Simplicity, sacredness, silence and solitude are the living elements surrounding our cottages located in the beautiful Ozark foothills of Missouri.

We provide and preserve sacred space that honors the well being of our natural environment and the woodland creatures who dwell on the Holyland. Each season adorns the virgin woods and the cultured gardens with a wealth of beauty and peace.

Spiritual expansion is the guiding purpose for opening the cottages to those who wish to rest, renew, rebirth or retrieve their soul in a holy place. Personal retreats are designed and defined individually. Spiritual Direction is available as well as Yoga Instruction and/or Wellness Education based upon the simple and sacred wisdom of instinctual living. All religions, traditions and ways of the global people are respected with regard to the basic principles of loving kindness toward all living beings.

The home rules on the Holyland include non-violence, no addictive or abusive behaviors, vegetarianism and a desire to increase one's capacity to be loving — toward others and toward oneself. Practical home rules and guidelines are posted inside the cottages. The grounds include 60 acres of virgin woods with paths and meadows, a fire circle, an ancestral meditation labyrinth, a native american sweat lodge (inipi), herbal, vegetable and flower gardens, creeks, a bliss bench for watching the setting sun and a night sky full of twinkling stars.

Our Wilderness Sanctuary sets at the foot of the Ancestral Meditation Labyrinth, which ascends Dogwood Mountain. It is tucked at the edge of the woods near the creek, and provides a simple, safe, sacred space for deep meditation and reflection.

In addition to a lovely creek-lined meadow ideal for tent sites, there are two inside dwellings: Rose Cottage and Casita.

Rose Cottage is the home of MorningStar and is sometimes available to retreatants during times of mission work and is not available during the rhythmic Wimyn, Myn, and Community Retreats. It features a large, open room with a twin hide-away bed, laundry room, full kitchen and bath, and a large deck with a hammock. When Rose Cottage is available, the entire Holyland along with gardens, walkways, Casita’s amenities and MorningStar Wilderness Sanctuary become the private and personal space of the retreatants.

Casita is a heavenly haven decorated with handcrafted tile from Mexico, the home of our mission work. It is a wellness centre as well, and has a whirlpool and sauna to heal body, mind and soul. This cottage also has air-conditioning, central heat, a little kitchen and a private bedroom and sitting room. Although phone and electricity make Casita a modern dwelling place, over-use or abuse of techno crafts (i.e. TV, CD, PC, etc.) sacrifice the peace and intention of the Holyland. We encourage you to let the world go on without you a bit while you retreat; that you might return to your life renewed, calm, wise and filled with Loving Kindness.