A good friend asked me to write a blog about my women’s retreat experience. So here goes:

A weekend away: what will happen?
Women taking time from their busy lives.
Expectations raised.
Tea cups clinking.
Voices raised in conversation.
Crafts, puzzle pieces jumbled in confusion, colored pencils, paint.
“Let me share how to paint pumpkins.”
“Look, I made a hat!”
Racing around the room, trying to be the first one to get an answer to a different question from all sixteen campers. For the uninitiated, this is called a mixer. (I won)
A smile, a hug, a story shared.
A joke brings a laugh and brings us closer.
New ideas bring a different perspective on the scriptures.
Words written: who am I?
Night falls. Stars rise.
Sleep delayed as the talking goes on and on.
Awaken to the smell of coffee filling the air.
Delicious meals lovingly prepared.
Juggling for places in line.
Plates handed back to the one behind you.
Everyone lends a hand to clean up.
A quiet moment alone.
Time for reflection.
A walk in the woods, listening to the river and bullfrogs.
Life experiences passed back and forth.
Sympathy shared.
Caring listeners, tears, speaking secrets from the heart.
Songs around the campfire as sparks rise into the darkness.
We’ve learned more about ourselves and each other.
Filled by faith our friendships grow.
Smile for the camera!
No longer strangers. Sisters now.