We knew before we
said a word.
Before we ever set foot on this land, a Catholic sister named Mary Hawkins had a vision. In 1999, she built what would become a 21-bedroom monastery here on the ridge of Palo Duro Canyon — designed from its foundation to be a sacred retreat center for the Catholic church. Sister Mary poured her life into this place. She passed away in 2017 without seeing her dream fully realized. The property was purchased by a neighboring owner after her death — and then it sat empty. Silent. Waiting. For over two years, no one came.
We first saw it in 2019 with our realtor. Something stirred, but we wanted another perspective. The very next day we brought friends back. Before anyone could fully take in what we were standing on, one friend asked the question: "Can these dry bones live?"
We looked at each other and gave a silent yes.
What followed was months of prayer, research, and negotiation. In February 2020, we purchased the property — and began what would become a five-year labor of love to transform it into what it is today.
Paul is the reason this place is always ready. He maintains the grounds and facility, helps prepare meals, cleans up, and shows up for whatever is needed. He loves people and loves to serve them — and guests feel that from the moment they arrive. Susan is the heart behind the work that happens here. We've built something together that neither of us could have created alone.
What Sister Mary Hawkins dreamed in 1999 is being fulfilled — and then some. The bones are very much alive.
