Every year for Thanksgiving, the little clan I married into descends upon the unsuspecting hills of North Carolina at a magical place called Kanuga.

A little piece of heaven on earth (or as I sometimes call it...neutral territory where someone else does the cooking!)

We arrive with musical instruments, homemade Chex mix and the giddy exuberance of a Cherub choir on Christmas Eve. We sing, dance, eat, worship, play, hike, tell stories, and simply enjoy the treasure of time together. We celebrate the year just lived and remember the loved ones who’ve gone on before.

Through the laughter ~ and sometimes the tears ~ there’s a strong tie that binds. A fierce, loyal love that holds this little clan together. Each year in this sacred space, that bond is rekindled and strengthened. And when we return home, that light doesn’t stay behind - it spreads outward into our communities through acts of service, kindness, and care.

This is just one of many reasons I am so deeply grateful for Kanuga.

Perhaps you know Kanuga through church retreats, educational conferences, Camp Bob, mountain biking, or one of the many other ways it brings people together. If so, I imagine you also carry special memories - moments of connection, tradition, and belonging formed in this extraordinary place.

I believe in Kanuga’s mission. I am grateful for all it has meant to me, my family, and so many others - not only at Thanksgiving, but in the countless ways it serves its community and the wider world.

Today, I invite you to join me in giving back.

Please consider making a gift as a way to honor your own memories, support this meaningful work, and ensure that Kanuga continues to be a place where connection, renewal, and love can flourish for generations to come.