Oasis of Northwest Arkansas has been a long time coming.  The seed vision has been scattered, planted, watered, weeded, and yes, we're going to see it bloom.  It's been said before, "If you build it, they will come."  I believe in that truth. 

I also believe that the construction needs to flow with the creative energy in the universe.  Whenever the rest of life has been in the way of OASIS, I've stumbled around in frustration until I managed to let go.  During those times, OASIS has lain dormant.  A briefcase full of notes, business cards, flyers.  A website somewhere in the computer with pages under construction.  Names and phone numbers of women who were looking for a place to live -- NOW!

Apologetically I would speak to the biggest supporters of the OASIS vision. .."There's a break in the clouds...Oasis will be emerging onto the scene soon", I would say.  Finally, August 2009, our 501(c)(3) status was granted by the IRS. Before the sky brightened fully, the recession deepened in northwest Arkansas.  Winter came early and lengthened the night sky.

The hyacinths and daffodils have begun to emerge in my garden.  Becca and the women from Magdalene are coming in February. A grant writer volunteered to help.  More board members and volunteers have emerged. AAUW, AARP, The United Methodist Church of Bella Vista and The Center for Psychology in Bentonville have granted us resources to conduct a capacity building event. 

It's still early. Before I see dots of color gracing the landscape, we may have to endure another winter storm or two.  We have money to raise and follow through to complete.  But we have movement; we're on the way.

As I was wisely encouraged by one of our supporters: "The need will always be there."


in faith,  Cathy