Anita and Ted

March 24th, 2022

My husband and I try to get away a couple of days each quarter to read our Bibles, pray, and seek God’s will for us for the time ahead of us. As we were planning our retreat in December, 2021, we looked for a lodge within driving distance. We did a search and ran across this amazing website for what seemed a “too good to be true” resort, right here in Illinois. We decided to give it a try and let me say, we have never had such a blessed stay anywhere else! And to think this beauty is right here in our backyard is awesome. Who knew?
Let me start by saying that the pictures are exactly what you will see in person, only everything is more expansive than it looks. The land is beautiful, the Sunset Valley Lodge (where we stayed) is exceptionally clean and well managed, and the decorating is perfection! Total serenity here, inside and out.
We were blessed to come around Christmas time. There were decorated trees in every room. What a great atmosphere! We stayed in the Sunset View Suite and the sunsets were gorgeous each evening. We went out on the deck and watched the sun go down. A glimpse of the water was just the right touch for a perfect sunset to get your attention and keep it. We watched for well over an hour each evening.
We especially loved the workers at the Lodge. They all have such a servant’s heart! The cleaning ladies were truly joyful and showed us around the lodge before departing for the day. The office help was great in giving directions and spending time talking with us. The food was delicious–we loved the family-style arrangement. And the bonus was that at every meal a blessing was said, in the name of Jesus. WOW! Just like Heaven-Perfection!
There are many opportunities for outdoor fun but, as I said, we were there for a spiritual retreat so we did not take the time to participate in them. Just to relax and observe God’s creation in this amazing place was more than we could’ve expected.
We can’t say enough about our time at Heartland, except to say we will be back! Thank you Heartland Staff and Owners–you have an incredible gem here. Be blessed!
Anita and Ted

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