parties from around the world!) will intermingle with Harmony House members to mentor and assist (while also being held to the governing laws), training those who are interested in their art and skill. The children will then be able to sell their works to others to provide not only opportunities to learn and contribute, but to receive personal monetary remuneration for their desires not covered by the basic necessities provided by Harmony House.

Although I truly did not know why my sudden impetus this summer to sell everything and go live in Ecuador, I did have some vague notions why. As I wrote in my letter (which is my first blog post) of July 4th, 2008: "Again, where my life will continue to lead, where I will go from there, I can’t even guess. It is likely that I will help in orphanages. I might open a school of some kind. Perhaps I will make and sell my “green drinks” and smoothies. Perhaps I will do nothing more than walk among the poor and bind up their hearts as I laugh with and interact with them. Whatever I find to do to sustain us and fulfill our inner joy in life, I am fairly sure it will involve children and parents, music and laughter. All I know is that life is a grand adventure; love IS the (only) answer; the injunction to “do unto others as you would have others do unto you”—always—is the only road to true and lasting peace."

As I have shared bits of my dream for Harmony House (and its expansion to help create a peace-filled world), Diego has jumped in and gone to my next sentence. Saturday, as Krystal and I were walking around the town of San Pablo, I saw in my mind how I wanted the layout of the community to be. When we got home and I shared that with Diego, he picked up my notebook and quickly sketched it out, showing me his bracelet that had the symbolic representation on it. Then, he went and got his many year's old notebook where he had written his dream, along with the same lay-out drawn in it.

Even at this early stage in our partnering, there are many synchronicities. To me, it feels like I have found a dear, long-separated brother. I'm sure we go way back and have had many similar experiences together--before this life. As Diego and I went to an internet cafe in town to see the slideshow on the Worldwide United Foundation (http://www.wwunited.org/) he was thrilled! Here was his dream from many years past all written down and ready for humanity. He enthusiastically signed the declaration.

Diego shared with me a pivotal chapter of his life. From my understanding of what he shared, when he was eight years old, he was profoundly ill, affecting the bones of his body. The medical community, who called upon many experts, were at a loss of what else they might try to bring him relief from his tremendous pain and to alleviate his suffering--having lost hope in finding a source of healing. Then, somehow, he was introduced to music. He immediately began to heal, find great passion and, his life has never been the same since. Music was his "savior" and has been his way-shower to help bless the lives of many others.

Sunday, I was able to briefly meet a Catholic Father who has a self-sustaining (and very beautiful) home for Aids children there in San Pablo. He has said that his home is my home and that I am invited to visit, question, and learn from what he has put together. Although very different from that which Diego and I endeavor to build, there are many common themes. I also was able to meet Diego's friend who is working to enliven the town to take care of the buildings and find self-respect in bettering their lives. Also, Diego introduced me to another friend who is a member of the government of the Imbaburra Province. With each of these we briefly shared our "project."

Both Diego and I smilingly acknowledge that there are many who consider us each "loco" (stupid or foolish). I have learned that I really don't care much what any other thinks of me. Indeed, there is great freedom in living as a "fool." My desire is to follow the passionate barometer of my own heart and live my joy as I, perhaps, bless the lives of others. This I will do.

There are still many unknowns. Is this the right time for Harmony House? Am I yet ready? How will we proceed? In pooling everything we each own, we have scant resources and very little money to begin. BUT...we each have deep desires to bless humanity and fill the hills, mountains, lowlands far and wide with music, healing, harmony and happiness. With this passion, there is no way we will not at least make some progress and leave the world a little better than we have found it.

Perhaps Harmony House will begin here in Ecuador and serve as a prototype for further areas of the world. With the extreme poverty and the 80% illiteracy rate in San Pablo, it seems a good place to start.

Diego and I certainly can not do this alone. Perhaps there are others who will feel to help us in this venture. I have the vision, I have some helpful experiences and, of course, my driving passion, but certainly there are others of like heart who will step forward to offer what they can.

We each have a lot to do, together and separately, to get this project going, but one foot in front of the other, receiving direction from our hearts and peaceful minds...IT SHALL BE DONE.

I have a dream. My dream and peaceful joy will lead my footsteps, guide my hands, be my voice. I believe that by living and bringing forth my dream, many, many lives will be healed and made whole. At least mine will.

Chiquitita (little girl), you CAN sing a new song. A song of hope. A song of JOY. A song of LIFE.

Last night, while preparing for bed, I felt a "shift" of some kind come over me. I realized that I was experiencing a profoundly deep level of patience...peace...allowing. As I pondered on the singularity of the feeling, I realized that the last few weeks I had not been feeling this much continual peace on this deep a level. Instead, somewhere in the back part of my mind, I had been wondering and searching for just HOW to establish the contacts and how to maneuver extending my stay long-term here in Ecuador. I knew that I still had so very much to do! I had been sensing that my time here was possibly ticking away. Had I accomplished what I had come here for? Although for every possible moment of every day I have been working on my books and caring for those other bits of life that need attention (often during the night while Krystal--and the rest of the world--sleeps), it seemed that I was not making nearly the progress that I want. With all that I have been continuing to learn and put together that I passionately want to share and help others with (including feeling my own passionate JOY in the learning/discovering/remembering/sharing process), I have more now than ever that I want to bring forth, write about and accomplish. (Much more than will fit in just "one book" to write. Many volumes.)

But, now, I realize, it's all okay...truly okay. If I have to leave here tomorrow, I am at peace. If I have not been granted a VISA or found another way to remain in Ecuador and have to utilize my airline tickets back to Arizona on December 18th, that is okay. AND, if the way somehow does open up and I am allowed to stay here and do the work that seems to be coming into greater clarity within my heart and mind, that's okay, too. I am not the ultimate overseer of this world...just my "own world." Whatever the appropriate timing, whatever the real project, I will remain awake in my soul and vigilant in following its call. In patience. And peace. And harmony. Considering what I've been learning and experiencing, this deep level of allowance with 'whatever is to be' is significantly poignant.

I now leave the reader in peace...

and harmony.

Until we meet again, over the great "net" or in person,

Kimberly

Keep smiling! :-)