In June the Center for Action and Contemplation took another exciting step in Red Mesa’s development as a space for wilderness-based, experiential programming. Made possible in part by the generosity of an anonymous MALEs donor, who has provided two-thirds of the funding for the purchase, the CAC is in the final stages of acquiring an additional 160-acre property that will provide Red Mesa with a ready-made, year-round base camp. Hopefully, the additional one-third can be raised through your collective support as members of our community.

Lot 12, as it’s commonly known, had previously served as the operational headquarters of the 5,000-acre estate from which the CAC had purchased the two properties that now make up Red Mesa. While not directly adjacent to these two properties, the new lot lies within close proximity. It contains a double-wide mobile home with ample accommodations for housing upwards of 30 people; a set of adjacent corrals; and four accessible wells.

Among the near- and long-term programs envisioned for Red Mesa’s role as a restorative place for the soul are Rites of Passage for men, women and adolescents; work and prayer camps; animal and crop cultivation; vision quests, and reconnecting with the area’s Native American heritage.

“The purchase of Lot 12 allows us to begin realizing our vision for programming much sooner,” said Stephen Picha, CAC executive director. “Environmental disasters like the BP Gulf oil spill reveal how important the need is for helping people become more connected to Mother Earth.  Providing experiential, nature-based programs is critical so that people leave inspired to become more connected in their own parts of the world.”

The CAC expects to begin organizing a series of work camps this fall to bring the new base camp into full working order. We are especially in need of volunteers with training in architecture! If you have any skills in this area or in home improvement, particularly in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, please send an email sharing your experience to menswork@cacradicalgrace.org and we’ll keep you updated on volunteer opportunities at Red Mesa.

 

Adamah, the first human name, means “of the earth”

For all the sons of Adam:

For those who are ashamed of being earth,
For those who love being earth too much,
For those who possess none of the earth,
For those who possess too much of it

For those who need to know they are earth,
And try to flee to heaven out of shame,
Doubting the garden that they already have,
Abandoning the garden that they already are,

May Red Mesa help us on our journey of return.

~Richard Rohr