Have you ever felt blessed by a chance encounter? Like maybe you had just met someone very special? Just wait until I tell you about Heidi.
The girls and I were hanging out at a lake in Twin Falls and were discussing where to visit next. Heidi and her family were sitting on the grass nearby and joined in with some advice. She told me about the axe throwing gym she and her husband own and the charity they started (Sleep in Heavenly Peace). I was intrigued.
The Bearded Axe
We took Heidi up on her unexpected offer of a tour of The Bearded Axe.
Who knew how much fun it could be to throw an axe?! It’s pretty affordable and you can bring your own food and beverages. They even have a large party room you can rent!
The Bearded Axe is also a WATL member.
WATL’s Mission Statement
The World Axe Throwing League (WATL) is the global governing body for the sport of Axe Throwing. Our mandate is to strengthen and support the sport of Axe Throwing by providing a source for standardized, global Axe Throwing competition. Our mission is to unify the sport of Axe Throwing through standard practices, common goals and industry-wide support.
They have a league and are able to enter competitions. We saw how they make the targets too. There are specific markers to make the lines the correct thickness.
The girls and I got to try our hand at throwing and even managed to hit the target a couple of times!
After our tour we sat in the office and talked with Heidi about her family, their strong faith, and how their charity began.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP)
At Christmas time in 2012 Heidi and Luke Mickelson wanted to give a gift to someone in their community, so they decided to make a bunk bed for a child who didn’t have a bed. They had some wood left over so they thought maybe they could make another. When they reached out to the Facebook community the response was overwhelming. The Mickelsons were able to make 11 beds that year! As they found more and more children in need the project grew to be year round. They have now made over 35,000 beds and have 250 chapters all over the United States, as well as Bermuda and Canada.
Luke has actually become quite famous, being a CNN hero and the face on some of Lay’s potato chips. The Sleep in Heavenly Peace episode on Returning the Favor went viral.
We were shown around the warehouse where beds and mattresses are awaiting delivery and Heidi told us how they had come up with an inexpensive way to stain the wood using vinegar! Their logo printed on the door says, “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!”
Before we left Heidi loaded us up with baseball caps, tumblers, and stickers but her best gift was the gift of her time. We were complete strangers but she took the time to talk to us and share her beautiful story.
So if you happen to be in Twin Falls, Idaho make sure to stop by the Bearded Axe to reconnect with your primal side (or just get some exercise).
And wherever you are, you can look up Sleep in Heavenly Peace and help with a build or make a donation. The Mickelsons are absolutely right; no child should be without a bed.
First of all – axe throwing is uber cool, like over 9000 kewl! Then the bed crafting organization 😀 I love it so much and wish there were more people doing things like this. One person can change things if they believe in their goal :3
Absolutely amazing what this couple has accomplished! And it all started with a Christmas gift! <3
I am going to have to check this place out the next time I am passing through. Ax Throwing! How cool!
It was quite fun! My younger daughter thought it was a great idea for a birthday party. 🙂
I am so happy you got to meet Heidi and learn about SHP. I was one of the first volunteers in 2012, and have helped with many builds, and the best part, the deliveries!!! Chances are there are local chapters close to anyone reading this. If not, maybe it is time to help start one! You life will never be the same. Thanks for the great read. #nokidssleeponthefloorinourtown #shpfamily
Thank you Hilary! I saw that there are 7 chapters in Oregon so I am going to look into helping out as well.
My axe throwing needs a lot of work. That sounds like a really nice adventure.
It was really interesting to learn about it. I didn’t know it was a thing. Now that I do, I might see if there is one in this area.