The first time I was graced with this place was only in passing, one full day and two nights, but that short time was enough to feel as if I’ve found a home here. We were greeted in the night with such warmth and light it felt as if we were all old friends. We were welcomed and given comfortable sleeping arrangements. A delicious breakfast in the morning followed rising early for yoga and meditation in the garden and watching the Tucans play in the tallest of the trees was the perfect way to start the day. Afterwards, heading to the garden, getting acquainted with the new life and caring for the plants. Feeling so relieved to be once again interacting directly with the plants and the trees. After weeding the garden for a while, I had the pleasure of being present for a tour given by Susannah on the property. An amazing, lively group of individuals who were glowing from the retreat they had been participating in. Upon meeting Susannah I was instantly inspired and full of gratitude. Her and David have a light and humble way about them that is beyond words. Hearing them speak of their connections and future plans for this land made me ever more grateful to be here.

Later in the afternoon, we all decide to go to the river, going on separate paths, Arriving at the river, I was awestruck by the beauty and the grandness of Her. A beautiful blue pool shaded by forest fed by a beautiful stream of waterfalls with vibrant, cozy, moss covered rocks lit by the sun through the breaks in the trees. We enjoy the river for some time in meditation. Later, we make our way back, joining the others at the neighbors house for a delicious lunch. On our way back we enjoy fruits from the trees. Back at the village we say goodbye to the tour and then I help to prepare a dinner with a beautiful salad of fresh greens from the garden. With a delicious meal and being gifted with a reading of a few chapters of David’s books in progress, we are off to bed early and refreshed. I was saddened to leave in the morning but I could tell that it would not be long before my return.

Now, here I sit, several weeks later after my second night back at the Village. Knowing the entire time I was away that I must return here before I have to go back to the states. We arrived with a welcome just as warm and inviting as the first time. Walking in the gate I felt at ease and at home. Familiar sounds in the trees, familiar friendly greetings from the dog and warm hugs. We are given a delicious traditional Costa Rican meal and head to bed early, grateful to be back and already refreshed by the healing energy about this place.

In the morning I awake to the last cool breath of the night and the reflections of the sun peeking out over the trees. Brilliant hues of orange and nearly unnoticed shades of pink show themselves as the sun awakens around us. Blessed with returning to this amazing sanctuary a second time, I breathe in the familiar air and breathe out the previous days of chaos and exhaustion. After another delicious breakfast, we get to our tasks for the day, sanding and varnishing the posts in the leaf house. It hardly feels like work after enjoying the space so much, it simply feels like caring for my home. We finish quickly and later enjoy a trip back to the river, relaxing and rejuvenating in the cool water.

I have only had the pleasure of spending a few days here thus far, but in that time it has felt like a lifetime of beauty, discovery, skills and wonder have come upon me. I look forward to being given the opportunity to have the next 2 or 3 weeks here to experience the flow and function of the place, helping them in any way that I can in the next steps of creating a beautiful healing sanctuary, as well as enhancing and expanding the growth and strength I’ve come to on this journey through this beautiful mysterious country. In meditation and in learning from the land and those that steward this land, I can only imagine the growth, blessings and beauty that is yet to come. I am very excited to experience and to be a part of the coming transformations here. Blessed be.

Jessica Ann Tevik – Olympia, WA