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Horse Healing Surf Retreat 

Northern Peru

A transformative horse healing and surf retreat on Peru’s wild Pacific coast, an immersive journey into the healing connection between horses, ocean, and the natural world.

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About this trip

AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE

Set along the wild Pacific coast of northern Peru, this intimate retreat, in collaboration with El Rancho Lobitos, brings together the healing wisdom of horses, the transformative practice of Reiki, and the healing energy of the ocean. Unlike our traditional horseback journeys, this experience invites us to connect with horses in an entirely different way, without riding, allowing us to be fully present with them, receive their wisdom and healing, and offer them healing energy in return.

 

Our first two and a half days unfold in the coastal village of Lobitos, where each woman will experience individual one-on-one horse healing sessions, creating space for deep connection, self-discovery, and emotional healing. Alongside this work, we will journey through a Reiki Level I certification, learning to connect with and channel universal life force energy for healing ourselves and giving back to the horses who so generously share their presence with us. Rooted in our commitment to reciprocity and making these experiences more accessible, this retreat will also sponsor two local Peruvian women to join us, creating an opportunity for shared learning, connection, and healing across cultures.

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From Lobitos, we travel to the secluded sanctuary of Kichic, where our final days are devoted to surfing, somatic yin yoga, and integration. Held between the movement of the Pacific and the stillness of our practice, this final chapter invites us to reconnect with our bodies, surrender to the natural rhythms of the ocean, and carry the wisdom of our time with the horses into the water.

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Highlights

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  • Experience intimate one-on-one equine healing sessions at El Rancho Lobitos, creating space for deep connection, emotional healing, and self-discovery.

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  • Connect with horses beyond riding, through presence, stillness, and reciprocal healing, allowing yourself to receive their wisdom while offering healing Reiki energy in return.

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  • Receive your Reiki Level I certification, learning to channel universal life force energy to support your own healing and give back to the horses.

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  • Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Peru’s Pacific coast, where desert landscapes meet the ocean and the natural rhythms of the land invite a deeper sense of presence.​

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  • Experience surfing along Peru’s beautiful northern coastline, welcoming all levels from complete beginners to experienced surfers.​

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  • Deepen your connection to your body through somatic yin yoga and meditation, supporting nervous system regulation, integration, and embodied awareness.​

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  • Spend two nights at Kichic, an intimate coastal sanctuary offering space for rest, reflection, and connection with the ocean.

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  • Share this journey with two fully sponsored local Peruvian women, honoring the spirit of reciprocity through meaningful connection, shared healing, and community.

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OUR OFFERINGS

01 Mindful Riding

Mindful riding is the practice of riding in a state of meditation through developing a present connection of mutual trust with your horse. Riding in this state of trust, presence and openness allows the rider to receive countless somatic benefits by being held by an intuitive, pure, and grounded sentient being. The rider will learn about their own energy through slowing down enough to see how they communicate and in turn receive messages from their horse’s body language. They will tap into the naturally meditative energy of horses and sensitize their intuition, the ability to energetically communicate, and connect with their true nature.

OUR OFFERINGS

02 Horse Guided Somatic Healing®

We offer horse-guided somatic healing through present-moment connection, guided meditation, and attuned observation—inviting deep embodiment, spiritual remembering, and intuitive healing alongside horses. Inspired by Equine Guided Empowerment®—a unique approach developed by The Reflective Horse®—this work honors the horse as an energetic mirror and guide. Through relational presence and the healing energy of horses, participants are gently led back to their innate wisdom, authentic connection, and a sense of grounded wholeness. 

OUR OFFERINGS

03 Trauma Informed Breathwork

This ceremonial, trauma-informed breathwork practice integrates the science-backed benefits of conscious breathing with the depth of a spiritually grounded healing journey. The approach reflects influences from various trainings, including work with Taren Maroun, particularly in the way scientific understanding and spiritual inquiry are woven together, while the practice itself remains rooted in modern somatic frameworks and ancestral wisdom. Through intentional breath, the body’s innate intelligence is gently reawakened, supporting the safe release of stored energy and trauma held within the body, restoring nervous-system regulation, emotional resilience, and embodied presence.

