Labor Day Service at Mossyrock: Seattle Eastside, WA
Swami reminds us that 'Love expresses itself as service.' and "Service is the blossom of love.' Guided by this spirit, 11 members of the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Seattle Eastside, WA, came together on August 30, 2025, during the Labor Day weekend, for a special project at Mossyrock, a six-acre property owned by the 96-year-old steward, Barbara Lois, and located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and is surrounded by several lakes, including Mayfield Lake and Riffe Lake. Plans are underway to develop the land into a serene retreat space with simple cabins that will serve as places for quiet reflection, spiritual gatherings, and community-building.
Over the course of the service activity, volunteers worked on a variety of tasks to help restore and prepare the cabins. The day included lawn mowing, removing dead trees, clearing brush and debris, insulating an existing cabin, and even laying the foundation for extending one of the cabins. Each task was undertaken with enthusiasm, teamwork, and a shared reverence for the land that will one day host seekers of peace and deeper connection with nature.
Barbara, despite her age, inspires everyone with her warmth, wisdom, and joy. She shared with the volunteers that during her walks through the forest, she often receives messages of guidance and inspiration from the spirits of nature. Deeply moved by the group’s dedication, Barbara expressed, “You are angels and what a wonderful blessing for us and the land. Love you all .”
One of the volunteers reflected on the experience, saying:
“Going to Mossyrock, I was able to step back from daily distractions, and connect with nature again. Working with my fellow brothers and sisters, it felt right to help Barbara; her gratitude was indeed a wonderful gift. Service is truly an amazing act, and everyone feels its positive and uplifting benefits.”
Volunteers left Mossyrock with hearts full of gratitude, touched by the opportunity to contribute to a project that will benefit and nurture future generations. They were reminded that service is not only about lending a helping hand, but also about building spaces where love, harmony, and connection with nature can flourish.
Through their work at Mossyrock, members of the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Seattle Eastside experienced once again, the joy of living Swami’s teaching—that true love finds its highest expression in selfless service. As Swami reminds us, “Nature is the vesture of God. By serving Nature, you are serving God Himself.”
With deep faith and vision, Barbara hopes that the cabins at Mossyrock will one day serve as sanctuaries of peace and spiritual nourishment—places where future generations can pause, reflect, and reconnect with both nature and the Divine.