A New Journey Begins: YARA in Kenya
Dear Yara Community,
We are humbled and overjoyed to share the seed of a new project taking root in our hearts: traveling to Kenya to support and learn from a Maasai community's work in animal rescue and care.
For years, our path has wound from the Sanctuary here in Portland to the elephants of northern Thailand, always guided by the same simple truth: that compassion knows no borders, and that the wellbeing of animals and the wellbeing of the people who live alongside them are deeply intertwined. That is the case for our connection and support in Yelapa Mexico as well. When we go on retreat diving into the community and supporting The Yelapa Animal Project which has been caring for animals in need for over decades, we are growing the compassion in the world.
Now that path is opening onto new ground. We are beginning a journey to support and learn from a Maasai community in Kenya and how they help the rescue, care, and protection of animals in their region — honoring both the land's wildlife and the traditional knowledge and stewardship the Maasai have carried for generations. This is an invitation to listen, to learn, and to serve alongside a community whose relationship with animals and earth is deep and intimate and will be eye opening as well as heart opening for us.
The Path Ahead:
- Now through 2027: Megan Coppock, midwife and healer, is our connection to Kenya. We will be working together to create a beautiful retreat for you to join us eventually. We'll be fundraising for this journey through various workshops and events, deepening our practice while gathering resources to travel to Kenya and support the Maasai community's work.
- January 2027: We travel to Kenya for a research and development journey — spending time with the Maasai community, learning their needs, and understanding how we can best support their work as well as solidifying the plans for the retreat we will be offering in 2028
- 2028: Building on what we learn, we hope to offer a retreat, opening this experience to our wider YARA community
- We'll be documenting the journey through Sweethome's blog, so you can walk this path with us from the very beginning.
This work asks for patience, humility, and an open heart, the same qualities our practice asks of us and being in service. We're grateful to bring you along.
More details, including how you can support this project directly, will follow in the coming weeks and months. If this speaks to you, stay close - sign up for our newsletter, follow along on the blog, sing with us on Sundays in the hut, follow me on instagram @sweethometeacup.
With gratitude and an open heart,
Sweethome, Megan, and The critters
