The Great Banquet

Driving down the road and saw this.  Had to stop and snap.  Those old cemeteries, I tell ya....just gorgeous.

My friend Dalliss who lives in Oakton, VA invited me to a non-denominational retreat at her church.  We arrived Thursday evening and stayed through Sunday evening.  She shared very little about what to expect. Just encouraged me to be open, authentic (hence the no make-up look) and to stay in the moment.  Now, for those of us who perhaps have control issues this can prove difficult.  But I went with the attitude that I would try my hardest to do all those thing.

 We stayed inside except for a couple of breaks where we could walk outside in the perfectly stunning weather.  We gave up watches, cell phones and anything else that would connect us with the outside world.  Each day consisted of prayer, worship, music, much laughter, wonderful talks & discussion and food! Oh my gosh, the food was just crazy.  Every time we walked into the dining area they had completely outdone themselves from the time before.

We were put in a group of six who we shared a table with for the talks, we shared a bedroom with 4 other women then we were encouraged to sit with people we didn't know for meals so eventually you spent time with almost everyone.

                                 We sang these before and after meals to the tune of Edelweiss.

 My sleeping area.  We each had a blow-up bed.  Dallis had made mine very cozy!

This is a small chapel we used but the church itself is huge having been remodeled.

Me, with my table mates...J.L., Erin, Lolita and Dawn

Good fun with the ladies!

Everyone's stuff getting ready to wrap up our awesome weekend.  We felt completely spoiled, completely loved and had a total blast. Think girl's camp with no dirt, but with all the fun and the spiritual renewal of a 72 hour testimony meeting.  Everyone left feeling completely enveloped in God's love as well as strengthened & renewed and supported by all these incredible women.  The peace of the weekend is something I always want to keep with me.