MH Christian Writer's Conference

Home away from home. People I had never met before became close friends. Was it the immersion effect of dropping into a destination with outcomes unknown that made us reach out and hold on to one another? Was it the buffet of choices at our fingertips opening new directions for our written words? Was it the intimacy of prayer with our Almighty Father who grounded us with others to define our purpose?

I think it was my husband, my balance, backing me and pushing me to go and see for myself. I think the drive at 75 m.p.h. felt like freedom racing down the road to begin the rest of my life. I think the next few moments of my first evening were the determining factors of, "Should I stay, or should I go?"

I arrived at the Mount Hermon site as darkness settled in the redwoods. I followed the road leading to my cabin, circling the maze of twists and turns in the dark. Cabin numbers were nearly unidentifiable and I questioned my decision to keep seeking without help. Fear and doubts, held at bay, invaded with chills as I drove up the steep driveway to the rustic cabin. I parked the car and walked across the moist dirt to the front door, opening the torn screen door first, then inserting my key in the darkened lock. Every horror flick I hid my eyes from came to mind as I reached around for the light switch on the wall.

"Why was this so difficult?" I questioned, as I opened doors and turned on lights. A slanted picture of an old woman praying with her Bible hung on the wall in the dining room, twin and full beds were arranged with antique furniture decorations in two separate bedrooms, an open closet had what appeared to be a child's white dress hanging in the closet. By now I was so freaked out that I didn't think I could stand it any longer. But I prayed, "God, I know you are here with me. This isn't funny, but I can see the humor in this."

I burned electricity and texted my daughter until I heard the doorknob turn an hour later. I jumped up to greet the roommate staying with me for the weekend. Only a youngster, it figures...Fantasy/Sci-Fi writer to boot. I had some interesting theories about the house we were living in. Child's First Communion dress in the closet? Only my roomie's white blouse. God does have a sense of humor, and He was with me all the while.