HOW IT BEGAN: In the fall of 2008, I returned to my hometown, Cedar Rapids, after living 30 years in Milwaukee. By the fall of 2009, I felt the need for a retreat and stopped by Prairiewoods, a retreat center I’d heard about located on a new (for me) road—Boyson. After the retreat I asked Sr. Ann if I could help clean up. The next day I became a 3+ year volunteer laundry girl under the tutelage of Housekeeper Linda Koehler. Sr. Marj interviewed me for the volunteer newsletter. I took the nine-month S.E.E.L. program with Sr. Betty as my adviser. On the verge of back surgery, Sr. Nancy’s “magic” touch and the advice “Stop limping. Just walk normal.” helped me heal. Prairiewoods became my home away from home, and in 2023, it still is.
I learned the art of giving by having much given to me. I held several jobs in order to become self-supportive but never achieved that goal. So I followed my heart and enjoyed working for nonprofits. I was blessed with a family who supported me and still do so I can give a limited amount to others.
I am so grateful for the challenge of Prairiewoods—to cherish nature, the universe; to expand my mind and spirit; to meet wisdom seekers of other beliefs, etc. I am convinced that every Prairiewoods staff and board member is there to be GOOD to all. Now this is an excellent mission that the world sorely needs.
—Carol Nilles
HOW IT BEGAN: Seven years ago, I had just moved back from Japan. There I was connected with people who were championing spirituality not related to any particular religion. They were trying to expand our consciousness to include ALL beings in our thoughts because we depend on ALL other beings to live!
I had come back to Cedar Rapids to reconnect with my family but also with old friends and classmates. Carol wanted at any costs to show me Prairiewoods. I couldn’t believe that such a place could exist in CR! Things had changed!
From the moment we entered the grounds I could feel a new energy. Carol had written me about her helping out there with the laundry and going to a musical evening of Native American flute music. She evidently loved the place … and the people. There were no church and Sunday services, but the whole place was truly driven by their mission!
What I connected with was the quiet, gentle but lively, down-to-earth efforts of their good will for us and our planet. It was immediately apparent from the types of programs being offered almost full time—gardening, Blessing of the Animals, study groups, meditations, whatever would help foster an awakening to our need to participate in and be responsible for a new way of living on this planet. When there is a group doing something critical for all of us to live and survive the challenges of our times, it’s critical that we step up and give it our support. Prairiewoods is a DYNAMO of the kind of energy we need in Cedar Rapids and in our wider world, with its emphasis on ecology. Money, volunteering, word-of-mouth and encouraging what you see there—all vital! It’s a great place! Come, feel the vibes and join the work!
—Bob Engler
image by Frank Olsen