BEN AND JERRY'S, A VON TRAPP AND A REAL HUNGER AT HUNGER MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Vermont is full of surprises. This was our first visit to the state. It turned out to be too brief and we are looking forward to going back again next year.  We had been there a week for a Fatherheart School and each day brought new surprises.  First there were the autumn colours disappearing fast as the week progressed and as the wind blew them away. We did get to drive up to the hills on the first Sunday afternoon for a tantalising glimpse of the beautiful surroundings.  Then there were the many tourist attractions that were on offer which will have to wait for next time. Ben and Jerry's Ice cream was founded and created just down the road from where we were staying. Alas we didn't get to take the tour and the obligatory tasting that is involved.

There was also the famous Cabot cheese factory and store, Green Mountain Coffee, maple syrup, cider apple donuts, the list goes on and on.  This is the perfect place for a foodie like me. We visited the von Trapp family lodge, the home of the Sound of Music von Trapps who fled to Vermont at the beginning of the war.  So much to see, too little time.

The reason we were in Vermont was to lead a week long encounter called a Fatherheart School. This was hosted by Hunger Mountain Christian Assembly. An interesting name for a church.  We have been involved in twelve of these school this year and this was the last of the year for us. The purpose of these schools is to teach and encourage people to have a personal experience of God as a Father loving them.  This is not as a one off thing but a life long relationship.  Many are on this journey already but some do not know God as a Father for many reasons. Sometimes it is because of hard experiences they have had in their lives especially if their relationship with their own father has been difficult. These are issues that are raised and looked at during the week.  Many people report that these have been times of incredible healing personally and in their family relationships.  They are often described as life changing.  The places where we will be leading these schools next year can be found on our Comings and Goings page at the top.

This week was no exception. It was accompanied by lots of laughter and joy when people start to discover the freedom they have as being God's sons and daughters.  In the middle of the week there was an open night when many came to get a taste of the schools. Among these was an elderly member of the von Trapp family. She seemed to enjoy the sound of the music too.

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