Three years ago, I found my way to a remote village in Central Asia, and stayed. For years, a longing and a sense of magnetism drew me on a search across the world – and that search ended when I landed at a village, whose name translates to “Gracefully.” The magnetic tug that had uprooted me and stayed with me for years, quieted as I stayed in this village. I is where I am meant to be. It’s one task to have found the place – but now – why am I there?
Most of my life, I’ve been a gardener, farmer, and a woman who knows how to plant a tree and grow a garden. The eco-village where I live has a mission that is intended to span many generations. People have created beautiful paradises. Yet, what happens to the children? Where’s the future of this place? My mindset has gone from dreaming of my own paradise, to a deep appreciation of this:
“If your plan is for one year plant rice.
If your plan is for ten years plant trees.
If your plan for one hundred years educate children.” – Confucius
Many of the villagers have dreamed of a school, combined with a hub for craftsmanship and the arts, but they have not been able to take it in, due to low local wages and uncertainty about where the money would come from.
I know that it is my job to start a nature school. The property where we planned the school and hub has gone up for sale.
Currently visiting my hometown, I am supporting my parents as my father goes through cancer treatment. While I am in the USA, I am working as hard as I can to make extra money to buy the land for the school. I cannot do it alone. I need help for building materials and start-up costs. US Dollars go a long way in our area. That is why I am doing this. Because I – the only American of the village- have this ability. I hope that you will support me, and I invite you to follow me in this journey.
Melissa Sullivan
Grace Village School 