OUR OFFERINGS

04 Somatic Yin Yoga

Somatic Yin Yoga is a trauma-informed, embodied practice that reconnects you with the body’s innate wisdom. Rooted in nervous system regulation and somatic awareness, this slow, intuitive approach supports the release of tension, emotional stress, and energetic blockages. Through long-held postures and deep listening, it nourishes connective tissues, enhances flexibility, and fosters resilience. Its meditative quality soothes the mind and strengthens the body's capacity for deep repair, renewal, and integration.

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Join us

ALL SURFING LEVELS WELCOME

This retreat focuses on one-on-one equine healing, Reiki, and surfing rather than horseback riding. All surfing levels are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced surfers.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

November 14th-18th, 2027 

PRICING

$4,450

If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due May 1st. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here. 

  • Price includes: Reiki I certification, meals, yoga & surf lessons. Accommodation for four nights.

     

    Price doesn’t include: travel to Lobitos and from Mancora, Peru. Travel insurance & gratuities. Group size: 11 women.

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    Please note: To protect the integrity of the group schedule, we ask that all guests arrange flights that arrive the day prior to the retreat and depart the day after it concludes.

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival, Opening Circle & Reiki Initiation

We'll begin our journey at El Rancho Lobitos, gathering for an opening circle to connect, set intentions, and settle into our surroundings. Following a nourishing lunch, we'll begin our Reiki Level I training, exploring the foundations of this ancient Japanese healing practice and learning to work with universal life force energy. The afternoon will include individual healing sessions, with time to rest, explore the property, and spend time with the horses. We'll return to our accommodations for the evening, staying in two beautiful Airbnb homes within an hour's drive of El Rancho Lobitos for our first two nights.

Day 2 - Reiki Training, Healing & Connection

We'll begin the morning with yoga, bringing awareness to the body through gentle movement, breath, and meditation. Our Reiki training continues with an exploration of the energetic body, traditional hand positions, and the principles of self-healing. Throughout the day, we'll alternate between Reiki workshops, hands-on practice, and individual healing sessions, with time to rest, enjoy the surrounding landscape, or participate in optional activities. We'll close the afternoon with Reiki practice and integration before gathering for a nourishing dinner.

Itinerary

Day 3 - Reiki Integration & Journey to Máncora

Our final morning at El Rancho Lobitos begins with yoga and individual healing sessions, followed by lunch and our final Reiki Level I workshop. We'll bring together everything we've learned over the previous days, with time for questions, practice, and reflection. In the afternoon, we'll make our way north along Peru's beautiful coastline to Máncora, where we'll spend our final two nights at KiCHIC, a beautiful boutique hotel nestled along the shores of Las Pocitas. Originally a private home, KiCHIC has been thoughtfully transformed into an intimate beachfront retreat, with natural materials, lush tropical gardens, and beautifully designed spaces overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We'll settle into our rooms and enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea.

Day 4 - Ocean, Surfing & Restoration

We'll wake to the sound of the Pacific, beginning our day with a surfing session along the beautiful shores of Máncora. Guided by experienced local instructors, we'll explore the art of surfing, learning to move with the rhythm of the ocean, cultivate presence, and surrender to the natural flow of the waves. Much like our work with the horses, surfing invites us to deepen our awareness, trust our intuition, and connect with the elements around us. The afternoon is intentionally spacious, with time to swim, walk along the beach, relax by the pool, or enjoy a massage. We'll gather for somatic yin yoga and yoga nidra, allowing the body to rest and integrate our Reiki training and the experiences of the previous days. In the evening, we'll enjoy a beautiful meal together, with fresh ingredients inspired by Peru's northern coast, as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Itinerary

Day 5: Closing & Departure

Our final morning begins with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the ocean, followed by meditation and our closing circle. Together, we'll reflect on the experiences and connections of the past five days, with an opportunity to share what we've learned and how we might continue incorporating Reiki, mindfulness, and self-healing into our daily lives. We'll have time to take in the beauty of KiCHIC before departing with new friendships, a deeper connection to ourselves and the natural world, and the tools to continue our Reiki practice at home.

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Meet your guides

Aniela Gottwald, founder of Riding Wild, is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator from California, USA, with over 20 years of experience in horsemanship. Specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy, Aniela leads transformative wilderness expeditions that promote healing and environmental sustainability.

