RELAXED, REJUVENATED, AND RARING TO SERVE! TAKING NATIONAL RETREATS TO THE LOCAL LEVEL

From the 19th to 21st of August, the WFWP Chapter in Cascade, Oregon, gathered a total of nine women together for local women’s retreat. We relaxed, were rejuvenated, and envisioned the future of the chapter during those three days at the “comfy” and loving home of the Wolfenbeger family, in Aberdeen, Washington, a three hour drive from Portland.

Our schedule was full of enrichment and fun, in and out, away from our everyday busy lives in the city. Each one of us held our own session: teaching, learning, and sharing both our skills and unforgettable moments. We had energy release exercises, a spa on the deck, flower arranging, knitting lessons, as well as a chance to report and plan our recent and current conferences.

In one session, two groups created vision boards and presented them, competing for the more exciting vision for our local chapter. We imagined that our chapter was recognized for peacemaking efforts by being featured on the front page of a national magazine; becoming a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize; and other wonderful accolades. It was a very rich and entertaining exercise.

The Wolfenberger’s house sits on a private beach, and is just 10 minutes from the coastal beach. One day we went out, walking around the town by the beach. At the lighthouse, we discovered that we had happened upon “the international lighthouse week,” and ham radio operators were busy competing to see how many people they could talk to by radio around the world. Then we continued on towards the port to see the ships and some art. We found ourselves in the midst of a free market where we enjoyed live music. What a treat: that week was a summer festival week as well!

Sunday morning we had a spiritually refreshing time. We read the Holy Scriptures from three different faiths. Each reader made comments and everyone joined the discussion. After learning from each other and spending time together, it was hard to leave. Finally, we said goodbye to each other and thanked our lovely hosts, the Wolfenbergers, who had opened their home to us for the weekend of blessed and enriched experiences. We will remember it forever. Our hearts were touched in each moment in the peacefully embracing environment and the friendships we forged there together.