A Divine Meeting, A Land Partnership & The Next Chapter at Solara Sanctuary

Del Rio, TN Annual Decoration Day Celebration Clark Cemetery, Deep Gap Baptist Church

It’s been a little while since I’ve updated you on our journey—so much has happened since our last blog where we went to the Memorial Day event at the cemetery (if you haven't read that blog- go backwards). That weekend, we joined the local community at the cemetery to honor those who passed and decorate the graves. What we didn’t realize was that this day would change everything. We saw Willie, who we met before and owns the local print shop in downtown Newport. Willie, being the kind-hearted owner he is, knew we were looking for land and said, “You’ve gotta meet Mr. Hill. He’s got some land for sale.” And just like that, the universe moved again.

He turned and said, “There’s his boy now.” We turned around—and sure enough, walking toward us were two men. One of them, Mr. Hill’s son, who quickly learned what we were looking and began to tell us about his father’s land. It sounded promising… but also expensive. Still, we were curious and asked to see it. The event was coming to an end and everyone was leaving. We said our goodbye's and as we were heading to our truck, something magical happened. The gentleman who had been standing beside Mr. Hill’s son stopped us.

He said, “I couldn’t help but overhear… are you looking for land?” He told us he owned 20 acres. He had big dreams for the land but had faced some major health setbacks and hadn’t been able to bring them to life. He wasn’t looking to sell…

He was looking for a partner. That moment felt like lightning in our souls.

We exchanged numbers and agreed to meet soon. What followed was a hike through the land—a stunning, untouched canvas full of potential. We saw the vision immediately. A healing sanctuary. A summer camp. Gardens. Events. Community.

We could feel it. A few days later, we invited him to dinner. We laid it all out—values, ideas, goals, boundaries. And here we are… 30 days into living on this land together, building the dream.

What This Partnership Means

This isn’t just a land agreement.

It’s a divinely orchestrated alliance—one where both sides are being deeply supported. Our partner has been given breath and life back to a vision he thought he may never get to see realized. And we’ve been gifted a sacred opportunity to begin our sanctuary journey with someone who believes in what we’re building. We’re not doing this alone anymore.

This is the beginning of something bigger than any of us. This is the foundation of a thriving community.

What We’re Working On Right Now

The past 30 days have been full of:

• Visioning: Walking the land, feeling into what it wants to become

• Planning: Mapping out summer camp areas, event spaces, gardens, and eco-structures

• Sourcing: Finding reclaimed materials, developing sustainable systems, connecting with local builders and farmers

• Building Partnerships: With people who believe in this mission and want to contribute their skills, support, or spirit.

Every day is a mix of challenge and magic. We’re learning. We’re adapting. We’re creating something real—from scratch. We’re still living off-grid. Still building infrastructure. Still dreaming with our boots on the ground.

The Future of Solara Sanctuary

Here’s just a glimpse of what’s coming:

• Small intimate retreats for healing, rest, and rebirth

• Gardening education rooted in regenerative practices

• Small youth summer camps to reconnect children with the Earth, their gifts, and their joy

• Events and experiences that activate the spirit and gather the community

• Tiny home rentals for those seeking escape, peace, and reconnection

• A barter-based ecosystem rooted in mutual giving, abundance, and love.

We’re not here to “escape the world”—we’re building a new one. One rooted in truth, nature, healing, and unity.

If you’ve been following our story, thank you.

Your energy, support, encouragement, and prayers mean more than you know. We didn’t know how this was going to unfold. We still don’t have all the answers.

But every step, the Universe has met us. And we’re trusting it will continue to. We’re here now.

On the land. With the vision. And with hearts wide open. And if you feel called to walk with us—whether through support, partnership, collaboration, or simply following along—you are always welcome here. This is just the beginning.

With wild love & muddy feet,

Melissa LeEllen Biondi

Founder of Solara Sanctuary