Monkey Mamá Musings

The Nudge 7.30.26

There are moments in life that feel bigger than coincidence, moments where you can suddenly see how life has quietly been weaving things together behind the scenes the entire time. This is one of those stories. It was the summer of 2019. I was scrolling Facebook and saw a post from someone I took an animal healing class with. She was looking for a pet sitter. I replied that I was interested and we set up a zoom call. Out of all the many many people that said they would be happy to pet sit her dog, Reggae, she chose me! I was ecstatic. In August I drove from my home in Monterey, California to Prescott, Arizona.

I arrived on a Wednesday late afternoon. Later that night after I was settled, she handed me a flyer for a trip to Peru in March of 2020 that she had put together for a circle of women. It was a self-exploration trip, she explained and she had one more seat in the boat. I just remember looking at the price and time frame and thinking to myself "I have no idea how this would or could work." It was meant to be and somehow, everything fell into place and I found a way to go. At the time, I had no idea how much that experience would change me. I only knew I felt a quiet nudge to just say yes. And here is where the real story begins...

I arrived in Iquitos, Perú on March 1st, 2020. While there, we explored the city and many historical and touristy spots. On March 3rd, 2020 we headed up river to our lodge. Our first excursion of the trip was a visit to La Isla de Los Monos. That was the day everything changed for me. While I was there, I fell completely in love with a baby Red Howler monkey, and something inside me opened in a way I still can’t fully explain. Her sweet golden eyes touched my soul in a very deep way. This little howler felt safe enough to ride on my shoulders throughout the tour of the island. It felt like the beginning of a new relationship — not just with the monkeys and the little baby Howler, but with the jungle herself. Even after returning home, a part of me never really left Peru. I knew the shape of my heart had changed forever. I've heard that people are drawn to the jungle to be healed, to heal others or to die. But no matter what, it will change the shape of your heart.

In 2024, I heard the jungle calling me back. I remember asking if there was another group forming. I wanted to go back to the jungle and experience her beauty and awe through a different lens than the one I looked through the first time. I returned to Iquitos in October of 2024 with a different group of people, this time both men and women. This trip felt different. I found myself wanting to be more immersed in the jungle, the culture, the vibe. I wanted to understand more about La Isla de Los Monos, the work they were doing, the volunteers, the animals, and the deeper purpose behind the project. The connection I felt in 2020 was still there, quietly (and loudly) waiting for me.

I volunteered on the island three different times in 2025. Each visit deepened my love and respect for the work, the people, and the animals. The jungle has a way of stripping things down to what is real. It teaches patience, presence, humility, and trust. Each visit felt more and more like the jungle was home. It began to get harder to leave the monkeys and the forest.

Then something magical happened that still feels surreal to say out loud.

On March 3rd, 2026 — exactly six years after my very first visit to Perú and the island — I was offered a position with La Isla de Los Monos as their Volunteer Coordinator, helping lead the volunteer program. The timing honestly brought me to tears! It all comes back to the animals!

So now, I’m preparing to move to Iquitos, Perú and begin this next chapter of life in the Amazon jungle. I know this journey won’t always be easy. There will be challenges, adjustments, uncomfortable moments, and so much learning ahead. But underneath all of that is a deep sense of peace and knowing that this is exactly where I’m meant to be right now...because this is where my heart has led me-with the monkeys, in the Amazon jungle of Peru.

Through Peace Love Connection, I’ll be sharing my journey honestly — the beauty, the uncertainty, the animals, the lessons, the everyday life, and all the unexpected moments in between.

Thank you for being here. I'm so grateful you are joining me for this next adventure.

One love,

Tara