Getting to Know the Lodge and the People

           In some ways, life here seems preposterous; it’s like we are on vacation at some resort. The setting is gorgeous.  We learned yesterday that the land the Hope Lodge sits on was part of the Candler estate and donated to Emory in the late 1990's.   The Candler Mansion sits back in the woods nearby, surrounded by a nature preserve.  We will take a walk later today around the mansion and the lake. The president of Emory University lives in the mansion today.

The Hope Lodge

             We met and spoke with the director of the lodge yesterday, Danny.  He told us his story of how he came to be working here; an interesting God story.  He informed us of some of the benefits of our staying here.  We get to use the fitness center here on the campus for free.  Muggy and I worked out yesterday.  I think I may have overdone it a little bit. 

            We also get a complimentary membership to the YMCA here in Decatur and we will check that out later today.

            Muggy and I grilled chicken ka-bobs on the deck yesterday for lunch and enjoyed a beautiful setting for our lunch.  

            The lodge staff shuttled us to my appointment yesterday.  It’s about a six minute drive through the nature preserve mentioned above.  Then, we caught the Emory shuttle back over here later.

            The staff from a local advertising company, Ogilvie and Murdoch, served us dinner last night.  Wednesday evenings are graduation night for those who have completed their stay here.  It can be a very emotional time.  We had a delicious dinner and lots of good conversation.

            Muggy has found a group who love to play Rummi-Kube at night.  She’s quite an avid player herself and really enjoys the socializing….Muggy?  Socializing?  Hmm, go figure! 

            Everyone’s got a story to tell.  And they are so receptive to sharing.  It’s immensely interesting and educational to listen to the experiences.

            I am in awe of this place and these people; and of the hand of God being on my/our lives to allow us to be experiencing this. My treatments are quite easy thus far.  I understand that by the end of next week, I may be feeling otherwise.

            Hope all’s well with everyone else!  Blessings and thanks for reading!