"My bags are packed, I'm ready to go................."  At 4.00am on 28th January, that was ME! I was 'leaving on a jet plane'. From Adelaide to Sydney to Los Angeles. I had long held a wish to attend the 'From a High Place' a week long class held annually at Sunrise Ranch the International Headquarters of the Emissaries in Colorado. I was on my way!

The trip to North America afforded me the opportunity to stop in Los Angeles and visit dear friends Maria Franco and Leandro Castro, a couple much loved by the wider Riverdell Community. They generously welcomed me into their home in Riverside CA.  (Eastern LA)  For a few days I became an honourary Californian. What a delightful time. Long invigorating walks along majestic, eucalypt lined avenues, with snow capped mountains as background, feasting on wonderful Mexican food-home cooked, - and evenings relaxing on the couch with an inspired range of movies. I was spoilt with a trip to Laguna Beach - where the chilly wind and rain did not dampen the fun of the day - , which included visits to a wide range of galleries, and a picnic on the cliff tops.  Thank you so much to Maria and Leandro.

Well rested, I flew on to Denver and caught the Shuttle to Sunrise Ranch. I arrived at midnight, just 2 days after a blizzard had dumped quite a volume of snow.  What a beautiful sight to awaken to next morning. I had a few days to settle in, and enjoyed participating in a lively workshop on Emotional Intelligence creatively led by Andrea Isaacs. It may have been cold outside, but we were enlivened and warm inside.

Mid afternoon, 7th Feb, we gathered for our "From a High Place" exploration. I felt deeply fortunate to join fellow explorers and our faculty - David Karchere, Jane Anetrini and Maureen Waller.

The goals for our time included - gaining a heavenly perspective on earthly events, positioning ourselves to profoundly understand the human experience, and to serve the human destiny. We looked at Bible stories and discovered new understanding about the symbolism used. We delved into the history of mankind, and shared stories of our own ancestry. We wrote poetry and blessings. Our faculty were masterful in creating a rich and sacred atmosphere in which awakening occurred. 

At times, my humanness struggled to stay in the room. My ego rebelled. When justification wanted to force its authority I knew I was not 'in the present'. Old assumptions had light shone on them and withered. The blessing I received was almost overwhelming. I was loved more than my ego, my stale identity, could compete with! Supporting this from a totally different perspective was a Youtube clip of the comedian Bob Newhart playing the role of a doctor, whose solution to every problem was to shout "Stop It"!!  (Click  here to watch clip). The message to those parts of me that wished to undermine and betray was heard - with a mixture and tears and laughter. I am full of gratitude and thankfulness for the container that was created, and the deep, rich blessings shared with fellow travelers.

Having completed the workshop I was fortunate to stay on for a few days of participation in a number of other aspects of life on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. Thank you so much to all who live at Sunrise Ranch for caring for me in every way-delicious, nutritious food, clean, welcoming rooms, ever ready assistance and warm friendship. I send my love to you all.

Ruth French