My dog, Gabriel and I left Kay Tee, Tech Sass and headed towards a meeting place for the 2010 Workshop and Retreat at Camp Allen. As we left the bright lights of Whose Ton, things began to change.  We turned down FM362, and we felt as if we were entering another world.  It became so dark along our path that the only lights were the moon and our headlights.  As the darkness surrounded us, we were embraced with the scent of a pine woods.  The aroma permeated even our air conditioner, and  filled my heart with the joy and anticipation one feels for Christmas morning. We continued further up the road and further in to the piney wood, in hopes that we would find that place called Camp Allen.

We turned at the sign, and saw the lamp posts!  We had arrived.  We were given the keys to our room and a plan for the weekend.  The room was quaint, with a homespun, rustic feel.  A chair, a table, a bed and lamps.  Everything that was needful for a quiet weekend basking in the presence of the KING of KINGS.  We rested that night, before meeting other travelers on this journey.

The morning broke with crisp clear air that filled my lungs with wonder and excitement.  I walked about the grounds with my faithful companion, Gabriel my service dog. I felt as if he would speak to me at any moment.  The peacefulness of this place was palpable, and our hearts were content.      At the appointed time, I went to the main building to register for the events, and I met the Mrs. Beaver that was arranging all of this, Nan Rinella. I saw the professor, Mr. Stan Mattson, as he quietly endued his joyous presence, and calm assurance. I had the sense that he knew something special about what was going to happen.  While he looked “professorial”, his eyes contained something lovely that only those that have been to Narnia can see, and his laugh was warm, like a soft blanket on a cold and rainy day.

Then, the magic happened!  The meals with people of like mind, sharing their hearts and minds about Aslan/Christ, was food for the soul!  The speakers, such as High Kings Randy Alcorn, Louis Markos and Andrew Lazo shared their knowledge of Aslan in Narnia and Christ in our world. They gave me glimpses of heaven, and the great kindness of Christ as well as the benefit of reading  to remind me. A creative force of life stirred deep within me.

Frank Ball and  Lael reminded me that truth and creativity could co-exist. As she walked around, I could see the bodily pain, and yet it was as if she was transcended above it, like a star waiting to return to the sky. I was so sorry to have to leave before hearing her session on GodSight.
My time was cut short, but God had another place for me to be.  I spent a weekend in Narnia. Once you have been to Narnia, Narnia will always live in your heart. God willing, I will never miss a meeting of the Narnians here on earth.