Several months ago, my friend Jennifer and I planned a little retreat weekend. We went back and forth for weeks in an attempt to find agreeable dates. With husband’s, work, and 10 children between the two of us, we knew this would be a super-major-mama challenge. We said a prayer and forged ahead though, so July 4 it was. Little did I know what would transpire in the weeks to come, and a few times I thought it would just be best to cancel. With the passing of my father the week before, I didn’t see how I could leave my family, or how I could possibly be any fun. Jim insisted though, my mom gave her blessing, so I decided to go on with the plan of meeting my dear friend for a little conversation, conSOULing, and some fun to rejuvenate our burned-out bodies. *Note to self (and to you, dear reader)-A retreat SUCH a worthwhile thing to do. If you can, when you can…it is a life-lifting, light-bringing, experience! I could go on for days about the little blessings weaved into our 3-day trip, but I think I’ll just post a few photos and let those speak for themselves. If the photos make you want to get away, I will consider that a good thing!:) I say that because I truly believe every woman, every person, would be blessed by a little mini, sacred sabbatical, and if we could do it, I hope you can too! We chose Savannah because it’s one of my favorite places and was within driving distance for Jennifer. Here is a quick recap of what we dubbed the “Weary-Women’s Retreat:”
The courtyard of our hotel. We stayed at the Ballastone Bed and Breakfast. A fantastic, beautiful, cozy, delightful Inn with amazing Southern hospitality.
Our room. The bed was so high, it required a footstool to climb in! Grateful for the restful sleep.
Lunch (after arrival) at the Olde Pink House. Exciting history behind the historical home and ahhhmazing food!
Fried Green Tomatoes. A Savannah staple.
Our dessert (can you tell this trip revolved d a lot around food)? 🙂
A typical downtown garden home. Another Savannah staple.
Beach blessings! We went to Tybee Island for a few hours, prayed the rosary together, read books and enjoyed the holy sunlight and sand.
Breakfast at the Inn. This was my first B&B experience, and every morning was different, but equally delicious. How can you not help but feel uplifted when you start the day with prayer, a great friend and waffles like these? My family has no idea that breakfasts like this actually exist in real life. Lol. No wine-glass OJ in our house. After this experience though, I may have to try to duplicate this one day.
The Ballastone Inn also provides High Tea! Fancy.
A typical Savannah walkway (this was in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”) With the spanish moss on the trees and ambiance like this, you can’t help but feel healed and renewed.
Here we are at the fountain.
So, those are a few of the highlights from the first (of what I hope is an annual?) “Weary-Women’s Retreat.” Best of all, Jim and Greg (Jennifer’s husband) did an incredible job of holding down the fort and making things fun while we were away. Thank you Super-Dads! It was just a very special few days. I only wish I could wisk away everyone to experience that. I just kept thinking of so many other weary women I know that could benefit from a trip like this. It felt like food for the journey (literally and figuratively). Now, I am back home where we are preparing for my dad’s service and burial this week. But, I feel I am ready and grateful for the time to have processed all that occurred over the past year. Also, thank you dearly for your beautiful comments. God bless. And…meet you in Savannah sometime?
Gina Hart says
Savannah is also one of my favorite places. We spent 7 hours there last year just walking and enjoying the beauty on our way to Florida. I am so glad you had this time to begin to heal from the past few weeks and recharge for what the Lord knew you would be facing this week. He always knows our needs and provides them. Once again, I find my heart breaking for you., I am praying for you all and wishing I could do more than that. Love you so much and grateful for the blessing of calling you friend.