The One with the Innkeepers

What a blessed stay we had at Innkeeper Ministries. 

It was exactly the rest and retreat we needed in order to transition from full time camp ministry combined with youth ministry, to "jumping in to the new school year head first" youth ministry. 

We were tired. 

In need of a definitive shift from one to the other. 

Simply put, we needed a vacation. 

But not a vacation that is all about site seeing and going going going. 

One that is filled with no schedule, 

lots of books, 

comfortable beds, 

and good conversation. 

Thankfully, one of my wonderful blog friends, Jenilee, shared her personal experience at Innkeepers with me. 

It seemed like a dream--one that wouldn't quite come true. 

But then the plans fell into place so easily.

I called Jan at Innkeepers and they had an opening.

Perfect. 

We packed, 

threw some food in a cooler, 

made the three hour drive,

and pulled into our new home for the week. 

The Eagles Wing Manor was AMAZING. 

Every room was exquisitely decorated and so inviting. 

I felt like I had come "home."

As if we were staying in a friends house--where we could kick off our shoes, 

make ourselves at home, 

help ourselves to the snacks, 

and yet never to have any sort of schedule or obligation. 

Perfection. 

So that's what we did. 

We sunk our toes into the plush carpet. 

Stretched out on the pillow top king sized bed. 

Lounged on the back porch. 

Gazed out our setting room picture window at creation. 

Took walks around the many ponds.

Watched movies on the big screen tv. 

Played ping pong and pool. 

Snacked on way too many pretzel m&ms.

Drank tea as we listened to nature awaken for the day. 

Had some seriously necessary deep conversation.

Read countless pages in our favorite books.

Perfection.  

::the back of the Manor::

notice the beautiful picture window on the 2nd floor--it was ours!

and the lounge chairs on the back porch--we used them for hours!

::the bridge through the woods, 

over the creek from the Eagles Wing Manor to the Prayer Chapel and Chesed Inn

::Jenilee and I meeting in person::

She's just as wonderful as I thought!

Her church leaders had a meeting at the Inn on Tuesday evening. 

We met for the first time--but in reality it felt like we'd met long ago. 

::dinner out at Olive Garden::

Thanks to Somerset Beach for the gift card I won at a mid-summer staff party!

::saying goodbye--refreshed but sad to leave!::

And we truly look forward to returning time and time again.
Thank you, Lord, for the Hartenstein's obedient ministry to your ministers.