Long read.

I found my answers… in a small town called Battle. The same Battle where William, Duke of Normandy had defeated Harold, King of England seizing the throne in 1066 in what was referred to as The Battle of Hastings.

This defeat led to the end of the 600-year rule of the Anglo-Saxons, as for the first time, a Norman became King of England.

But learning about this piece of history isn’t why I went to Battle. I went to Battle, to a 220-acre retreat centre called Ashburnham Place, to meet with The Trinity. All 3 in 1, to fellowship and ask questions. I had questions.

My furthest retreat before this had taken me to Alheri Camp in Kaduna State.

Alheri was home to Rev Joe Olaiya’s Living Faith

Foundation and I had spent a month there as a student of the School of the Supernatural about two years before the invitation to a personal retreat. 

GOD knew that I needed the retreat and *I knew* that I needed the retreat as well, so we met there, like lovers, retreating from the noise and busyness of my daily life and bonding over scriptures and revelations.

Fast forward to Ashburnham Place, East Sussex, England.

My friend had spoken so fondly about this place over the years and following the deep, sudden loss that I experienced barely 3 months ago, I knew I needed time alone with GOD, away from family, friends, condolence visits and condolence messages.

Again, I had questions. Questions and accusations.

“You blindsided me”

“You embarrassed me”

“I thought we were friends”

Seared into my memory was GOD refusing to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah without informing Abraham, who he referred to as Friend. Seared into my memory was Him giving Abraham the opportunity to intercede for the two cities.

Why didn’t I get that opportunity? To intercede for my mother.

I thought we were friends.

The Blue Doors Cottage on the sacred grounds of Ashburnham Place, with no neighbours in sight, was what I needed. 

It was where I poured my heart out, asked my questions and had my deepest conversation with GOD yet.