As the days grow shorter, the leaves have fallen and our first snow has blanketed us. It is time to express my deepest gratitude and awe to Mother Nature and all her beauty. Some will say, “why now, when everything is brown, the trees are barren and we had snow in October for goodness sake?” It is because the sunsets have been extraordinary, the muted colors are a reminder of subtle beauty, and seeing the fallen leaves on top of the snow shows us that not all things come in the order we plan.

When the vision of Mahala’s Hope came to me as a calling many years

ago, I believed it would be open within a couple of years. All necessary components would just fall into place since this was such a needed resource. Just as the fallen leaves now lay on top of the snow, I was given the vision, but I was not in control of how and when it would all come together. Those couple of years turned into about 12 and the vision changed along the way. Many people came and went along that journey and there were many lessons learned. Everything happened just as it was meant to and I continue to be humbled by the amazing site we have today, as well as all staff, volunteers, and donors that make it all possible. Most importantly are the women who come to find a safe and supportive environment where they will be accepted and guided along their journey of healing and recovery.

We just celebrated three years of opening the doors to the first woman in need of our services. To date, we have served 88 women and their families. We have so many stories of women who struggled for so many years that are now putting their lives together in a new way. They work hard to find meaning in some moments and express deep gratitude and joy in others. Life truly is a journey to be lived, felt deeply, tasted, celebrated, and even grieved.

Wishing you and your family a very Blessed Thanksgiving.

May you be at peace.

May you be happy.

May you be safe.

May you be free from pain and suffering.

May you awaken to the light of your true being.

In deepest gratitude,
Sandy Hardie