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Sometimes You Just Have to Get Away

This past weekend I (Julie) went to a retreat for missionary women, called Women of the Harvest.  The retreat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I'm so grateful that I was able to participate. 
 
 We were spoken to as real women without any expectations or pressures put upon us.  We were pampered with sweet gifts (like chocolate chips, candy and maple extract) and we were able to share in small groups (this was my wonderful group) about the issues we face and receive encouragement and prayer.  We worshiped in English and heard powerful reminders that who we are in Christ is not determined by our roles or relationships. 
Each day we were allowed to choose different pampering sessions.  I got a pedicure to get all the red dirt off my feet.  I told them these are probably the dirtiest feet they've ever worked on.  They said they've seen everything, but she was scrubbing my toes for an entire hour!!!

I got a hair cut and makeover done and saw what I looked like with makeup on!  I hardly recognized myself.

I came home refreshed and renewed with a smile on my face and a song in my heart.  I am so thankful for this retreat, for the opportunity to laugh and cry with other missionaries (especially my friends serving with me in Paraguay) and I feel ready to tackle the rest of the year with new energy!  Sometimes, it's just good to get away and breathe new air.  If you have a missionary friend, definitely recommend one of these retreats to her.  She won't be the same!
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Comments

  1. Rebecca Conduff AguirreOctober 25, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    That is so cool that you got to go to the WOTH retreat! I recognized one of the ladies in your group, Charlene! She and I grew up together in Colombia and from what I've heard, she and her aunt, Chabela, had a wonderful time as well...so glad you had that opportunity. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. ChristieOctober 25, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    You look GORGEOUS, Dahling! I stole your small group picture, since mine took with my eyes practically closed. You can tell I'm no morning person in these shots. Haha!!! It was definitely a weekend to remember.... (PS--I love the way Christine was one big blur in the background of our photo--that summed up how much she worked to pull this thing together!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sara K. ParkerOctober 26, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    That sounds awesome and amazing! So glad for you, and I love the photo! Beautiful! You definitely look refreshed and rejuvinated!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousOctober 27, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    amazing, right? i'll have to get my post up and out soon. AMY

    ReplyDelete

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