Ladies Retreat

As promised last week, here finally is my post about the Valleydale Ladies' Retreat. We had a lot of fun, and it was nice to spend some time with some women and get away. Our group left about 3:15 pm and headed to Shocco Springs.


Let me back up to to say that we were all required to bring a homemade goodie and a 2-Liter bottle of soda. So when you add 70+ women who really brought 2 homemade goodies each, this equals a lot of junk food - more than 70+ women could eat! So there was a room full of food. And while we are on the subject of food, we had dinner, breakfast, and lunch, at the Shocco cafeteria in addition to our junk food buffet. When we left, we didn't want to see any junk food or the like for several days after. At least, I know I didn't. :)


My roomies were Jill and Jennifer, who are in the first picture along with me. Jill is on the left, I'm in the middle, and Jennifer is on the right. I'm not going to name names, but I found it interesting that we had Big Brother style (as in the reality show) choosing of who slept in what bed. In our room, there was a double bed, a twin bed, and a set of bunks. The first person in the room claimed the double bed - at least her stuff was on it. I was the second person in the room, and I did not want to just grab the twin bed, but the next person in the room did not hestitate to do so. Sorry girls, I love ya - I'm telling this story as I see it. (Actually, I hope you do know - I don't mind - I did find it ironic!) So, I got the bottom bunk! The twin bed and the bunks were by the A/C unit, which did not work until we jiggled it. The room was cold while it was on. Then we turned the fan on for the night. My buddy in the twin was hot. I was cold cold cold, and even considered taking off the comforter off of the top bunk, but I knew that if I ever fell asleep, I would be a little toaster oven, so I didn't budge. We stayed up until midnight playing a game of "Do you Love your Neighbor?" with the other women, and then our room got into bed. I might have slept an hour or two. I was too restless and missed my hubby laying next to me.


The next picture is of Patty Cato in a very funny skit, and the last picture is of our models. We all had to get in 4 groups and dress a model (already chosen for us) in toilet paper, tissue paper, paper plates, and masking tape. Then we had to select a spokesperson to give us the low down on our model as she walked the runway. Jill was her group's spokesperson, and I must say she won the crowd over. :)

The retreat was nice. Beth Moore spoke to us via DVD, and we learned how to "Love Well." She spoke about loving, "Joy," "Testy," "Foe," and "Far." God spoke to my heart, and I hope the message does not quickly leave. We are called to love no matter the person or situation - that is supposed to be what sets us apart. I sure hope to love well.

When it was over, the retreat seemed a little short, and I certainly wasn't the college student that used to visit Shocco. I wanted to spend more time getting to know other women, but it was a foundation and was fun. I hope we can do it again soon.