During your stay, your days will be spent studying and working (each approximately half a day). A tutor will help direct your studies and will meet regularly with you during your stay. Practical work consists of whatever the needs of the moment may demand, with outdoor work varying depending on the time of year. In the spring, there are flower beds to be raked, clean-up from winter snows to be dealt with, and so forth. Summer months bring weeding in the vegetable garden and clearing of the woods (an on-going project), with the fall months finding mounds of leaves to be raked (old clothes are helpful!). Of course, there is always indoor care of a big house, along with constant meal preparation activities when serving three meals a day. Those meals vary, with one ‘formal’ lunch or supper each day for discussion, and one more informal meal allowing you to have a little extra time for study, a walk, time alone, etc.

Time spent at L'Abri is full, and you should understand that this is not a quiet retreat center 'away from it all'. People come from many different backgrounds, Christian and non-Christian, having heard that L'Abri is a place where questions are taken seriously. Those who come may be having difficulties and struggles in one way or another--intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually. Others may not have specific questions yet desire a time of study. So our 'mix' or blend of people varies.

For those of you who join us during the winter months, do remember that this is Minnesota and bring your long underwear!

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