05/29/2026
It’s been nearly a year since moving onto the land.
When the possibility of leasing this space formed, it was an instant yes.
Besides the two large platforms, community pavilion and outhouse across the creek, the land was raw; no electricity, no running water, no inhabitable structures, no internet or cell service. Though there were no amenities, we could so clearly see its potential as a community space. A place to retreat to, to take a break from the chaos of the mainstream and digest our experiences, to be witnessed and held by nature and each other, to relax into the depths of rest/repair..
We moved in at the beginning of July 2025 and began building our “base camp” consisting of a converted dodge ram van and a 15 dollar tent acquired from a garage sale. Slowly, more pieces started coming together..
We reclaimed, salvaged and repurposed materials found on the property, small items began being donated, and we procured components to have internet. (Thank you, Free Geek of Arkansas, for the 300 feet of LANline and our seemingly indestructible router)Powered with nothing but two small portable power stations (shoutout to Jackery) and our ambition, we gathered around a fire each evening and poured the vision onto a large white board.
We distilled our thoughts, values and experiences to form our intentions as stewards of the land and shortly after, established the 508(c)(1)(a) non-profit Divine Love Space, with this 31 acres being its first project known as “The Sanctuary”.
This past year has been deeply transformative, in many ways.. for Mysti and I individually, as partners in all the ways that we are, for the land and its community members.
It is easy to see potential, to look at the bright side and see the best of outcomes.
The truth is, it takes immense fortitude and perseverance to sustain the optimism and momentum necessary to actualize such a big vision. (This is a huge aspect of Mystix Love's magic)
It is particularly challenging to be living inside of an environment that demands innovation and strategy to function in basic ways, while also prioritizing the needs of the organization, putting physical labor into maintaining the land itself AND preserving time/energy for personal care, development and pursuits.
There have been so many times this past year where we weren’t sure if we’d be able to continue. Not out of giving up, but simply being under-resourced. We’ve maxed out our mental-emotional capacity, physically overworked our bodies to the point of being put on our asses and have found ourselves in a financial conundrum many’a times.
But..
each time we reach to a critical moment,
the way forward reveals itself; a discovery is made, new opportunities appear, and inspiration revitalizes the field.
With the support of friends, family, local businesses and other organizations, we now have: electricity on the property, a 30’ yurt with a functioning community kitchen, a hot tub to relax and commune in, an aviary for the fowl, two community garden spaces, new railing at the pavilion, a private guest area, a water system, and a stockpile of building materials for future projects. We’ve also welcomed new board members to our team as well as opened the space to a third resident/land steward.
We have had to dig deep to make this happen, as stewards and as a community..
Devotion to a project greater than ourselves has been exercised, radically transparent conversations have been had, and vulnerable asks have been made. Our limits have been tested in many ways and will surely continue to as circumstances evolve. (We look forward to sharing more of our story and diving into our individual experiences)We’ve had to be honest with ourselves and accept the possibility of this project not working out at while continuing to take steps forward, and, we’ve also had the opportunity to stretch our capacity to receive the blessings that have come through.
We have been doing this every day for almost a year, because we see the need for, and believe in, the medicine of what we are co-creating here. While there are always improvements to be made and projects to be done, we have come so far and accomplished so much in these past months despite the challenges.
We want to thank everyone who we’ve had the pleasure of sharing this journey with thus far. If you have participated in or been inspired by this project and its mission, we ask for your continued support by sharing this post, sharing stories, experiences, love notes, pictures and tagging friends. If you’re curious to know more and get involved, whether looking for space to host a retreat, to contribute donations or simply desiring to participate or collaborate in future community events- let’s connect!
With Love,
Saber & Mysti
