I’m here in Rivendell, one of the most sacred spots I have ever visited.
Rivendell is on the top of a hill on a small island just off the coast of Vancouver, a 15 minute ferry journey away. The story goes that a developer had bought up most of the land on this island and felt God telling him that the land at the top of the hill was to be given to him. The developer was a christian and was glad to do this and starting trying to work out what God was going to do with this land. He tried to get a school built here, another time he approached Regent to have a special learning centre here, he had many good plans but every time his plans came to nothing.
Years later, and a couple have just come into a sudden windfall. They decide they wanted to use all the money to build a retreat centre, a special place that anyone could come to regardless of their financial situation. Somehow, someone put them and the developer in touch and 1 year to the day that they first met, Rivendell opened it’s doors. That day the developer and the couple handed Rivendell over to God. They do not control it, in fact no-one owns Rivendell. It’s is run by a community of volunteers who take it in turns to come for short stays to houseparent it.
This is not like the retreat centres we have in Ireland. This have been decorated simply and beautifully with comfort and peace the 2 main concerns. Every room is en-suite and every room has a view out over the island and the mountains. It is all by donation, you pay what you can afford and they regularly bring up groups from the most disadvantaged areas of Vancouver to stay.
The minute you step in the door of this place you know there is something different about it. You can smell it in the air, feel it in your bones. This is God’s place, a place of sanctuary, peace and space. A place where you know you will be blessed and loved.
I’m thankful for the obedience of the developer and the couple. I’m thankful for our dear, crazy friend Joh who is looking after our kids while we are here for a few days.
I’m away to soak up a bit more blessing…..
