We just got out of the Grand Canyon late yesterday afternoon with 22 AMAZING and inspirational women who laughed, cried, pushed, pulled, towed, and cheered with one another for 44 hard miles over the last 2 days. The Rim to Rim to Rim trek was truly the most epic and moving experience of most of our lives–so many transformations, so much joy, so many memories of those friends that have passed and dreams for the future for our next Athenaship Recipients.

On a personal level, many many of the women went through incredible life changing and life affirming transformations, ie learning that accepting help is ok and in fact a gift to the helper, quitting smoking, gaining the renewed confidence to go back and complete a college degree, a rededication of service to others as a way of life, a new start on a new body and healthier life so that they can experience this much joy in the outdoors with us and feel even better on the next trip. Lots of stories of childhoods, tragedies, life changes and redemption were shared in the most stunning place on earth, and none of us will ever be the same. And it was all capped off by being met as we emerged over the top of the South Rim by one of our Goddesses moms, who is now terminal with Ovarian Cancer. Talk about an incredible moment. Wow!

We have 22 new friends for life, having cried and cared and struggled through this experience together. I can’t wait to create these experiences for people for the rest of my life!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for believing in this Project Athena dream and for being a part of it. It’s something even more special and important than I had ever imagined, and this is just the beginning. Ok, I’m tearing up now. Standard for all of us for the last 24 hours! So emotional and beautiful. None of us want to leave. The good thing is that we’re headed to Sedona now for sightseeing and our closing party tonight so we have a few more hours together. What a gift these past few days have been. Much much love to all, and so wish you could be here.

The next Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim Adventure will be June 2-6! See some of you here!

Robyn Benincasa, Minister of Dreams, Project Athena

Photos by Jacqueline Windh