Back in the early 2000s, the church group I attend decided it would be a grand idea to build a retreat center out in the middle of nowhere for use outside of normal church settings. By late 2006, early 2007, the project was completed in Sullivan, OH. It included a large manor, a log cabin, a nice sized pond, plenty of open land, and a woods. And to top it all off, the property and all it's natural features are stunning.
One of the first events held here was a bi-annual college retreat conference. One would occur in the fall and the other would occur in the spring. They took place over a single weekend mid-semester. College students from all over the Great Lakes area would come together here for a break from classes, a time to bond with other college students, and most importantly a time to pursue Christ together.
Over the years, this event evolved into a time for both college and young working. I am no longer in college, but still regularly attend this time as I have not missed one yet. So why this photo? Just take a look and what do you see? It's the last night of the fall event. The scenery is beautiful, the stars are out in full glimmer, there's a toasty bonfire going, and there's all those wonderful people enjoying it all. This photo captures the beauty of that place both in nature and in human essence. And while I did not take this photo, I'm sure glad Caitlin did as it's one of the first ones that comes to mind when I think of these conferences. And that fire you see there...I built that. Just seeing the looks and enjoyment on people's faces from something I created is a reward in itself. I can't wait for another one of these nights.
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