Summer Update 2021

Greetings from the Hostel in the Forest. It is evident that we are in the depths of a warm southeast Georgia summer. The mosquitos are here, though not as bad as some years in the past. With a little repellent, light long sleeves, or my dear friend's favorite protection in the form of a tree sprig softly cast past shoulder to shoulder, one can enjoy the beauty of nature in spite of these little creatures that just require a bit more understanding. I am happy to report that the yellow flies have already left for the year and we won't be expecting them back till June 2022.

We have been open for a few weeks now and our Manager, Michelle, and her staff have done a fine job of reopening the space and hosting returning Members. As items were brought back online and powered up, some machines were too tired to continue working. We had to get a new washer, this time we went commercial grade so that it could survive in the humidity of the forest. Our main community fridge was also replaced with a larger capacity version that offers more space for our Members' food items. Many things seemed to break down, just as we were in need of their service.

While the Forest seems to be hard on machines and other digital devices, I know that it is quite the opposite for any creature living and breathing. Many of our Hostel Members that have visited us recently have told us how a recharge of Nature's energy amongst the trees, has been just what these times have called for. We've had Tea Time on Saturdays and it has been so wonderful to share stories, in circle, once again.

For the month of August, we are lifting our 3 day maximum stay to be able to accommodate the requests for a more complete respite. Just call the office for details if you are interested in this.

I had a neighbor once, and he was quite the hardened and spirited man. Like the mosquitos I had mentioned earlier, he required a bit of understanding. Although we had sparse interactions during the beginning of the year, he always seemed to have anger towards me and the world in general. I made it a point to avoid taking it personally and continue to be as good of a neighbor as I could. By summer, I learned some of the reasoning as to why he was living in the manner he was living. Life itself. While I cannot say that we became good friends, I can say that we became good neighbors and he could call on me, if needed, and I could call on him.

I hope that you are well, wherever you are, and that happiness is on your doorstep. If it is not there, surely it exists out in the world and more importantly, in your heart. Take care of yourselves and each other.

The Hostel in the Forest.