Inches to Metric: Merkaz Lavi – PTSD/PTG (Post Traumatic Growth) #2

The Magic in Reality

I wrote a prior blog Merkaz Lavi (click), explaining why/how we got involved in creating our center, and issues regarding PTSD. This dives deeper into how we went about creating/manifesting Merkaz Lavi.

Manifesting!

What does it take to run with an idea then launch it? For those who have tried, you know it takes great dedication. Countless years; honing a concept, building a board, naming/logo/branding, meetings, raising funds, trustworthy counsel, contracts, knowledgeable realtor, hiring/team building, bureaucratic codes (sticky). Once established; planning, building, cleaning, ordering, accepting, organizing, staging, photographing, website development, governing agency approvals, applications, interviews…Are we exhausted? Not even close.

Manifesting something pure and in everyone’s best interest is energizing, ineffable!

After an extensive search, we leased a property in Betzet (Northern Israel near Nahariya/Lebanon Border). I flew to Israel in January, shortly after acquiring it to  experience the magic and help.

When I arrived, some team members were already on site, including Elie our co-founder. Many do not live close by. Our home in Jerusalem (in good traffic) is three hours away. Our concept/center is magnetizing; attracting staff/people from Rosh Pina, Tzfat, Ein Hod, Haifa, small villages, Ra’anana. We are searching for a rental staff house for those who live remotely, choosing to live/work there several days a week.

A flurry of activity

Our property had not been entirely vacated, much was left behind. I brought drafting supplies, measured rooms and created furniture layouts. Everything becomes clear with scaled floor plans. This beautifully rendered site plan was done by a staff member (graphic designer/stager).

The team was waiting for my lead. We all have our roles. We pitched in kibbutz (cooperative) fashion and went to work; cleaning cabinets, closets, storage rooms, wiped shelving, sorted and purged. We decided what to give away or keep (furniture, accessories, rugs, books, art). Repurposing is fun! Having two large homes to fill, it was extremely helpful. We worked 12 hour days. At night, Bobo our nature/herbal specialist treated us to a spectacular fire.

We are a micro economic engine

We needed/wanted to support businesses in the North. Elie and I made a list of furniture quantities, sizes/layouts and went shopping. We first bought throw pillows (instant gratification) from a family business in the Druze village Daliyat al-Carmel and selected chairs, tables, and sofas from the Druze village Yarka (Druze is a secret/closed religion, ancient offshoot of Islam, very patriotic to Israel).

We shopped in Nahariyah and Haifa at Ikea and Max Stock for basics, Betili for sofas, smaller shops for outdoor furniture, dining chairs, stools and poster art. We gathered quotes/purchase orders, then waited. There were reports the war with Iran was approaching, factories began closing.

I returned to our apartment after 10 days at Betzet. While in Jerusalem I drove to industrial Talpiot and selected bed frames and mattresses from a small workshop by Sammy Fenner. Going from the serene setting at Merkaz Lavi to navigating industrial Talpiot is a head trip, hoot, maze/treasure hunt! I also went to the Western Wall and prayed for help/guidance for our center! I stayed an additional two weeks then flew back to the US, sad to leave. The war began soon after.

Our healing garden/exteriors

Jeff and I returned to Betzet in July for three days, during the ceasefire. We finally met all team members in person. It was thrilling. They had remained busy during the six months. They built or supervised the construction of an incredible healing garden, including a vegetable garden, pergola, greenhouse, fire pit and decks. What they accomplished was remarkable, while enduring missiles/sirens. We are so proud of the resilience of our staff.

We have an abundance of produce from our daily yield and sell in the local market. Our dairy provider is local. Soon we will have chickens and eggs.

Our support staff; a chef, house cleaner, linen service (providing weekly bedding and towels), coffee vendor supplying machines, beans and service, technicians to build and install ramps/rails, landscape architect (expert in healing gardens), photographer, greenhouse, gazebo and drip irrigation companies.

Our interiors

The furniture was ordered once things quieted down, most was delivered prior to our arrival. Each room is a combination of new and repurposed pieces.

To maintain kosher/dietary standards, the main house kitchen is dairy, the smaller is meat, with a pareve (vegetarian) area in the main house pantry/laundry room. A mashkiach (kosher supervisor) advised us. Most meat will be grilled outdoors on our fabulous new grill. Little known fact; there is a Druze butcher shop in Daliyat al-Carmel which imports kosher beef from the US. We stocked up!

We created many wonderful areas to relax and heal, encouraging friendships between residents.

Sammy built our beds during the war. His delivery truck from Jerusalem needed to make frequent stops due to sirens. Real beds with 12″ (30cm) mattresses and brilliant storage in the bases, not 4″ (10cm) foam on wooden slats. Our beds were a huge hit, we all loved sleeping on them!

Post traumatic growth

Our center is a Makom Kadosh (holy place) for post traumatic growth. The local Chabbad (branch of Hasidic Judaism) visited and gifted us a set of tefillin (leather straps containing prayers worn on the arm and head during morning prayers). They blessed our homes and all who work/dwell within.

To sanctify the moment of readiness and growth, we bought a few trees from Malachi Nursery owned by Isaac Malachi, located in Moshav Limon (lemon). We planted them in honor of our parents who are no longer with us. Isaac came to help.

A great story, Isaac remained at his nursery throughout the war. He wanted/needed to protect his home/nursery. He turned it into a military base, where he offered warm showers, did laundry and provided meals for troops.

We planted a baobab tree, (click for dedication), an ancient species from Africa. It is a main character from the book The Little Prince. This tree will remind us that in each resident resides a little child who needs to be taken care of.

This time felt different

We had a flurry of straightening, staging, photographing then exhaled. We hung a mezuzah (scroll) on the door frames of both houses. When you manifest, there is a moment when you realize you have done all you can. It’s like being pregnant, nearing the time of birth, you have prepared but are nervous and pray all goes well. Once the baby is dropped in your lap, you say to yourself yikes/or other, what do I do now? Now we wait; for the phone, emails, inquiries, interviews, residents.

The best is yet to come!

Neighboring communities are buzzing. We are accepting applications and soon will have our first residents. Please wish us well and spread the word! Our site in Hebrew and English (click) Merkaz Lavi