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Respite at Cherith Cottage


Many months ago, I was told about a place Ryan and I could go for a weekend away. No charge, no hassles and meals included. Always the ever trusting and thrifty person, I tried to book a weekend in March, but it was already reserved. We finally scheduled a date for this past weekend, which worked out well because our 15th wedding anniversary is in just a few days.

So what's the deal? Free lodging, food with no strings attached? Cannot be believed!

Yup that's it. No 90 minute program on purchasing a time share, no recruitment into a religious cult and no scary dungeon with a dragon waiting to be fed two unsuspecting parents.

The owners Jon and Paula, are parents to two grown sons. One son was born with dwarfism in the 1970's. Because their son had some special needs, their world expanded. They met parents who had children with disabilities, and they came to understand the stress and difficulties they faced each day. This led them to building a private cottage on their own property for overnight respite for caregivers. "Caregivers include those taking care of children/adults with a disability; children with a life threatening, chronic or terminal illness; aging parents unable to care for themselves." (Taken from their site.)

You may read about their story here: Cherith Cottage. They are also on Facebook. If you are interested in staying at the cottage, simply send them an email introducing yourself and that you heard about their ministry through eSpecially Ben. This will get the conversation rolling.

If you have doubts about taking advantage of a weekend away, STOP right there. Take the time away - do it for yourself, your marriage, your relationships and your friendships. Doing something for yourself has gotten a bad rap. It is okay to care about your own well being, and to be concerned about your own needs. And if it is not Cherith House, let it be something else that feeds your soul. You will only be better for it.


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