At Casa Alterna, a ministry devoted to radical hospitality, life is a whirlwind of challenges, adjustments, and hard-won victories for our recently arrived asylum seekers. The journey to a new land is arduous—navigating an unfamiliar language, acclimating to new foods, and grappling with limited transportation. This intense period of adjustment, compounded by the weight of past traumas, can be overwhelming for our community members.
“We need an outing to clear our minds!”
Amid these challenges, a heartfelt desire began to resonate within the walls of Casa Alterna: “We need an outing to clear our minds!” This simple yet profound request grew louder each day, reflecting the deep need for a break, fresh air, and moments of peace amid the chaos. It was a plea we could not ignore.
In our quest to provide this much-needed respite, we found allies in Georgia’s natural beauty—the serene lakes and majestic mountains that beckoned us with their promise of healing and renewal. These natural sanctuaries, both accessible and affordable, offered the perfect escape, allowing our community to step away from daily stresses and into a space where they could breathe, reflect, and heal.
Casa Alterna’s mission goes beyond providing shelter and support; it’s about building a sense of community and nurturing the soul. Organizing this outing required thoughtful planning—scheduling, budgeting, and preparing food. But the rewards were immeasurable: new experiences, shared memories, and a more profound sense of connection.
Our residents longed for nature and water, which promised fun and relaxation. The dream of a walk on the sand, almost out of reach, was realized at the beautiful lakes with sandy shores. Through the generosity of those who opened their doors and shared their time, we were able to offer a space for recreation and rejuvenation that our community so desperately needed.
A special thanks to Atlanta Friends Meeting for their kindness in providing access to their cabin on Lake Burton; this lakeside retreat offered a cool respite from the summer heat, a place to swim, and a stunning landscape that became the backdrop for shared stories, joyful memories, and moments of simple, profound pleasure. Residents learned new skills like grilling and toasting marshmallows, and most importantly, they reconnected with memories of happiness and hope. The bonds of community, so central to our mission, deepen in these precious moments.
The mountains of Georgia played an equally vital role. For many, hiking through these mountains is a simple recreational activity. Still, for our community, it became something much more—a therapeutic journey, a step towards healing from the traumas they had endured.
Walking through the rain, feeling the strain of tired, sweaty bodies on dirt roads that were sometimes slippery or muddy, and enduring the intense heat—these experiences were a reminder of both the good and bad memories of the past. Yet, these challenges also offered an opportunity to overwrite painful memories with new, positive ones. As one resident reflected, “It feels better.” The breeze, the blue sky, and the beautiful sunset at the end of the hike were like a grand prize, offering relief and a sense of calm after all they had been through.
Reaching the mountain’s summit was a physical achievement and a symbolic victory. The pride in our residents’ voices as they exclaimed, “We arrived, we did it!” was palpable. And the moment was joyfully celebrated with laughter, photos, and a refreshing drink.
Outings remind us of nature’s profound power to heal and restore.
These outings remind us of nature’s profound power to heal and restore. For our community, they provided not just a break but a chance to build new, positive memories. Whether it’s a quiet moment by the lake or the shared triumph of reaching a mountaintop, these experiences are invaluable. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made these moments possible and are eager to create more opportunities for connection and healing in the future.
Written by Loyda Paz Perez, Casa Alterna’s residential coordinator (with Anton Flores-Maisonet)
Casa Alterna 