We spent the first full week of November in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

In March, 2017, I applied for a cancer retreat with Little Pink Houses of Hope.  I had found the retreat information two years ago when I was first diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer, but put the information aside.

I received an email in August, while we were on a cancer retreat provided by Leslie’s Week.  Due to our experience during this retreat, my immediate reaction was an emphatic “NO”.

Rob quietly, but continuously prodded me to change my mind.  After a while, I responded to the LPHOH email to confirm we would attend the retreat in New Smyrna Beach in November.

I worried about finances.  I prayed.  I made adjustments to our budget on a daily basis.  I stressed.

Until we arrived in New Smyrna Beach.

First Stop – Kentucky

We left home, and headed to our first stop by Son Rob and Daughter-in-Law Dierdra, in Independence, Kentucky.  Nine hours after leaving home, we arrived in Florence, Kentucky.

We love being able to visit with them, as they are the children that are furthest away that we don’t get to see very often.

Of course, when “Paps” (as they call Rob) comes to visit, some electrical work seems to pop up to be done.  We laugh about it, because nine times out of ten he will bring his tools along on our trips; this was that tenth time that he only brought a few tools!

After a wholesome, healthy breakfast the next morning, we headed on our way again.

Second Stop – Georgia

Six hours after leaving Kentucky, we arrived in Georgia, to a home that Brother Christian owns and rents out.

I have always loved staying in The Shed.  It is literally a shed made into a home.  The location is at the bottom of Lookout Mountain, where hanggliders land after taking off from the top of the mountain, or from being towed behind a plane.

Brother Christian and his wife Christina came out to The Shed to visit with us, and brought us pizza.  Our thanks for letting us stay there for free is Wisconsin cheese curds, blocks of cheese, venison sausage sticks, and Salmon’s hot dogs.  Comparable exchange, don’t you think?

This was one of the best talks I have ever had with Brother Christian.  I always learn something from him, he is so intelligent and successful, as is his wife.

The hubs and I had a good sleep at The Shed, and away we went the next morning at 6:30 a.m.

Our Arrival – Florida

There was a specific time for check-in to the retreat, between 3 and 5 p.m.  It was another nine hour drive, but we arrived shortly after 4 p.m.

Many of the families were already there.  As soon as we arrived, our VolunStar took us to the condominium where we would be spending our week.

I’ll continue our story tomorrow!

Love to you all ~ Erika