Finding Our Sanctuary: Building a Home Where the Wild Things Are

There is a deep, undeniable pull toward the woods. It’s a feeling that goes beyond just needing a quiet spot for a weekend of dispersed camping. It’s a primal draw—a yearning for the space where the modern world softens, where the rhythm of life is set by the stream and the setting sun.

Whether you’re planning a massive world-schooling field trip into a National Park, or you’re just looking for a quiet spot to set up the Skoolie for a month, the woods always promise a return to something essential. They are a reminder of the Creator's enduring design, and they call us back.

For us, the search for a physical sanctuary—a place to call home—has been a journey of its own. We’ve found ourselves drawn to the perfect blend of efficiency and wilderness: the tiny cabin set deep in the woods. It feels less like moving into a house and more like settling into a quiet, beautiful chapter.

The Art of the Retreat: When the Journey is the Destination

The process of finding this place was itself an adventure. It involved using online tools, setting parameters, and waiting for that one picture that just seemed *right*. What we realized is that the search itself—the dreaming, the planning, the sharing of that vision with family and fiancé—was part of the preparation. It taught us that the greatest destinations are always preceded by a journey.

We found a cabin nestled off a winding, private lane. And as we drove down that path, the forest opened up, and the little brook began to sing. It was a physical manifestation of the journey: a winding, beautiful path leading to a place of peace.

Building a Holy Place, One Acre at a Time

This cottage is more than just wood and slate patio; it’s a gathering point. It’s a place where the family can pause, where friends can gather, and where the rhythms of the earth—the running stream, the meandering trail—can set the pace for life. When we look at this spot, we don't just see a renovation project; we see a place of rest, a place of deep rootedness, and a place to prepare. To us, a physical home in the woods feels like a small, earthly HolyPlace—a place where we can gather together, no matter how far off-grid we roam.

Of course, adventure is never complete without the small acts of grace. Our little brook, which runs right by the property line, is perfect for leaving behind a couple of CrockyGo painted rocks at the nearby trailheads. It’s a quiet way of saying, “We were here, and we were blessed.” And every time we visit a local vendor, like a Proof Breads bakery in town, we make sure to spend a few decorated Currency Kids bills—each one carrying a little piece of our faith—so that the gospel travels alongside our dollars.

Adventure Angeling and the Call to Gather

The beauty of the life we are building here is that it doesn't force us to choose between the wild call of the backcountry and the comfort of a hearth. It allows for the convergence: the family who loves the structure of a full-time RV setup, the homeschool co-op planning a semester of world schooling, and the dedicated overlanding crew who knows the value of a solid 30-amp hookup.

This life, this cabin, this community—it all points toward the ultimate gathering. It reminds us that no matter how far we travel, or how small our temporary sanctuary, the goal is always the same: to come home. We are simply preparing for the journey, one beautiful, wild adventure at a time.

Want to find a community gathering spot or plan a field trip that blends wilderness exploration with faith? Check out the Rogue Adventurers map to see the next HolyPlace gathering near you!