Holden Village is a Lutheran Retreat Center located in the North Cascades, 11 miles above the remote northwest end of Lake Chelan. We are living with no phones, no television, no radio, and certainly no traffic!
What is the attraction, then?
Well, to begin with, there is a community of about 60-70 people here through the winter months, but in the summer with added staff and guests, the village can swell to upwards of 500 people, all here to enjoy community, worship, beautiful scenery and hiking, and great conversations. We have met people from Moldova, Nepal, Japan, Switzerland and even Minnesota! All are here with open hearts, ready to serve, eager to learn from one another, and to share the gifts of laughter, work, and encouragement with those they meet. Although Holden is a Christian community, it is open and welcoming of all who want to come and see this beautiful place and to be part of its community for a day, a week, a year, or longer.
Our family arrived on August 1, 2008, and immediately met wonderful people who were serving on short-term (2-3 weeks) staff, long-term (1-5 years) staff, as well as guests from all over. There is something about Holden Village that seems to attract really interesting sojourners who are open to new experiences and eager to share them with strangers and friends from all over the world. Some are here to quietly heal from difficult situations in their lives. There is something life-giving about spending time in God's creation, being cradled by tall mountains all around, hearing the constant rush of Railroad Creek, and breathing in air which is enriched by the presence of so many lively, lovely trees.
After week-long visits to Holden since 2004, we prayed about our role in this community. We felt that God was calling us to serve this village which serves so many, and we believe that the experience of living simply and in community will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
That is the attraction.
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