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About This Episode
Chipper Roth was thirteen years old, sitting on a cushion in San Miguel de Allende, watching a slideshow of orchid collecting in Nepal. She had never heard of Nepal. But when the image of the Himalayas appeared—the monastery, the Yeti skull, the monks chanting—something inside her cracked open. An epiphany. This is where I'm going. This is where I'm supposed to spend my life.
It took thirteen years to get there.
At twenty-six, after studying with B.K.S. Iyengar and then with Rajneesh in India, she boarded a bus to Kathmandu. Arrived at sunset. Found a hotel overlooking Durbar Square. Grateful. But the mountains were calling. She hired a Sherpa, trekked to Everest Base Camp, and when she saw Ama Dablam—the most glorious shaped peak—she fell to her knees and put her head on the ground.
Then came the Basques. Fourteen climbers from San Sebastian. They adopted her, fed her wine and prosciutto at high altitude. One of them, the youngest, said he wouldn't get to summit. Chipper had a dream. Martine, you're going to climb Everest.
He was the only one who did. The first Spaniard. He planted the Basque flag on top—and became wanted by Franco's troops.
She left her diplomat fiancé. Married the Basque who spoke no English. Started an adventure travel company. Led treks into the Solokhumbu for fifteen years.
All because a man named Stirling Dickinson went orchid collecting in Nepal.
This is a Pan de Dios moment about certainty that arrives before proof. About hearing a call at thirteen and saying yes for the rest of your life.
A Word from Christina
"I've known Chipper for many years. She has been an inspiration to me—the way she lives, her travel, her adventurous life. This story is pure Pan de Dios. A moment of ineffable certainty that never let go."— Christina Johnson, host
From Chipper
"I was filled with an epiphany. This is where I'm going. This is where I'm gonna spend my life. This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
A Note on Stirling Dickinson
Stirling Dickinson was one of the most important figures in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico—an artist, orchid collector, and a founder of the city's artistic legacy. His slideshow of Nepal, shown to a thirteen-year-old girl, changed the course of a life.
Links & Resources
Christina’s Website:https://www.visionarypower.com/podcast
Share Your Own Pan de Dios Moment:https://www.visionarypower.com/contact
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Share the Magic
Have you ever felt a certainty about somewhere you'd never been? A call that took years to answer? We'd love to hear your story. And may your Pan de Dios always be rising.
With love,
Christina Johnson
