For well over a decade, the women of HUUC have gathered in the fall at Hope Springs Institute in Adams County to “retreat” from daily life. This year, the retreat was scheduled for the weekend that Hurricane Helene hit. We attempted to get to the retreat center but downed power lines and trees blocked all the roads that lead there. Hope Springs was without power for many days. Our original group of almost two dozen women scrambled with texts, calls, emails and meetings in cemeteries and Amish shops; eventually having a pizza dinner and ingathering at the home of Tracy Jo and David Small.
An impromptu sound bath was received by several attendees. Very late that night it was determined that we had to reschedule for October 11-13, 2024.
The rescheduled retreat was smaller due to schedule conflicts. We found that it was sweet to have a small, intimate group.
Magic wands were created and contributed to the magical space and time.
Hope Springs food is always bountiful and nourishing. However, this year it was even more delicious because we had many of our meals outside under sunny skies. There was plenty of time for leisurely walks and deep conversations. The land at Hope Springs held us as we got know each other even better and did our work individually and as a group.
We look forward to next year when even more sisters can join us. Mark your calendar for September 26-28, 2025. It promises to be a special time.
Images source: Tracy Jo Small