Weary Women’s Weekend ’14

It’s been over two years since my friend Jennifer and I met for our first “Weary-Women’s Weekend.” We’ve always been long-distance friends (who sometimes text like teenagers)! Naturally, I always cherish the times we can actually see each other face-to-face. Our first getaway was in Savannah, GA, and truly a blessed experience. It was also just days after my father’s passing and (although I didn’t know at the time) days before my son Garrett’s stroke. I will always look back at those few days as a bubble of bliss that the Lord allowed me to experience as I walked through an otherwise very dark time. Since Jennifer and I have a combined ten children, and over 13-hundred miles between us, it’s not easy to find a way to see each other. So, I was SO excited when we were able to somehow miraculously plan a WWW this year. I have to be honest though, I was really skeptical that we would find another place that would rival the beauty, elegance, history (and climate!) of Savannah. But…thanks to Vicki and wonderful friends at the Carlisle Inn in Sugarcreek, OH, it was just what the Lord ordered! It’s hard to top Amish Country in the Fall, especially with a fireplace and fresh cookies in the evening! Once again, God’s grace freely seemed to flow through this blessed rest with my friend.

We hiked:

 We enjoyed Pumpkin Lattes:

Praying the Rosary at sunset:

And enjoying no dishes, cleanup, or laundry. Just quiet evenings and a beautiful fireplace!

It was like one big, long exhale for my soul. It was also a nice reminder that you don’t have to travel far to experience a beautiful retreat. The other added benefit was meaningful conversation about marriage, motherhood, faith, and chore charts. 😉  My life has drastically changed as a stay-home mom, in terms of how “out of touch” I probably am now with the world around me. Gathering and reporting the news and prepping for a morning show forced me to be plugged in ALL THE TIME,  which the news junkie inside of me loved. However, it’s a tough pace to maintain. Now, my life is the complete opposite. And since Karolina requires so much physical care, in addition to Gus and the general needs of the other kiddos, I’m just totally immersed in their “current events” and needs at hand. I do miss the fellowship of the listeners and the common walk of faith we shared, as well as the inspiring stories I was blessed to hear every day. I’m so very grateful to have had that experience! Which is why I think the WWW also came at a providential  time. Connecting with such a dear friend and fellow mom was just what my heart needed. I came home refreshed, re-invigorated, and probably a few pounds heavier…but oh so happy! If it’s possible, when it’s possible, I highly recommend a little mini-getaway, even if it’s just down the road. Thanks to my friend, the good Lord’s grace, and our husbands on the homefront for turning the “weary” into wonderful.