3. The Vision

As time has passed, my vision for the land has grown. I’ve had the incredible privilege of walking on incredible farms throughout the world, and seeing some indigenous land practices first hand in the Sierra Nevadas in Colombia, and witnessing Zapotec women in Mexico become land stewards of a farm traditionally owned by men. Each farm visit taught me more about ways I could practice land stewardship. The most important lessons I’ve learn so far : (1) Land needs to be cared for in community and 2) People cannot own the Land. Earth doesn’t belong to us, we belong to it and we must live in right relationship with it.

Today, I want more than just a house for my family and community to visit—I envision a food forest, a greenhouse, chickens, and a women’s lodge. I dream for Balsam Sanctuary to be a place of community, healing, and connection to the Earth. This project became not just about me but about what I could offer the world: a space to gather, pray, learn, and live in harmony with the planet.

My journey as a land steward continues with community building, ceremonies, and a deep understanding of the importance of working with the Earth. This dream feels bigger than me. It’s a collective vision, rooted in my heritage and the wisdom of my ancestors. As I begin to build this dream, I invite others to join me, to place their hands and feet on the land and feel the connection too. Together, we can create something that honors the Earth and all the people who will be part of it. We can remember how to live in community that respects the earth again. The land will be our teacher. And the process of building Balsam will be done in celebration and joy with community.