Reviewing my short stay at the Swiss L’Abri, 06/2024, in a love letter.
Dear L’Abri,
A community living high in the hills of Switzerland with a panoramic view of snow capped mountains. Fellowship and dorm rooms, we are allocated to house chores and we line up for dinner. Bed time is at 10pm, no free wifi, log off, screen free, hand writing notes. The schedule tells me to be alone and quiet for 3 hours per day. I use it as I like, and I like to be alone and quiet. I read books, paint scenes, write poetry, keep my journal, and meditate in prayer. We discuss heaven and hell, responsible finances, pilgrimages, doubts, the future, art, poetry, music…
My friends think you are a cult…
But
they don’t understand that serving each other is as healthy as being served.
They don’t understand the difference between being silent and being quiet.
They don’t understand that the people around us are our natural lifeline, not our phones.
They don’t understand (and neither did I until you taught me) the
difference between retreating and escaping.
Retreat is to rest to live another day.
To come back.
To come back stronger and better equipped.
To restock, recharge, refresh.
And return.
I wish I could stay longer…
Nonetheless, after only 2 days, I was re-ready.
Thank you x
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