Several of you have asked, "How was Colorado?" and I can honestly say it was wonderful. Three reasons: It was absolutely beautiful, the people were outstanding, and it's exhilerating to be part of something new.

SonRise Mountain Ranch is a 45-minute drive up into the mountains surrounding Montrose, CO, in the western part of the state. Unlike a ski resort, which is full of hotels, shops, restaurants, etc., SonRise is mostly alone at the top of the mountain. Everywhere you look, there is only breathtaking natural beauty and all you can hear is quiet. Before we came, they had gotten quite a bit of snow and this is what it looked like:

I slept in the loft of a tiny cabin surrounded by the moonlight streaming in my window at night. I have never seen so many stars!

There are three families who run the retreat center, two with school-age children and one with a new baby. They are all deeply committed to this work and live in intentional community there at the top of the mountain. We were so impressed by their hospitality, which they made look effortless, and reminded of its importance in our own lives.

Here is the cabin that I shared with my dear friend (now dearer) BH:

Before we left, there were two more inches of snow and lots of wind making the trip down the mountain fairly treacherous. We started out with lots of nervous talking and laughing but we were pretty quiet when the snow started blowing and obscuring the road. I could live without that part of the experience!

Of course, the biggest blessings of Faithwalking are the Faithwalkers! Here they are:

These are 19 people (mostly laypeople) who are deeply committed to intentionally mobilize the Body of Christ where they work and live, extending the influence of the gospel outside the walls of the church building and into the world where God is passionately pursuing "the least and the lost." They continually surprise me with their ability to think creatively about how to seek the good of the communities in which they live and work and their commitment to live out their vision of transformation. And besides, they're just great people! Hearing their stories and sharing their lives, even for just four days, was a privilege.

"For God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. And we are ministers of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19