Thanks, Gilda, for a fabulous retreat!
What some of our participants said about the experience:
“The retreat was definitely balm for my soul.” – Allison Simpson
“Not only would I participate again, it was such a special and thought-filled/Spirit-filled weekend that I am hoping we can do it annually!” – Julie Crandall
A glimpse into our writing:
“As I roamed the grounds today, I noticed the path stretched out before me- climbing upward, then reaching downward, curving to the right then leaning left, sometimes rough with rocks, roots, and crevices that make travel perilous when the shadows loom, other times smooth and tidy.
Do I rush past the resting places, forgetting to stop, reflect, and listen? Or do I sit and take time to open myself to the virtues-- forgiveness, courage, and gratitude? Sometimes we have to make choices along the path. Other times we might stray, get lost even. But the path remains. There will be others to join you, guide you, follow your lead. I am not alone. This path belongs to all.”
– Julie Crandall
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“As I roamed the grounds today thinking and talking about past trauma and current opportunity, I reflect on my animal messenger the skunk.
The skunk is a friend to me. I love the smell of skunk. When I was living far from home on the west coast and felt so homesick, I was grateful to smell a skunk. It reminded me of home. Now I am in another unfamiliar space, and the skunk appears again. He has been my running partner for two weeks.
I am grateful for the skunk. He is beautiful. He is both black and white. He embodies the “both/and.” He is misunderstood. When I have shared about my running partner to others, their response is one of fear. “Oh no! Stay away! You don’t want to get sprayed!” That thought never occurred to me.
I am like the skunk-- friendly and playful. Like the skunk, I am also misunderstood because of defense mechanisms meant to protect me, and I can’t always discern a real threat.”
-Adele Vensel
