What a week we've had! Ten retreatants arrived on Monday morning, for a few days of a "retreat with a difference." They came to spend time with the Lord, but also - in return for free board and lodging - to help get the house and grounds ready for the summer season.

And to be sponsored for their hours of work - raising money for this current project, which includes installing a summer house/hermitage in the walled garden for retreatants to use. We had hoped to be able to raise enough to purchase and install it. Some people used the online giving for sponsorship, others posted their donations.

"We really enjoyed the space, both physical and spiritual. It may not seem like much but I really appreciated the psalms which you shared with us. I felt that the Lord was confirming some of the themes which have been in my thinking over the past weeks."

"We've had the perfect balance of rest, refreshment and restoring furniture!"

"As I've alternated relaxation with garden work the Lord has been answering the two questions i came with, in amazing ways - so that I can truly go home refreshed and renewed in vision."

"Thank you for the freedom to 'be.' This is such homely and welcoming place where you really feel the peace of God. I'll be back."

Did you guess?

The amazing news is that the online sponsorship plus donations received in the mail this week mean that WE CAN HAVE THE SUMMER HOUSE/HERMITAGE! Nearly £2000 came in this week! What an amazing answer to prayers!

Thank you, thank you, to everyone who gave - whether financially or physically.

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it. (Ps 127:1).

Auspice Christo

And finally: Check out this blogpost written by someone who came to The Vine in March - you'll never believe the description of me! http://stillwonderinghere.wordpress.com/2014/04/05/retreat-reuse-recycle/