RETREAT STORIES 2009

The 2009 Retreats were a wonderful hope filled experience. 45 people were able to experience a all expense paid therapeutic retreat in beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The children's ages ranged from three years old to eighteen years old. Their issues included emotional and sexual abuse,homeless, death of a parent, learning disabilities, mood disorders, Dow syndrome, ADD and ADHD and several children who are in foster care and were joined by the wonderful foster parents.

Imagine how special these children felt when they received the royal treatment?
When we took them out to a fancy dinners and to amazing shows and attractions.

Since we don't have our own lodge yet, Smoky Mountain Christian Village allows us to utilize their huge chalets and facilities. Indoor heated pool, Hot tub, Fire pit etc. Numerous bed- and bathrooms, family rooms, kitchen, covered porches, and two fireplaces in a wonderful Christian environment.

For one family, this was their first vacation ever. For another it was their first vacation since escaping a abusive situation 8 years ago Another family was so happy to just be there, enjoy the cabin, spend quality time together playing and bonding with the children, that they told us they were entirely content with being at the cabin, without added activities.

For the foster children it was a opportunity to show them there is hope and people do care, for the foster parents it was a way for us to say thank you for all the love you give these children and a opportunity for them to grow closer to the children they have opened their hearts and homes to.

Our days were packed with fun activities for everyone. A trip to the past at the Dinosaur Walk Museum, dinner-and-show at the famous Smith Family Theater, The story of Jesus at The Miracle Theater, time to ride a Camel at Noah's Ark Camel Rides a plunge into the magic submarine world at Ripley's Aquarium, more fun at WonderWorks a step back into the past at The Museum of Aviation, and great meals at The Flying Horse Grill and Bennett's Bar-B-Que , and as well as scrumptious breakfasts and snacks at Starbucks.

All the activities and meals were free of charge to these special children and families.
We so love our sponsors! Without them, it wouldn't be possible to sprinkle a little magic into the lives of these children and their families to brighten their futures.

-> Our first retreat
Our first retreat was a wonderful experience. Four families, 18 people, were able to participate iat the beginning of August 2009. The children were between ages 10 and 17. Several of them had experienced emotional or sexual abuse and showed related disorders like learning disabilities, mood disorders, etc. One child had been homeless and in foster care. Another child had Dow syndrome, and several suffered of ADD or ADHD.