A Time to Say Goodbye

Having served in the pastorate and as foreign missionaries, we know how draining full-time Christian service can be. In 1987, we returned from the mission field spiritually "beaten up". God provided a place of refuge where we could be restored in the beauty of His creation. In 2007, He granted us the fulfillment of our dream to provide a place that we could share with full-time Christian workers in need of a spiritual retreat. And that is how Leahaven came to be.


"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

II Corinthians 1:3-4


In 2020 due to Covid 19, we regretfully suspended our Leahaven ministry. In the past two years the Lord has led us in a new direction, and He has shown us that now is the time to say goodbye. We are grateful for God's many blessings and so many precious memories. Thank you to all who have supported and encouraged Leahaven's ministry. We covet your prayers for the future.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions


Q:  Where is Leahaven?
A:  Leahaven is:
  • 15 minutes from St. Elmo in Chattanooga, TN.
  • 14 miles (22 min.) from Covenant College.
  • 25 miles (35 min.) from Lovell Field Airport in Chattanooga, TN.
  • 123 miles (2 hours 5 min.) from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta, GA.
  • 145 miles (2 hours 15 min.) from Birmingham, AL.

Q:  How do I reserve a date?
A:  Go to the Reservations page and follow the instructions.  Reservations are on a first-come-first-served basis.  



Q: How do I get the key?

A:  Once we receive your signed copies of the "10 Commandments and all relevant releases, we will email directions to Leahaven and with instructions for getting the key.  We will also send codes for the main gate and the interior gate, since Cloudland Station is a gated community.  Shortly after you arrive, Susan will meet you at the house to make sure everything is okay, collect the cleaning fee, and answer any questions you may have. 


Q: How long can I stay?
A:  Most people stay for about a week. Weekends fill up faster, so if you have the flexibility to come during the week, you will have a wider choice of dates.


Q: How many people can stay?
A: The house sleeps seven.  A Porta-Crib is available.  See About for details on bed sizes.



Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Yes, of course! Children of any age are welcome and will certainly enjoy everything Cloudland Station has to offer. It is up to you to supervise your children at all times. Please read the Guidelines and 13 Commandments on the Reservations page.

Q: Can I bring my pet/s?
A: While we love animals very much (having many of our own), we regret that we cannot invite your pets to Leahaven. Thank you for respecting the comfort of others.  If you have a seeing eye dog or other service animal, please contact us to make arrangements.



Q: Will we have the place to ourselves?
A: Leahaven will be yours for the duration of your stay. If we need to do maintenance, we’ll arrange this with you. Since Leahaven is located in a community, there will be other people around.  Cloudland Station is a gated community and is very safe. It is also very large with lots of room to “get away from it all.”



Q: What kind of clothing should I bring?
A: You can check local weather for Chickamauga, GA or Chattanooga, TN. Besides whatever is typical for the season, you might be glad for: boots, a sun hat, sunglasses, a jacket, a swim suit and hiking or walking shoes. In case you forget something, there are extra jackets, hats and several bathrobes available at the house. Please note that swimsuits and trunks must be worn in the pool, although shorts and T-shirts may be worn in the Swimmin’ Hole.


Q: What else should I bring?A: Please bring your own sheets and towels. Bed sizes are:
  • Queen bed in Master
  • One twin and one extra long twin bed in boys' room
  • Three twin beds in girls' room
Blankets and pillows are provided.  If you cannot bring linens with you, they can be purchased inexpensively at a nearby Dollar Store or WalMart.  If you choose not to take them with you, we will donate them to a local women's shelter.

You will need insect repellant, sunscreen and
 your own toiletries.  

We supply the house with 
natural, chemical-free dishwasher soap, laundry soap, and cleaning supplies.  (Please do not bring any of these products, air fresheners or scented candles.)  Of course, any financial gift to help purchase supplies will be appreciated.  You will need your own toilet paper, kleenex and paper towels.

You will need your own food. A list of nearby grocery stores can be found in the house. The kitchen is fully equipped and stocked with pots and pans, cooking utensils, silverware and dishes, as well as basic supplies such as salt and pepper, catsup, etc.


Q: How much does it cost to stay?
A: Leahaven is operated as a ministry at our personal expense and we do not charge a rental fee. Because of the expense involved in providing and maintaining this retreat, thank offerings are gratefully received and will be used exclusively to maintain this ministry.  For those who have asked, it costs $20 a day to keep the house open, more when the house is in use.  

We collect a cleaning fee of $75 in cash; we regret that we cannot take checks or credit cards. We will personally collect the money after your arrival.  

Please feel free to contact us with further questions. We want your stay to be enjoyable and memorable.

© 2018 Copyright Susan Lea