My Story:  

Opening a Life Purpose Retreat  

and Coaching Center 

 By Dr. Betsy Lavin         

My story for creating a retreat center started over five years ago. Of course I didn't know at the time that that was where I would end up. I started only with one small thought and that was, "I am completely overwhelmed right now." I was caring for ill and aging parents, running a chiropractic practice, trying to keep up at home, be the good wife...but where was I? Where was my faith life? Care-giving was consuming my time and energy and I felt lost from my connection with Jesus Christ. I just needed a day to catch my breath and regroup. I could've just taken some time off and gone on a retreat for myself, but that's just not how I'm wired. The servant leader in me said in a small voice said, "If you feel this way, there must be others that feel the same way." Then, "Perhaps, I should create a retreat for overwhelmed caregivers."

I found myself creating my first "Spiritual and Spa Retreat." Soon I had laid out the plan, using every room in my home, transforming each space into its own sanctuary. Bedrooms became prayer and journaling rooms; the family room changed into the main gathering space. Other rooms became areas for facials, and pedicures. The guest list came from names my pastor had given me when I had asked him about women he knew who were having a tough go of it at the time. One by one I called them and offered them a free day to renew and reconnect with their faith. With a few minutes I had my five wonderfully called women.