Many years ago I realized how encouraging it was when I put together an event and the people in my life showed up for it. Karen Roberts is that kind of encourager. She has been committed to everything I have done; she's attended my health symposiums, classes, jewelry parties, and even volunteered to help with my big project - doing accounting work and making marketing suggestions. Her feedback comes from a heart of love and is always valuable to me. For example, the website for our Solace Retreat Center is better because she took the time out of her busy schedule to evaluate it and give input. As if that weren't enough, this past week she has done it again. She and her husband, Tim, came to stay with us in Santa Fe as our first customers (a.k.a. test subjects) at Solace Retreat Center. They came as a "Work/Stay" program so that the daily rate was reduced. They helped us with pruning, washing windows, pulling weeds, and noticing the things that would make the next person's stay even better. They also introduced us to several restaurants in Santa Fe that we haven't had the time to explore. Our time together was quite pleasant. When they left this morning to return home, the tears in Karen's eyes brought out the tears in mine. A friendship that demonstrates itself through caring action is the best kind. I'm so grateful for everything the Roberts have done for us and have asked God to pour their generosity back onto them. Good people - good friends.
Solace Retreat Center
Rest, Learn, Have Fun, Feel Better
Friends Bless Us
Parking Lot Connection
An elderly man with kind eyes approached me in the parking lot of Home Depot. "Can I wash your windows for a quarter?" he asked. I handed him the coins I could gather and said, "You don't have to wash the windows, just keep the change." He smiled. He saw my license plate and commented, "You're from Colorado. I went to school in Durango to be an architect, but look where I am now." His eyes looked down. I told him that we've all hit on hard times and brighter days were surely coming. He agreed. We parted ways, but I could not get him off my mind. I told the Lord, "If I see him again, I'll ask him to come work on our property." As I was leaving, he came in through the door! He told me later that I had made such an impression on him that he wanted to thank me again.
His name is Andrew. He is 58 and lives in a old RV with its windows shot out. It's parked in an empty field surrounded by old trash and dry weeds. He is kind, respectful, and intelligent. His skills are many but they are overshadowed by his inability to give up drinking alcohol. He goes to church three times a week, trying to be sober when he attends. He has many friends, a loving extended family, and a broken heart from lost love. His health issues are becoming real issues that must be dealt with. He wonders if he will live to be 59 - his birthday is in November.
Andrew came to work for us the day after I saw him at Home Depot. He worked so hard on our courtyard clearing debris that it looked like a completely different place! I fed him a nutritious dinner of grilled chicken, steamed veggies, and iced green tea. He ate it all with gratitude. We talked of his conditions and hardships, his past and his future. He was open and honest with us, but the addiction has its talons clenched into his soul. He doesn't know what it will take to be free and he's not sure he's ready to be released.
Andrew has returned to work several more days, staying and working until the urge to go to town returns. We made the rule that he cannot be drunk or drink on the premises and he has respected that. Each time he is here we do our best to convince him that he is precious and loved. He may never recover from his addiction - and we cannot save him, but we can reach out to him, give him something to do with his talented hands, and hope he will one day choose to be well.
Let Us Help You Feel Better!
A dream becomes reality. We, Steve and Teresa Becker, have just acquired this amazing property in La Cienega, a small town near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Our purpose is to create an affordable healing place for people with physical, emotional, and spiritual health struggles. If you want to feel better rather than worse, this is the place to be!
This large adobe home sits on an acre of land with a courtyard surrounded by a tall wall. There's a sunroom, outdoor cooking area, kiva fireplaces, and loads of charm. It was built by an artist so it has many unique, almost quirky, features. It's located out in the countryside where hawks circle, birds sing, and gentle breezes tickle the trees. This place has a wing where you can stay, having your own entrance and bathroom. It also has a "casita" on the property that we could eventually rent when the enterprise becomes wildly successful. ;-)
How did this come about? We fell in love with Santa Fe while on our honeymoon. We checked for rentals on CraigsList and this was the property Teresa really liked. When we came back two weeks later to "scout" for properties, this one was THE one we wanted. Some things are meant to be.
What will we do with the property? You can come participate in a "HEALTH RECOVERY/ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM" or you can come use the space as a BED & BREAKFAST VISIT or you can do contract labor as part of the "WORK/STAY OPTION" and cut your costs in half. See the Rates/Reservation page for more details.
Why are we doing this? Teresa has been helping people with their health for many years, but dreamed of a place where people could stay for several days of intensive TLC. For less than the cost of a nice hotel, people who come will get a health analysis, customized education for their specific needs, healthy food, rest in beautiful surroundings, tours of the Santa Fe area, and (the best part) good times with us!
What if it's too expensive? We want to make good care and education available to anyone who needs it. We have options for those who cannot afford the cost. We are seeking grants, collecting scholarship donations, and implementing the Work/Stay Option to help with payment. Don't let lack of money keep you from feeling better!
Please come see us!!!
Custom Website
If you like this website and would like a similar one custom built for you or your company, contact Teresa. She will make you a website and give you training for $300.00. What a bargain!
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