Blue Skies Goes Global!
I (Hallie) recently made a very interesting trip overseas! (I will not mention where I went here just for security purposes). In addition to getting to experience this beautiful country and meeting some of the people, I had the chance to visit a group that is working to start a center which will be similar to Blue Sky Acres. They currently have a beautiful retreat center and own ten horses. They are currently running able-bodied trail rides but are hoping to find a PATH instructor and begin offering lessons for people with disabilities in the future.
In this part of the world, people with disabilities are often considered to be a shame to the family and are frequently kept isolated. Seeing the struggles that the workers face in getting a place like this up and running really helped me to get a better perspective on what we consider challenges when it comes to operating a center in the US. It is nearly impossible to find saddles in the area they are in, good vets are also hard to come by and many people in the area are inexperienced and even fearful when it comes to horses. However, this amazing group of people has a heart and vision for people with disabilities. Having seen the amazing effect that horses have on them in the US, they want to bring this to their country.
As I heard the story of this retreat center, and about the "fingerprints of God" as they called them, I started to tear up thinking of our own "fingerprints" and how Blue Sky Acres would one day be able to look back on our journey and remember the miracles that God has done for us.
One of the testimonies shared during our time there was that the property that they wanted was owned by 70 people and in order to purchase that property, they would need 70 signatures! They were able to get 69 of those people on board but had one who was holding out, not wanting to sell. Eventually, God opened up a door and they got the final signature. It put things in perspective for me because one of our concerns has been getting our business license and making sure we have the support of our neighbors. I doubt we will have 70 to get on board though, thankfully!
One of the things I was able to share with the leadership there was about our supported employment program. They found this idea extremely helpful and thought it would be the perfect program to implement at the stage they are in right now.
I left my trip feeling very encouraged and excited about what God is doing, not just here in this county but on a global level! It was also amazing to be able to share some of my experiences from Blue Sky Acres with the leadership there and I look forward to continuing that relationship.
We talk a lot in this newsletter about what is happening at Blue Sky Acres, but one purpose of sharing these testimonies is so that you will see what is happening and go chase after your own dreams. One thing I heard over and over while I was there was "the sky is the limit," which is something we also say frequently here at BSA. Though we may live thousands of miles away from one another, we all serve the same God who has no limitations. We hope that the stories that we share will cause you to marvel at His goodness that makes this all possible and maybe this means pursuing your own dream! If God puts something on your heart, we would love to hear about it so we can join you in prayer.
Blessings!
Hallie Myers, Executive Director