Aniela Gottwald

CALIFORNIA, USA

Aniela Gottwald is the founder of Riding Wild, a 1% For The Planet nonprofit organization that takes women on transformative wilderness expeditions, com- bining personal and collective healing with intersection- al environmentalism. With over 20 years of experience in horsemanship, Aniela is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy. Aniela’s lifelong connection with horses began in childhood, but it was her solo 1,300-mile backcountry expedition with wild horses she trained herself that deepened her understanding of the mirroring power of these animals in the healing process. Her work with Riding Wild stems from this understanding, offering equine-guided journeys that foster empowerment, personal sovereignty, and a sense of freedom. Through these immersive experiences, Aniela helps women, especially BIPOC and Indigenous communities, reclaim their voices and rediscover their inner strength. Guiding horse-riding expeditions throughout the world, Aniela has created a powerful program that seamlessly integrates tools for nervous system regulation and therapeutic practices into each journey. Her approach is grounded in the belief that individual healing contributes to collective well-being, creating a ripple effect of generational healing and transformation. Riding Wild’s purpose is to make these healing experiences accessible through scholarships, providing safe spaces for adventure, connection, and the discovery of new possibilities. Through her work, Aniela invites women to step into a journey of personal growth and resilience, supported by the essential connection between humans and nature. She believes that empowering women to heal, we also open pathways to advocate for the healing of nature - recognizing that personal and environmental restoration are deeply interconnected.

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Syd Condrashoff

Montana, USA

My name is Syd, I am an Equus Coach, Life Coach, Master Facilitator, horse trainer, happiness coach and Intuitive Medicine Practitioner. I am passionate about helping others heal from their pasts, get clear on where they’re headed, and find the courage to move forward in their lives. Inside the arena with a horse was the first time I truly became vulnerable and expressed my true feelings in front of others. The horse never ran away, never left, never judged, never laughed at me. He even came closer. That was the first time ever, I felt I could express my emotions without feeling weak. It hit me in that moment, these are the moments that heal us from the shackles of the past, the moments that begin a new relationship of being with one another and ourselves. That moment I realized it was not my pain that was killing me, it was not expressing my true self that was smothering every bit of my light. It is my life’s mission to help others experience the love, support, and acceptance found in connecting with horses. I have spent my entire life learning and living with these healers and I am still in awe of their gentle patience, and their ability to reflect and teach us about ourselves.There is a deeper awareness and appreciation being born when you allow and receive answers to be reflected back to you from our equine partners. The horses create a space where we get to shed the façade, where our dialogues, personalities, and identities no longer serve a purpose. Most of the work we do partnering with horses is allowing the horse to give openings for clients to shed beliefs and narratives that are not aligned with their true nature. This experience can be nothing short of a rebirth, some say it is a soul retrieval. Looking forward to journeying with you and the herd!

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  • ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
    To ensure a smooth start to our journey and keep our group schedule on track, all guests are required to arrive in Peru at least one day before the retreat begins. Our retreat begins in Lobitos and concludes in Máncora, so please plan your travel accordingly.

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    TRAVEL INSURANCE
    Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all Riding Wild journeys. Please arrange coverage before your trip, including protection for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and activities such as surfing and working with horses.

    GETTING THERE

    The two closest airports to Lobitos are:

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    • Talara Airport (TYL): Approximately 30 minutes from Lobitos by car.

    • Piura Airport (PIU): Approximately 2–2.5 hours from Lobitos by car.

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    We recommend flying into Talara via Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), Peru's main international gateway. Since domestic flight schedules to Talara can be limited, Piura is another convenient option.

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    Please note that our retreat concludes in Máncora, approximately 1.5–2 hours from Talara Airport, so we recommend allowing sufficient time for your return journey.

    RIDE SHARE COORDINATION

    Approximately one month before the retreat, we will create a WhatsApp group to help guests coordinate airport transfers and shared transportation. This will allow everyone to connect before the journey and arrange travel together where possible.

    CLIMATE

    In mid-November, Peru's northern Pacific coast enjoys warm, generally dry weather with refreshing ocean breezes and comfortable evenings. Lobitos experiences a mix of sunshine and coastal clouds, with very little rainfall during this time of year.

