We have hosted on AirBnB and VRBO for 7+ years. We had a three story home on 2 ½ acres where we raised our three children. When our last child moved out, we had this big house with empty rooms. Mike’s brother recommended we do AirBnB. We were a little skeptical, but moved forward with trying it out. We then had a friend who had an emergency and needed a place for their family to stay so they became our first guests. Our first year we were booked solid during the winter season, had a nice break during off-season and more people came the next year (some returning guests). We then decided to downsize and sold that wonderful property. We moved to a place on a canal, just off the Caloosahatchee river. Mike won a boat in a drawing at our church and we were able to explore the river by boat. We found this wonderful waterfront property and knew it would be a perfect place for a large family or friend vacation just like our other home.
Both of us have a vision to help others and to create a place for others to relax, refresh, and reconnect with other family members. As our children were growing up we met with Mike’s family including his Grandmother, Parents, Siblings and their families, Uncles and their families for a family vacation every year at a resort in MN. We were able to reconnect with each other during the vacation week having fun playing games, fishing, shopping, water skiing, and enjoying meals together. The families didn’t all live close together and the week at the lake allowed us to have the bond of fellowship each year. At River of Grace Hope and Love, Mike and Karen want to share their home and allow other families to gather together in Florida to relax, refresh, and reconnect with others.