The Story of a Land Destined to Heal
During the late 1940s, in the little quiet town of Arima, Trinidad, a divine act of selflessness would change the course of Lena Padilla and her family forever. Dada Quoya Cupido, Lena’s step-grandfather and a prominent man in the community, became quite elderly and needed full-time care. Generously, Lena devoted her days and nights tending to him. He later willed a large sum of land to her, which she then passed down to her children and older grandchildren. However, the land did not reveal its divine purpose until it fell into the hands of Lena’s granddaughter, Nicole Bradshaw.
Originally, Ms. Bradshaw had her sights on building condos on the land. However, in 2010, after a dissolved marriage and great misfortune, Nicole found herself at a low point in her life. One day, Nicole received a vision of a healing garden for battered women and children. This was no surprise, since Ms. Bradshaw had a history of abuse from a previous relationship. Nicole purposed in her heart to help those who needed it most: Trinidad would have a healing garden.
Garden of Healing is a safe haven to provide healing and restoration to battered and abused women and children. It will be an institute providing educational and motivational sessions, seminars, and workshops. Spiritual and psychological counseling will be available, along with career advice and trade development. Medical needs will be met, as well as, access to resources that will assist families in transitioning into independent living—all of this, while being surrounded by an oasis.
The property is filled with beautiful, bustling gardens and waterfalls. It sits on a ridge overlooking the town and is well situated with mountain views and two valleys nestled on each side. Because of the land’s lush soil and ideal temperature, it is optimal for growing peas, coconut, mango and the like. A greenhouse where the residents can enjoy the various greenery and exotic flowers will also be a part of Garden of Healing’s experience. Heavily populated with wildlife, one can find countless species of birds, porcupine, deer, and other animals that keep the land’s eco-system intact. Overall, the tranquil setting of Garden of Healing will offer the type of environment where those who have greatly suffered can finally find rest and relief in this slice of heaven.
Through the selfless charity of one woman, the land can finally yield its divine purpose. Even though Garden of Healing will be a physical place, it represents something much greater and cannot be simply housed in a building. As Lena Padilla’s good heart sparked healing for one, many residents of Garden of Healing will experience that same goodness, kindness, love, and hope for generations to come.