All of us, at one time or another, need to take some time for ourselves to reenergize and reconnect. That’s exactly what I did a couple of weeks ago at the Renewal Retreat, hosted by Kanuga in Hendersonville, North Carolina. I found Kanuga to be a special place with more than a century of history. It started as a mountain retreat for families, including a lakeside inn, cottages and plenty of room for water sports and play. In 1928, it was sold to the dioceses of the Carolinas, and transitioned into a conference center and summer camp, creating a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and learning.

In my week at the Retreat, I met a lot of wonderful people from the southeast. I was a newcomer, but everyone I encountered greeted me with a welcoming smile. Each person’s kind words, insight, perspective and thoughtful prayer helped me in different ways, gaining much-needed balance in my life. As I departed after a week at Kanuga, I was glad I had taken the plunge, and I look forward to another visit to this special place in the mountains. There was reflection, study, small group discussion, lots of new friends, and as promised, renewal. Should you ever get a chance to visit Kanuga, hopefully you will find the just right session to help you where you are on your journey. Best wishes on this trail.