The name, Sanctuary Inn was chosen very deliberately because our desire is that this place be both a sanctuary: a retreat, a respite, a place away from normal demands as well as an inn (a place where you and your family can comfortably stay for the time that you need).
Additionally, Sanctuary Inn is a community. God has designed us to live in community with Him and with others. There is power in community that doesn’t naturally make sense. God multiplies the strengths, blessings, and connections in community settings.
Community requires that you share with and participate in the lives of others and not just look out for yourself and your own interests. Community involves sharing meals and sharing responsibilities of caring for the home and place you live in together (i.e. dishes, cleaning, yard and garden work, etc.). We believe that working with our hands can provide a way for our heart, mind, and soul to unpack.
With this in mind, we ask that all those living at Sanctuary Inn to join together daily for the dinner meal. There will also be times to play together and work together and we invite you to participate.
Community living can often be challenging, unfamiliar, and uncomfortable. Therefore, we invite you to bring your concerns and/or struggles with community living to our directors. Together we can work out how to resolve issues and take steps forward for your good and for the health of our community.
Community Standards of Character and Conduct Agreement:
Sanctuary Inn believes in the freedom for each resident to develop morally, ethically, relationally, and spiritually, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We encourage all who come to live a God-controlled life and conform to the highest standards of conduct for your good and for the good of our community. Sanctuary Inn will strive to support each resident in living a life of integrity and continued personal growth. When moral, ethical, or spiritual violations or relational difficulties become known, steps shall be taken to appropriately address areas of concern in character or personal development. Violations of the standards may jeopardize a resident’s stay. We will, however, seek to be a community that invites you to restoration first and foremost.
A believer’s standard of behavior is based on the Bible. While questions about particular practices may be referred to our Directors, in general, believers should avoid that which is prohibited by Scripture (Mark 7:20-23; Gal. 5:19-21). Behavior should also be limited by that which is unwise or not expedient in deference to those within our Sanctuary Inn community and/or the Body of Christ (Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 8), including that which violates civil law, that which violates professional ethics, or that which puts the safety of a person(s) at risk.
Expectations of Care at Sanctuary Inn:
Sanctuary Inn does not provide on-site ongoing counseling services for individuals, families or children. We are, however, able to provide excellent referrals to competent Christian counselors, pastors, educators, physicians, etc., who have a heart for God’s Kingdom workers.
Sanctuary Inn does offer Cross-Cultural debriefing for you and/or your family with our Care Coordinator. Debriefings are usually 90 minute sessions. Short stays will only allow for one session. If you are with us for longer you may have weekly appointments to continue to unpack and process as needed.
Individual teen debriefings are available if requested.
We have a wonderful volunteer TCK Care team that can provide debriefing for your school aged TCKs during your 90 minute adult debrief with our Care Coordinator. They can provide 1-3 sessions of debriefing for your children - dependent on length of stay.
If you are in need of childcare for an infant or toddler in order to participate in a debriefing, please notify us in advance. We want to do our best to provide support for you.
Our Care Coordinator, Kara Githens, is a professional counselor who holds an M.A. Counseling & M.A. Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary. She grew up as a third culture kid in Brazil.
Our entire Sanctuary Inn Team has years of cross-cultural experience. We each look forward to listening, praying with you, and supporting you as you unpack your story.
If you have any questions or concerns about the care you will be receiving while at Sanctuary Inn, please contact Kara at: [email protected].
