Once more we answered the call issued from the center of the
Lindwall Foundation in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The call was for
all members of the board to gather for a retreat and meet face
to face for the first time. We came from as far as Germany (Barbara
Kroll), from California (Voge Smith), from Georgia ( Dr. Peter
Ortiz), from England (Dr. Stephen Marcus) and locally (Dr. Isa
Lindwall-President and Chairman of the Board). Joyce Myers from
Georgia attended as a special guest. Present also were
Foundation officers Yolanda Lindwall (Secretary/Treasurer), Gena
Stem-Shaw (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer) and James Shaw (Executive
Director).
The meeting took place at Camp Couchdale, home of the local
Future Farmers of America, located three miles from the Lindwall
residence. We gathered in a quaint log cabin built in 1936
and recently remodeled. It was an exquisite, comfortable surrounding,
away from all the confusion of the world. There we were greeted
by evidence of the careful planning for the meeting carried out
by Gena, James, and Isa andYolanda. There were matching loose
leaf binders and ball point pens that actually worked. With such
a comfortable atmosphere we knew we were in for a joyful and rewarding
experience.
The meeting was called to order by the executive director and
the president and we commended ourselves to Spirit Most High in
order to ascertain the desired results. The first order of business
was the quarterly meeting of the Lindwall Foundation and we were
brought up to date on current significant progress of the organization
to date.
The By-laws were reviewed and no changes were deemed necessary.
This was followed by a discussion of the key elements of Board
Operations and our duties and responsibilities as board members.
These details were carefully outlined and referenced in the notebook
material which directed the meeting and made progress seem almost
effortless and most rewarding.
Once business was concluded, we adjourned and headed for lunch
at the camp cafeteria where we were treated to the wonderful cooking
of Eva and her staff. That was delightful and was repeated for
all meals of the two days we were hosted there.
The afternoon of the first day brought what perhaps can be
characterized as the most peaceful and rewarding board meeting
any of us had ever attended. The whole scenario was carefully
orchestrated by the executive director, James, who has to be commended
for his preparation allowing the whole meeting to flow, without
a single snag or delay.
After lunch we were invited to participate in the evaluation
and possible redefinition of the Foundation's "Vision"
and "Mission" The vision was defined as our optimal
goal, the reason for our existence, and the view of the desired
future. One by one the inspired and harmonious contributions came
from all the members under the careful supervision of James, who
kept us from jumping from the vision to the mission as we spoke.
Voge suggested that we stop and meditate for a short time to see
what further inspiration came from higher sources and to bring
our thoughts together. The words "Enlightened Global Community"
as our vision succinctly describes our vision and was met with
unanimous approval. It was most rewarding that we were so in tune
with each others' ideas and suggestions. The results pleased all
of us.
Then we dealt with our mission which was reworded as "The
Lindwall Foundation seeks to elevate human consciousness individually
and collectively through: 1) Sharing the Lindwall Releasing Process
and, 2) Supporting the efforts of similar organizations worldwide",
therefore accomplishing our vision. Once again, all participants
were in total agreement.
We discussed the short (1-2 years) and long term (3-5 years)
plans for the Foundation. This was started with a short presentation
from Peter who was concerned with the perpetuation of the foundation
as a viable process in the future. He divided this into quality
and quantity headings. We explored how our operations could best
utilize the time and efforts of the founders and enjoy their presence
in order to enrich our knowledge and enhance our capacities as
releasers. Once again the participation was most enthusiastic.
The idea of an eventual permanent center was well received.Yolanda
spoke at length on its possibilities starting with its location
and some of its purposes and characteristics. Throughout the whole
meeting such ideas were immediately corroborated with Spirit Most
High through kinesiology. This helped us center on the most desirable
concepts brought out by all members and once more there was agreement.
There was no final decision as to where the center should be located.
Maui and northern California were strong possible considerations,
but this detail was to be revealed at a future date.
We then spoke about fund-raising and ensuring our financial
stability, which brought into discussion the immediate plans for
this year of a possible trip to Costa Rica, in addition to the
scheduled Hawaii and west coast sojourn. Obtaining contributions
from other foundations was explained as a possible source of funding.
At this point the meeting adjourned and we all went to the
Lindwall's beautiful and recently remodeled home. Here for the
first time some of us got to see the actual heart of the Lindwall
Foundation operations where space is carefully allotted for efficient
transactions. The capabilities for future expansion and media
participation were demonstrated with wonderful videos which at
times turned into funny situations that almost brought tears of
joy to our eyes.
The second day brought into play a presentation by Yolanda
about the book she has been formalizing and comments by Isa, which
were video taped by Stephen for future sharing within the Foundation
here and abroad. This was very welcome as were other future Foundation
plans. The only concern we had was the degree of back pain in
which Barbara found herself, but that responded dramatically to
treatment by Voge. We were introduced to two books written about
the release process, which at the present time exist only in German,
but will soon be translated to English to share with all concerned.
Isa and Yolanda, verified by Spirit Most High, are satisfied with
the book and the content and presentation. These books will be
quite helpful to further the teachings of the Releasing Process
and serve as a guide to the Foundation as details of the founders
and its operational history are included.
Peter commented on how well we worked together and the basic
reason we were able to do so was because we had similar goals.
He described when once he was questioned in a recorded interview
as to what activity of mankind would give the most rewarding results
he remembered how clearly the word SERVICE came into his mind.
Lead a life of service to our fellowman was and still is the answer,
and that is what the Lindwall Foundation is all about. It was
at this time that a recently received post card was handed to
him which depicted a picture of Sathya Sai Baba and which read
"Love must express itself as service." Was that
a coincidence? Not at all, we were being reassured we were on
the right track.
Then it once again came time to disperse in all directions with promises that we would once again meet at a future date to see the fruits of our joyful planning in that cozy log cabin close to Lindwall Foundation headquarters. With universal cheer we parted not before the organizers of this memorable meeting were thanked by all for all their efforts and the efficiency and productivity with which the meeting was run. And so it is!
Peter R. Ortiz, M.D.
Cumming, GA
30 May, 2002
1400 hrs.
Edited by Joyce C. Myers