Sometimes writing The Miracle Forest, I felt like I had to overcome nearly as many obstacles as the people of Gaviotas. 16 years ago, Paolo Lugari was not available online or by email for me to contact. Eventually, my husband volunteered to take my manuscript down to Colombia. But, in order for Paolo to read it, I had to have it professionally translated into Spanish. 

Once Paolo did read my children's book, he gave his enthusiastic blessing along with many photos to help an illustrator. I was on cloud nine, feeling like Jason of the Argonauts back with the Golden Fleece! 

I thought surely a publisher would snap up the inspiring true story of environmental restoration. However, in 2010, people weren't as concerned about climate change. One editor said that my story would only appeal to "crunchy granola types". 

Determined to make the book available to give kids hope and a positive vision, I hired a friend to illustrate. My friend was also running a community farm and it took a couple years longer for her to finish than we anticipated. 

But now, at long last, the book has a publisher and is available for readers. I'm so happy to share this story. For me, it shows how when we humans do our best to work with our local ecologies, nature can respond with miracles beyond our wildest imaginings.