sort of, but not really...

... vacation over the past weekend, when I was at a retreat center.  The 'sort of' part is going up north of town into Harris County into the woods, removed from the wold. No traffic, no retail business, no hustle and bustle, just trees, sunshine, and lots of peace and quiet.

The 'not really' part is explained by the fact that  I was not actually a participant in the 'retreating', but went to give my time as a volunteer, providing hands and feet. A behind the scenes worker bee, there to ensure the event would be a memorable experience for the thirty women who were the participating. One of those women who was there to be refreshed and renewed was there by my invite.

The venue, where these events occur each spring and fall is situated on a donated plot of land, at some distance from any commercial property. The facility has three climate controlled dorms that would easily accommodate at least six dozen  people, plus another building for staff, kitchen workers, support team. A conference room for meetings, fully equipped kitchen and large dining room. A swimming pool, plus a pond for fishing.

Down a long driveway, tucked into the back edge of the densely wooded lot, completely screened from any neighbors. You might hear owls at night, coyotes, or the faint barks of dogs from distant houses, an occasional scree of hawks circling on thermals, but no real interruptions to the tranquility of the natural environment. Just being there, getting out of the busy-ness of daily activities, opening the car door, taking a deep breath can slow your heart rate.

The many folk who go and serve, making it all come together, invisible but essential parts of a team of volunteers, donate themselves each spring and fall. Devoted to making the retreat as meaningful for others as it was when they were participants. Providing the opportunity for renewal, growth, enrichment that others invited them to experience. Believers all, we choose to invest our time and energy to pass along the blessings that were so generously bestowed as our sponsors invited us to venture on The Walk To Emmaus.