Journey in the Desert

Let me help you picture Las Cruces. The whole town is Fort Bliss, army life, and miles of pistachio groves. You can feel the sense of family traditions in the quaint adobe living, and the skies have the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

When arriving to my living quarters, the ease of the region seeped in and I quickly found myself comfortable. At the crisis facility, I could see the space was geared for crisis, with a caring atmosphere and a huge slice of welcoming arms. The RI Way is strong in New Mexico.

At first, I was undecided as to what to use as my inspiration for this mural, until the first sight of that day’s sunset during the ride from the airport. The colors were incredible!

The first wall was their mountains with a sunrise. The next wall was the same mountain with hikers. The last wall was a way to have a sanctuary of rest – it was called Dripping Springs. During the rainy season, this area is wet and refreshing and I can see why anyone would want to be sitting alongside its beauty.

The sunrise represented the hope of a new day, the hikers represented the constant climb of recovery, and the water was the fluidity of life during your strength journey.

It was my pleasure to bring something of their pride to the walls of Dona Ana Triage Center.

Lucy Schwartz

Lucy is a Peer Recovery Specialist at RI International and has spread her mural magic in RI International crisis facilities across the United States.