On the 23rd, we left Charlotte bound for Asheville, SC. By the time we reached Asheville, it was pouring rain. We pulled into the campground and was shocked to see how close it was to the river. The river looked like it was inches from overflowing, so I asked the campground manager if the river ever overflowed. "All the time", he replied!!! Hmmm, so the quandary ~ should we move on or stick it out. I don't know if I was presuming upon the grace of God or not, but we decided to stick it out. I downloaded the NOAA app on my phone so if there were any alerts for Asheville, we would get it in time to hook up and get out of there. It rained most of the night, but settled down by early morning. When we left the trailer to sight-see, it had pretty much dried up.


We set out to find the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, which is just outside of Asheville towards Black Mountain, NC. The GPS served us well and took us right to the front gate of the training center. After passing through the main gate, we were greeted by a wild turkey out on the lawn!


We were directed up to a four story chapel, built into the side of a mountain. It was absolutely beautiful, even in the light rain that was falling by then. We were greeted by volunteer guides who took us into the bottom story, which is a phone bank. There appeared to be about 50 phone stations where people could call in while watch a Billy Graham event or movie to have someone to talk to and pray with. There we were shown a 10 minute video about how The Cove came about. On the second floor, there was the "visitors center", which basically gave an outline of Billy Graham and the history of the Evangelistic Association. It was very interested and well done, so that it wasn't repetitive of what we saw in Charlotte a few days ago.


On the third floor was the Chapel. It is absolutely beautiful. Many ask if it "doubles" as a church. The answer is no. The BGEA's ministry is to be an aid to the local churches, not take away by competing with other local churches. They don't even allow weddings in the chapel. If anyone is a fan of Bill & Gloria Gaither, they filmed one of their Homecoming videos in this chapel.


At the back of the chapel (near the entrance) is a stairway on either side of the hall that leads up to the fourth floor, which is a prayer room. People are welcome to go up and write out a prayer request. There were two precious ladies up there who took time to pray with us and encourage us. We really enjoyed our prayer time and visit with them and the tour of The Cove.


Before we left, we got Roxie out of the truck and walked her through the Prayer Garden. It was beautiful with the trees and shrubs in bloom. It was very peaceful. Roxie received some "rest" too as she watered the plants!


As we drove out of The Cove grounds, we noticed a stream that flows through the property. How appropriate! Before heading home, we drove through Biltmore Village. Although people still work and shop in the Village, it has maintained its quaint old village appeal. Even McDonald's was force to build a shop that matched the architecture of the Village!


We headed home and get ready ~ tomorrow, we head for Gatlinburg, TN!