Believing is Seeing

I used to have a blind beagle-mix dog named Peanut. Peanut and I took walks through the neighborhood almost every day. The neighbors got used to us and our quirks. For instance, Peanut was alarmed by loud noises. So, when neighbors saw us out for our walk, they knew to turn off their mowers or leaf blowers while we passed by. They were very sensitive to my little blind dog.

Children, on the other hand, could not wait to get their hands on Peanut. They always wanted to know what was “wrong” with her, and then they wanted to pet her. And, blind Peanut would lift her head just the slightest to receive all the pats and scratches that were coming her way. And, she’d wag her tail...quite sure that although she could not see a thing, she was about to receive love.

When it comes to God, we often cannot see a thing either. We pray, but we don’t seem to get an answer. We long for guidance, but clear direction does not come. We search for healing, but grief remains. We cannot SEE God and we may feel as though we are walking in the dark. Nevertheless, we keep trying. 

And, Well of Mercy may be part of your efforts. If you feel as though you are walking in the dark, you can walk our labyrinth, and just maybe, the twists and turns will turn on the light. You can walk our prayer trails, and just maybe, the sound of the creek will open your ears to the sound of the Spirit. You can savor a meal, and just maybe, remember how often God shows up in the breaking of bread. 

No matter how old you are or how blind you feel, you are a beloved child of God. Yes, some days, it will be easy and we will lift our heads in confidence, and some days we will fall spectacularly to the ground. But, let us strive to live so faithfully and so prayerfully, let us knit our hearts so closely to God that wherever we fall, we are never too far from the one holding the other end of our leash. 

Lea Slaton

Executive Director



What are your Well stories?

My personal favorite is the story of meeting our former Executive Director, Sandra O’Brien.  As we ate lunch in the dining room, I made the remark that I grew up in Clemmons.  Sandra responded, “Really?  Me too.  Where did you live?”  I said, “Arden Circle.”  She said, “Me too!”  I said, “We lived next door to Mrs. Wood.”  She said, “Me too!”

We grew up separated by one house!  I even rode the school bus with Sandra’s brother.  We babysat for the same children!  And, we never knew our connection until Well of Mercy introduced us.

What are your Well stories?  Did you run into an old friend?  Did you run into God?  Where has the Spirit shown up for you here?

We would love to hear your stories - either recorded or written, and if you are willing, we would love to share them during what will be the most awesome month of the year. September! Yes, we are calling September Well of Mercy Month! We will share many facts and stories about Well via social media, so if you have a story to share, please send it to mercy@wellofmercy.org. Put “Lea” in the memo line, and get ready for September! 

~ July ~

~ August ~

~ September ~

~ October ~

~ Sold Out Retreat? Wait List Available ~

Relax & Ease into Sacred Time for Rest & Healing with Healing Touch Session

July 10-12, 2025

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Deep Dive into Silence with Spiritual Direction

September 17-20, 2025

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Eco, Oikos, Home

The word eco comes from the Greek word oikos, which means home. We all know that the turtle carries its home on its back, finding comfort and safety in the ability to retreat within.

I’ve found a message in this gentle creature that I feel called to share…

In a way, we as humans also carry our home with us. When we feel scared, anxious, or overwhelmed, we can return to the forests, the rivers, or mountains to let the rhythms of nature soothe our nervous systems. This earth is our shared home, alongside the turtles and all of creation.

Since the dawn of humankind, we have relied on this home not only for its resources but for its wisdom and beauty. For a long time, we walked with care, taking only what was needed and offering our respect in return. Somewhere along the way that balance was disrupted. We drifted apart from the earth, its creatures, and from others with whom we share life.  

Today, our home calls out to us through storms, fires, droughts, and conflict, asking for our presence, our healing, and our care. We are being invited to become better stewards. To nurture, protect, and begin to repair the deep bond we share with this living world.

Like the turtle, we are being asked to move with patience. The path ahead is not short, and the healing will take time. But if we stay steady, rooted in compassion and guided by love for the land and all of its beings, change is possible.

Yes, we must be patient but also diligent. 

This is our home.

Jordan Marvin

Landscape Coordinator

My Cup Runneth Over

“Gentleness, tears of joy and gratitude spill from my heart and eyes the moment I see Well from the top of the hill. For my heart knows that a gentle love will be poured over my frazzled spirit. My cup runneth over.”

This reflection from a guest captures what so many feel the moment they arrive — that this is a sacred place. A place where gentleness meets weariness. Where silence speaks. Where healing begins.

Well of Mercy was created to be just that — a place of rest, renewal, and deep soul care. And because we are a nonprofit, everything we offer is made possible through generosity.

We aren’t funded by a large organization. We rely on donations — small monthly gifts, one-time contributions, and the faithful support of those who believe in this mission. Every gift helps us keep the doors open and the welcome warm.



If Well has touched your life, or you simply believe the world needs more places like this, would you consider supporting us?

Together, we’re helping cups run over.

Well of Mercy's Core Values



Well of Mercy, a retreat ministry sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, grounded in the spirit of hospitality, provides quiet sanctuary and time in nature for reflection, rest and renewal for those choosing sacred time apart, enriching their spiritual and emotional wellbeing.