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    Typical mid-November temperatures in Lobitos:

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    • Average High: 77–79°F (25–26°C)

    • Average Low: 64–67°F (18–19°C)

    • Ocean Temperature: Approximately 69°F (21°C)

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    We recommend bringing lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. The Pacific can be refreshing, so a wetsuit is recommended for extended time in the water.

    TIPS

    Tipping for horse packing trips is at each guest’s discretion but is highly encouraged and deeply appreciated by our team of incredibly hardworking women. Your guides dedicate themselves to creating a safe, memorable, and seamless backcountry experience, often going above and beyond in rugged conditions. A significant portion of our hardworking horsepackers’ income comes from gratuities, so if you feel moved to show gratitude for their efforts, a tip is a meaningful way to do so.

     

    For multi-day trips, a recommended gratuity is $500–$700 per guest for the week. Please bring cash for your gratuity. At the end of your trip, envelopes will be provided for each of your three guides so you may distribute your gratuity directly. Your generosity directly supports our crew and is deeply valued.

  • NIGHTS 1 & 2: PRIVATE COASTAL VILLAS

    • Stay in one of two beautiful private villas along Peru’s northern coast, featuring ocean views, swimming pools, and thoughtfully designed spaces inspired by the natural surroundings.

    • Each guest will enjoy their own private bedroom and bathroom, with inviting communal spaces to relax and connect after our days with the horses.

    • Both villas are located within approximately an hour’s drive of El Rancho Lobitos.

     

    NIGHTS 3 & 4: KICHIC BOUTIQUE HOTEL

    • Enjoy your own private suite at Kichic, an intimate luxury boutique hotel nestled along the beautiful shores of Las Pocitas in Máncora.

    • Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the gentle rhythm of the Pacific Ocean, Kichic offers a peaceful sanctuary where natural elegance, thoughtful design, and barefoot luxury come together.

    • Enjoy nourishing cuisine, direct beach access, and beautiful spaces for yoga, meditation, and reflection, offering a restorative conclusion to our journey.

  • Throughout our journey, we’ll enjoy fresh, nourishing meals inspired by the vibrant flavors of Peru’s northern coast. Seasonal tropical fruits, freshly caught seafood, colorful vegetables, and traditional Peruvian dishes will celebrate the region’s rich culinary heritage. During our final two nights at Kichic, we’ll experience their thoughtful approach to conscious cuisine, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are transformed into beautiful, flavorful meals. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

  • We recommend packing light and bringing comfortable, breathable clothing suited to the warm coastal climate. You're welcome to bring anything else you feel called to, though we always encourage keeping things simple.

    • Lightweight, comfortable clothing

    • Long pants or jeans for working with horses

    • Comfortable closed-toe shoes or boots for time with the horses

    • Yoga and meditation clothing

    • Swimsuits

    • Sandals

    • Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings

    • Sunhat and sunglasses

    • Sunscreen and insect repellent

    • Reusable water bottle

    • Personal toiletries and medications

    • Journal or notebook

    You're welcome to bring anything else you feel called to, though we always encourage keeping things simple.

    OTHER ITEMS

    - gloves for riding

    - scarf/bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain

    - sunglasses with a cord​ attached so they don’t fly off when riding

    - swimsuit

    - towel 

    - toiletries

    - hand sanitizer

    - small plastic bags

    - light weight plastic pint water bottle 

    - phone and/or camera for photos

    - compact power bank for charging

    - small bag for small items when riding

    - notebook/journal

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    Provided

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    - tents are provided to be shared in groups of two, if you prefer to have you own tent please bring a light weight one person tent.

    - all cutlery excluding a camping mug

    - additional camp gear, toilet paper, etc.

    MEDICAL KIT

    - high uv sunscreen

    - aquaphor (for dry lips)

    - insect repellent,  net head cover

    - any medication you regularly take

    - band aids and second skin plasters for chafing

    - antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...

