G A T H E R I N G S | Peace Retreat
During a beach trip this past summer, I read a book where the idea of Glamping was introduced to me - camping with a glamorous side where you step outside of this hectic world into a world of peace and tranquility coupled with fun activities allowing you to do things you don't normally take time to do while spending the night tucked in luxurious yerts decorated from top to bottom and decked out with memory foam mattresses.
I'm pretty sure that was a run-on sentence, but I just couldn't stop! Nor could I stop myself from wanting to make this experience happen in my backyard. So, several months ago, I discovered an Instagram account called Upcountry Camp, and realized the owner, Emily Henning, actually lived right here in Madison, Mississippi. Of course, being the shy person that I am - NOT - I decided to message Emily and see if she would like to meet for coffee to discuss how she and I could partner up for a Gatherings Glamping experience. During that meeting, I learned that she was new to the area; however, it seemed that she had literally already made more friends than I have been able to make in the 32 years I've lived here. Girl has got networking ability, for sure! But she also has the ability to make you feel special by serving you so well. Emily not only set up the Glamping tents which took hours the day before, but she stayed and helped me with my responsibilities.
The entire experience was a run-on sentence in a good way ... it just kept getting better and better and we could not stop ourselves.
Earlier in the week, I had emailed specific instructions to all 15 ladies asking them to make sure they arrived somewhere between 4:00 and 5:00 on this Friday afternoon - reminding them to leave their worries behind because this weekend was to be a time for us to refuel our mind, body, soul and spirit. Even though I named this event "Peace Retreat" because it fell on the National Day of Peace, the real reason that I chose this weekend was because the Feast of Tabernacles began on this weekend.
During the Old Testament, the Jewish people would travel into Jerusalem and set up tents around the Temple where they would spend seven nights and eight days celebrating the past goodness of God. Even today, some Jewish people still build huts and sleep in their backyard as a reminder of God's provision. This Feast falls on Tishri 15 (which is somewhere between the middle of September and October) and will be when the moon is starting to become full {giving the Jewish people plenty of light while staying in Jerusalem}.
I have always wanted to do this so what better time than now! And what better company than with you beautiful ladies!
Arrival and Appetizers
