La Grande Challenge (Part four)

When a British couple decided to move to France and convert a semi-derelict farmhouse into a Christian holiday and retreat centre they knew they were in for a challenge - but they had no idea just how big! In the fourth instalment of their adventure Evelyn and Graeme describe how spring arrived along with their first guests.

As the snowdrops peeping through their crisp white blanket began to fade, the pear, apple, peach and cherry trees came into blossom. The butterflies reappeared and the birds began building nests. The sheep and cows began to give birth to young and before we knew it we were in the full throes of spring. The hedgerows and parts of the garden were full of wildflowers. New life and bright colours were everywhere. The freezing cold days gave way to unexpectedly warm temperatures and we were filled with a sense of hope and optimism.

Easter was just around the corner and we were due to take our first guests in May. We were nowhere near ready and only part of the house was finished but our spirits were up. We worked out a way of dividing the finished part of the house from the unfinished part and knew we should be able to offer our first guests everything they needed. They were a Christian family of six who were coming to Europe from Australia. They would be staying with us for just four nights and we hoped to offer them beautiful bedrooms, a family bathroom and an attractive dining room for us all to eat in together, as well use of the big open garden that looks out over the fields. It was going to be extremely hard work to be ready by May but we were confident we could make it.

Work progressed at a rate of knots. New bedrooms were built in the old hayloft and work was carried out on the old barn. Walls to an old extension came down, were repaired and put back and new windows and doors were fitted. We were tired but we were going great guns and nothing was going to stop us.

The day before our first guests were due to arrive, some friends came to give us a hand. Between us we assembled beds and tables, took up curtains, put on fresh clean bedding and Graeme worked on the final bits of the plumbing for the new bathroom. The next morning Graeme instructed us all to use the existing bathroom quickly, as both bathrooms would be out of action for next few hours while the final connections were made. His instructions were clear: "Now or not at all until the job is finished". We all did as we were told and then I bid farewell to our friends.

As Graeme worked downstairs in the old porcherie making those final connections I buzzed about putting fresh flowers in rooms and vacuumed for the last time. Suddenly I heard Graeme's voice bellow angrily up the stairs at me, "What are you doing?"

I was shocked. I stood still for a brief moment and thought, "I'm just winding up the hoover lead". Then suddenly the penny dropped. I rushed to the top of the stairs only to find myself face to face with an absolutely furious Graeme.

"I'm so sorry, I just forgot. I flushed the chain, I just forgot," I sobbed.

Graeme had been joining two waste pipes together at head height while standing on a chair just as several gallons of water fell from the sky. No wonder he was furious. I saw his shoulders drop and his head slumped forward.

"Don't cry," he said "my hands are dirty and I can't cuddle you. Let me wash my hands and then I will cuddle you."

As Graeme held me I felt defeated. It was the last straw. I was tired, anxious and suddenly felt hopelessly lost. Whatever made us think we could do this? I knew I was letting Satan get to me but I was too tired to care. Thankfully Graeme was feeling much stronger and after a brief cuddle he insisted we both get on with our jobs.

By some miracle when our first guests arrived just one hour later all was done and the house was serene. Our guests were never any the wiser and after their four day break with us they thanked us for a fantastic time and said that they were grateful for the peace and quiet that they had enjoyed so much.

I often marvel at God's sense of humour, but I also know that just when it matters the most, it is so easy to let Satan win the moment. I know that when those moments come we need to be strong enough to snatch back the glory and praise our God.

Graeme and Evelyn's Holiday and Retreat Centre is now open - to book or for more details visit www.christianbreaks.com or email graeme.stewart@club-internet.fr