I am new to North Carolina, having moved here from Turkey where I had retired in a small fishing village on the Aegean. I came back after the twin crises of the epidemic and protests hit. I knew I could no longer sit in comfort while the US was falling apart. I am originally from California but wanted to come to a swing state to help. I chose North Carolina, having been here many years ago and remembering it as a welcoming and picturesque place. Since I knew little about the state and no one, my first course of action was to travel a bit and get a feel of where I might want to settle.

I started in Raleigh and one day decided to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art. As I wandered around the beautiful park studded with sculptures and galleries filled with world-class art, I came upon the Haywood St. Fresco exhibit. I stood there, dumbstruck: the charcoal drawings, the videos, the preparation of the wall and paint, the testimonies….Since there were no benches, I sank onto the floor and gazed in reverence at the photographs of the rendering of the story of the people of Haywood St. and, indeed, of all of us.

Others passed by, noting the beauty of the art, but I was rooted to the ground. Reading the story behind the mural and seeing the photographs and videos of the incredible people Christopher Holt portrayed in his work was one of the most memorable museum memories I have ever had. The painstaking attention to details, the concept and dedication of Christopher and his crew is something unique in this modern world of minute sound bites and easy fixes.

I determined to go to Asheville and see the fresco in person. I wanted to feel it and the sanctuary.

April was amazing – she responded to my request immediately and we set up a date. Driving into the parking lot, it was apparent that this is a place of refuge. We cannot underestimate the extent of trauma so many men and women undergo and the damage they suffer, and here is a sanctuary open to all.

April was there waiting to greet me and my friend. She was warm and informative and showed us around, explaining the church and allowing us to absorb the atmosphere and the work ‘in situ’. The story of its development from idea to reality is a lesson in love and commitment. It reminded me of the quote from Rabbi Hillel:

If not me, who?
If not now, when?

And the fresco? It is magnificent. Words cannot adequately describe what a privilege it is to view it close up. There is a peace about the chapel, with its simple pews and soft light from the old stained glass windows. Some people may scoff, but there is a spirit of goodness: I felt it embrace me and strengthen my resolve to do something positive to make this world a better place.

I hope that many pilgrims come to visit this magical site and be inspired to get involved in something beneficial to their community and country.

I wish you the best in everything. You epitomize the ideals of the basic idea of all religions: be a good person. God bless you.