This was my first journey, really. I've never been outside the United States, and I chose Ecuador, a tiny little third world country in South America, for my first passport stamp. I was pleasantly surprised that in this place of harsh conditions and harsh realities, where people have practically nothing, there was a lot of love. I was touched by the generosity of the people, the boldness of the wildlife and the striking diversity everywhere I looked. I stretched my limits. I learned some Spanish. I swam with sea lions and piranhas. I crossed the Equator. I saw parakeets and toucans in the wild-like they should be. I was welcomed into homes. I saw the sun rise over the ocean where it bends around the earth. I lived Discovery Channel days. I slept nights on a rocking sailboat under more stars than I've ever seen before. I've found a courage to try new things. I am grateful beyond words for this amazing opportunity to see and experience things that I never dreamed I could reach out and touch.