Ah, Thanksgiving. That sweet American holiday where turkeys take center stage, carbs reign supreme, and pumpkin pie is consumed in amounts bordering on scandalous. For those of us in the Wallace household, Thanksgiving has always been more than just food—it’s about reflecting on the highs and lows of life. (Also, let’s be honest, it’s the one time a year when leftovers truly become an art form.)
Our family loves to sit down, share our “highs and lows,” and marvel at how, in this messy, wonderful life, gratitude sneaks into even the hardest of days. And let me tell you, after five decades of adventures on this beautiful planet, we’ve had plenty of both.
The Roller Coaster of Life
When we first moved to Santo Domingo 30 years ago, we had no idea what kind of ride we were in for. Some years felt like a non-stop, hair-raising roller coaster (think Space Mountain in total darkness). Others resembled a lazy river—calm, predictable, and dare I say, boring? But here’s the thing: the steep climbs and stomach-dropping plummets always led to breakthroughs, often in ways we didn’t anticipate.
Take the past ten years as Exhibit A. In 2014, we reluctantly packed our bags and traded Caribbean beaches for the Texas heat…. then in 2019 we traded Texas for the snow-capped Rockies. We joined our daughters, Aspen (aka Keren) and Kathryn, in Denver, each of us navigating big life changes. Aspen married her college sweetheart from Western State, and Kathryn—after gracing the stage in NYC as a professional dancer with Alvin Ailey—tied the knot, too. Both weddings happened smack in the middle of the pandemic, which meant masks, hand sanitizer, and more logistical challenges than a game of Tetris. But hey, love wins, right?
This summer, our bonus daughter Luz got married in Punta Cana. The event was part wedding, part high school reunion for Doulos Discovery School alumni, and entirely magical. There’s something about seeing our daughters together, all grown up and thriving, that feels like the ultimate “high.”
A New Chapter: Estancia Natura Approved!
Speaking of highs, we’re over the moon to share that Estancia Natura will be officially approved in the new year! After 15 months of wrestling with the red tape in Jarabacoa, the mayor and town council of Manabao stepped in and gave us the green light. We will continue to work with the local municipal leaders of Jarabacoa in a collaborative effort to involve Jarabacoa’s Town Council (Regidores) that originally voted down the project, in a show of solidarity. It’s no small feat, given the labyrinth of municipal politics and the sheer willpower it took to bypass several less-than-ethical hurdles. (Pro tip: when dealing with bureaucracy, bring snacks and an iron will.)
This pending approval isn’t just a win for us; it’s a victory for the residents of Angostura and Manabao. Projects like Estancia Natura ignite sustainable economic growth, proving that responsible development can be a win-win for people and the planet. It’s not unlike when we launched the Doulos Discovery School back in 2003, transforming Jarabacoa into a hub for education.
But let’s be real: the farm roads at Estancia Natura are not for the faint of heart. They’ve been the stuff of legends (and maybe a few stuck-in-the-mud disasters). Picture this: four-wheel drives slipping, spinning, and occasionally muttering “I told you so.” Well, friends, the time has come to fix those roads once and for all.
Gratitude: The Heart of It All
As we prepare to break ground on the A-frames in January, we can’t help but reflect on all we’re grateful for:
– Family and friends: Your unwavering belief in us has been our foundation.
– The local community: From Santo Domingo, to Jarabacoa to Manabao, your support has been our compass.
– Faith: As followers of Jesus, we see our work as an opportunity to steward creation and honor those around us.
Estancia Natura is the culmination of 30 years of dreaming, building, and believing. But here’s the exciting part: this isn’t just our story anymore—it’s yours too. This project is our way of inviting you into the family, as partners and co-creators in something much bigger than any one of us.
What’s Next?
So, what’s on the horizon? Infrastructure work begins soon, and while it might not sound glamorous, trust us—it’s a game changer. Imagine smoother drives, fewer muddy mishaps, and a much easier trek to enjoy the beauty of Estancia Natura.
We also have a bittersweet update: our dear friend Jeff Loftsgarden will be stepping down as a partner at Spirit Mountain. Thank you, Jeff, for believing in us, back when we were just a couple of kids! Much of the Spirit Mountain legacy is thanks to you! In Jeff’s place, we’re thrilled to welcome a familiar face—someone who has been a part of our journey from the start and shares our vision for the future. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, we’re rolling up our sleeves and embracing the Dominican spirit of manos a la obra—let’s get to work! This Thanksgiving, as we feast on turkey (or maybe mangú), we’re pausing to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together and all the adventures still to come.
Cheers to gratitude, good friends, and fewer muddy roads ahead. Let’s make the next chapter unforgettable!
