Reflections from the Retreat February 2025

This month's blog is written by Karen and Clive who came back for a second visit. I'm so grateful to them for the work they did and it was great to spend time together again.

'Work rest and play'

Sixteen months since our last visit and what changes we saw!

We decided to stay at the Bay View hotel the night we arrived in Grenada to avoid the journey north in the dark. It turned out to be a good decision as we enjoyed a restful night sleep after a very long day. This despite the overwhelming sound of the tree frogs, insect life and local dogs that welcomed us. The hotel reception were prepared though as they issued us with ear plugs!

To feel the heat of the morning sun on our faces as we looked out over Grand Anse was a delight, it was like the world had turned up its colour palette. The colourful houses along with the bright blue sky and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea was a sight to behold.

We had an emotional reunion with Hilary after breakfast as she picked us up to make our on-going journey up to Bathway. We chatted nonstop throughout the journey, with Hilary catching us up with her news and how the retreat was progressing. On the way she pointed out buildings that had suffered damage from ‘Beryl’ the hurricane that had swept through the islands last July. Punctuated by a delicious ice-cream stop, we finally arrived at the retreat to be greeted by Luna and her very waggy tail. We had met Luna, formally known as Daisy, on our last visit, and it was lovely to see her so happily settled and living with Hilary, whom she adores almost as if she knows that she saved her life.

Later we met Cosmos, a cheeky ginger cat. Another welcome addition to the Hummingbird family. It was so lovely to be back especially to enjoy that magnificent view from Hilary’s balcony, clearer now as Beryl had removed some trees.

So, to work. It was so exiting to see how much progress had been made since our last visit. Hilary had our work schedule lists and we worked steadily through them each day. As before we were up early, on with the tasks and often finished early enough for a swim.

One change we saw though was the change in the weather. Last time we went in the rainy season but it hardly rained. January should be the dry season but it rained ferociously nearly every night and often during the day. This seemed to cause the Atlantic Ocean to become quite choppy most days. Perhaps this is the result of Global warming?

A very positive change was to be found in the shops in town. So much more choice of food available in the supermarkets as well as in the DIY shops which we had to visit a lot, including buying wood which only just fitted in the car!

Hilary has worked hard to establish herself in the community, and we enjoyed meeting many of her friends, watching her play Pickle ball, and attending River Sallee church, where we received a great welcome and some people remembered us from before. A great highlight was attending a Hash. A fun run event that is like a park run but with loud reggae music and food.

One day we went to visit the furniture makers that were making some wardrobes and desks for Hilary. It was like Santa's workshop with men working at all the stations with minimal PPE and wood dust flying everywhere.

One very poignant visit we made was to a family who had lost their home in the hurricane and needed help to get back on their feet – a very humbling experience that has stayed with us.

One of the bigger projects we were involved with was the garden. Hilary had very clear ideas of the reflective garden she wanted to create for her future guests to use. So, while Clive retreated to the garage to make a door and frame, Hilary and I planned out and created a Trefoil and a spiral made of stones made to look like a waterfall. One day we had some very unwelcome help from Cosmos and Luna who wanted to be involved. Despite this we were all pleased with the results.

Most of the work we did in the house, especially Clive, involved using the drill to put up curtain poles, bathroom towel rails etc. We were all very exited the day we actually put the curtains up in the rooms. But not as exited and emotional as the morning before we left when Clive attached the room signs to the doors.

Hilary said that as a result of our visit she felt the retreat was moving into the next phase- such a privilege to be a part of that. Yes we worked hard, the heat was a challenge. But we rested well and enjoyed memorable down time. Like the evening after Pickle ball when we stopped at the beach on the way home to gaze at the full moon and stars so bright – we even saw planet Mars.

As before, we benefited from in-depth conversations with Hilary, the peace and solitude of the house away from all the worldly temptations of home, and time to really think and talk through decisions for our futures. Watching the sunrise at dawn from our window, then on our penultimate day, sharing a cocktail together as we reflected on our trip and were amazed at the beauty of a glorious sunset. All this as well as the wonderful warm weather – a real tonic in January!