we were graced by the sweet hospitality of one of my dearest mentors, dr. kitchens (or "boss" as i've grown to call him) and his beautiful (inside and out!) wife dawn. the views from their cliffside residence are too stunning for words and the meal we shared there together, overlooking the sunset on the smoky mountains, was perfect. kitchens says that it's the only place in the world where he can sit and do absolutely nothing without getting bored "after about 7 minutes". and i completely understand why. teetering on gravity up in the clouds, it feels what i imagine heaven must feel like. the boys shot guns (ben got a nerf gun to get in on the fun) and "ms. dawn" wowed emma with her fairy room and art studio. we sampled real mountain moonshine and shared stories filled with wide eyes and laughter.
we stayed at the base of the mountain in a gorgeous home they will soon start renting but, perhaps more importantly, hope to soon use to host families with sick children.....to allow for a little respite, a getaway from the troubles of the real world. beyond their reputations as phenomenal physicians....these are amazing and truly wonderful people with hearts so full of love it makes you want to be a better person. i know god has big plans for this venture of theirs.
a babbling creek runs right in front and benjamin could have thrown river rocks in it all day. the kids built a bridge, collected stones, picked the wildflowers that carpeted the ground, and were completely in awe of the sheer wonder of it all. sunlight streams through the trees there in bright ribbons and bathes the property in a yellowy green glow.
a babbling creek runs right in front and benjamin could have thrown river rocks in it all day. the kids built a bridge, collected stones, picked the wildflowers that carpeted the ground, and were completely in awe of the sheer wonder of it all. sunlight streams through the trees there in bright ribbons and bathes the property in a yellowy green glow.
we took a drive through the mountains to nantahala about 30 miles away. the kids are too young for rafting just yet but i look forward to the day when we can go back. we shared a delicious riverside picnic and lounged in hammocks while we watched the rafters float swiftly by. the kids skipped rocks and fed the mallard ducks that have clearly taken up residence on the shoreline.
it was one of those getaways that restores your soul, even if it's not broken. it filled the cup right up. the kids spent the entire weekend running around shouting "this place is amazing!!!!!". i couldn't say it better myself.
i, foolishly, left my dslr at home and resorted to taking all my photos via iPhone. regardless, the memories are forever etched in my brain. there are so many photos to share that they constitute 3 separate posts so keep on scrolling!
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| riding in the "crazy car"....aka dr. kitchens old jeep wrangler |
....more to come.
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