    - electrolytes 

    - ear plugs (for light sleepers)

    - water purifier or purification tablets (optional)

  • CLIMATE

    - All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katherine K. Wilkinson 

    - Rooted - Lyanda Lynn Haupt 

    - The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle
    of Oppression to Protect People + Planet - Leah Thomas 

    - The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown - Adam Weltz 

    HORSE

    - Tao of Equus - Linda Kohanov 

    - Riding Between Worlds - Linda Kohanov 

    - Sacred Spaces: Communion with the horse through science and spirit - Dr. Susan Fay

    HEALING

    - Untethered Soul - Michael Singer
    - Healing Collective Trauma - Thomas Hübl
    - Attuned - Thomas Hübl

    - If Women Rose Rooted - Sharon Black
    - Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May

    - Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - Peter A. Levine

    - The Power of Now - Ekhart Tolle

    - Being Peace - Thich Naht Hahn

    - One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder - Brian Doyle
    - The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief - Francis Weller
    - Gender(s) - Kathryn Bond Stockton

    RELATIONSHIP

    - Us - Terrence Real 

    - Perfect Love, Imperfect relationships - John Welwood 

    - Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick 

    - The Conscious Heart - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick 

    - Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg 

    - The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller 

    - Eight Dates - John Gottman

    please note, this is an optional reading list for your enjoyment

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Julie Moore & Pia Vaske
El Rancho Lobitos

Julie Moore and Pía Vaske are the women behind El Rancho Lobitos, an equine healing sanctuary nestled along the wild Pacific coast of northern Peru. Rooted in a shared belief in the profound healing connection between horses and humans, their work offers a space for emotional healing, connection, and personal transformation. Beyond their individual equine healing sessions, El Rancho Lobitos is dedicated to making equine therapy accessible to local children and individuals with disabilities, bringing the restorative presence of horses into the wider community. Their compassionate approach honors the sensitivity and wisdom of horses, creating opportunities for healing grounded in trust, presence, and mutual respect.

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Julie Moore & Pia Vaske
El Rancho Lobitos

Julie Moore and Pía Vaske are the women behind El Rancho Lobitos, an equine healing sanctuary nestled along the wild Pacific coast of northern Peru. Rooted in a shared belief in the profound healing connection between horses and humans, their work offers a space for emotional healing, connection, and personal transformation. Beyond their individual equine healing sessions, El Rancho Lobitos is dedicated to making equine therapy accessible to local children and individuals with disabilities, bringing the restorative presence of horses into the wider community. Their compassionate approach honors the sensitivity and wisdom of horses, creating opportunities for healing grounded in trust, presence, and mutual respect.

6276C629-CA8B-494D-B839-A4A799BCA4AE_edited.jpg

Julie Moore & Pia Vaske
El Rancho Lobitos

Julie Moore and Pía Vaske are the women behind El Rancho Lobitos, an equine healing sanctuary nestled along the wild Pacific coast of northern Peru. Rooted in a shared belief in the profound healing connection between horses and humans, their work offers a space for emotional healing, connection, and personal transformation. Beyond their individual equine healing sessions, El Rancho Lobitos is dedicated to making equine therapy accessible to local children and individuals with disabilities, bringing the restorative presence of horses into the wider community. Their compassionate approach honors the sensitivity and wisdom of horses, creating opportunities for healing grounded in trust, presence, and mutual respect.

Testimonial

This experience was priceless. It showed me that I am strong, brave, and capable- lessons that have carried over into my business, my relationships, and my personal life. It helped me reconnect with my voice. And the HORSES- what a magical experience to bond with them and feel an ancient connection to nature. I would do this again in a heartbeat.

- Alexandra James

TESTIMONIAL

"My connection with the women on this trip gave me a sisterhood I didn’t know I needed. The terrain showed me not only how tough I mentally, but how physically tough I am too. The bond and safety I felt with my horse a feeling and sense I will carry around with me for the rest of my life. He showed me how to trust again and I wish he could know the profound impact he’s had on me and my life. The spiritual, emotional, and physical connection to nature grounded me to my core. This journey was an experience I’ll always carry with me.”

- Lizzy Ellerbeck

Testimonial

"This journey opened a portal for me to re-member myself home. My wrangler self, my mustang-whisperin’ self, yogini, queer self, shamanic voyager self, WILD woman self were all beautifully expansively present. I felt I could be in such blissful harmony with my deep soul self, as well as the present-moment container I found myself in. On the other side I felt spacious expansive, powerful, free. What a gift. I am forever grateful for this adventure with spirit, with sisters, with wilderness, beauty reverence, magic. Truly the adventure of a lifetime, it surpassed my wildest dreams."

- Annie Casey

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We can't wait to meet you!

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