I had my last drink September 12th, 2017, back home in Tacoma, Washington. I had come to the realization that my life was a mess, and that I needed a major change. I attended meetings daily, found myself a home group, and got myself  a sponsor. From the beginning, my sponsor told me to put all my ideas and preconceived notions of the 12 steps and the journey to sobriety, into an imaginary box, and be open and willing. Shortly after working with him, I received a message from a family friend, who resides in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico. He was also a gay, recovering alcoholic with 34 years under his belt. He suggested I come down for a total of 4 months, and help run a hostel he manages in Alamos, MX. At this point in my sobriety, I had less than 30 days, but I had an imaginary box, an open mind, and the power of suggestion on my side.