Retreat 2012

Brad and I spent the better part of last week in north Georgia on a leadership retreat with our church.  Brad and the other staff members and their families were heading up before everyone else got there, so I got a couple extra days off work and joined them.

We spent the first day exploring Helen, checking out the touristy shops and eating plenty of fudge.  We visited a bear "park", where we were able to purchase trays of food to toss to the bears.  Some of them had tricks they would do to try to get more food.  It was neat to see them perform and catch the food, but it was also a little sad!  
The facility also had enormous reptiles and arachnids; I kept my distance!

This bear could climb that pole in an instant!

The retreat took place at a resort area of 10 cabins and a main lodge.  There was little cell reception and even less internet access.  The first night Brad and I kept checking our phones but quickly got used to having no use for them.  Probably the most difficult thing was not being able to communicate with others in different areas of the resort very easily, but we actually really enjoyed the break from staring at a screen.  We have decided to try to have a "screen-free" day at least once a week in our home.

At least the cameras on our phones still worked! ;)

We had a good balance of staying around the cabins and venturing out.  On Friday a few of us ladies had fun at a wine tasting at local winery and then went back to Helen to wander around a little more.  We had some good laughs at ancient merchandise in one store (class of '98 Beanie Babies!) and enjoyed getting to know each other better. 

There were s'mores and a bonfire the last night and everyone learned a new song or two around the campfire. 

The striped crew!  Our tasting guide had never used a touch-screen before; I am surprised the picture isn't even more blurry!  Katie and her baby abstained, but patiently waited for the rest of us while we sipped.

We shared a cabin with our great friends the Runds.  Delicious lunches and dinners were provided for us by an awesome team of people, but everyone was on their own for breakfast.  Beka and I planned out some fun breakfast ideas ahead of time.  I loved sharing coffee and breakfast with these guys every morning!  We had some really good late night talks as well, and made lots of memories.

Yes, we really did all wear plaid one day!  Totally unplanned) :)

Speaking of making memories - our friend Lauren (she has made quite a few appearances here on the blog!) had a super big, important birthday while we were on the retreat!  We knew she was a little bummed to be on a church retreat instead of having a big birthday celebration, so we brought a little celebration to her!  Beka and I schemed up some ideas and late Friday night we snuck over to Lauren's cabin and decorated the front porch.  There was much muffled giggling and panicked moments thinking we would 

be discovered!  

We had muffins, candles and singing waiting for her during the morning session as well.  I think she felt loved and special - which she is!

Brad did a phenomenal job organizing the retreat and 

his planning and attention to detail really showed.  He received much appreciation and encouragement.  He worked so hard and I was very proud of him!  

The weather was lovely and it was just so good to 

spend a few days with everyone who came.  The teachings and small groups were encouraging and fun, and we grew in both new and old friendships.

I echo many of the comments I heard when I say it was a refreshing, inspiring, and really memorable time that left us feeling filled both spiritually and relationally.

We headed home late Saturday afternoon and got to celebrate Lauren more at her surprise family dinner!  

Then on Sunday I co-hosted a fancy tea and it was a blast.  

But more on that in a few days... ;)