Sunday, May 22, 2011

Memories of a Fantastic Women's Retreat

I know many were praying for our women’s retreat May 20-22, and God answered in a big way!

We had 98 women join us – if any more had come, we would have had the problem of not enough beds! About 15 babies, young children and pre-teen girls joined us as well. They came from Amealco, Celaya, San Juan del Rio, Queretaro, Irapuato, and a number of first-timers from two churches in Mexico City. From start to finish, it was a fabulous time.

The workshops were so much fun – I think everyone could have spent many more hours at them if we had let them! Each lady was able to go to any and all workshops, or just go to one, it was their choice. What fun they had!

Our cabin was packed the first night, and the second night, two young sisters joined us! So, it was quite the party! Although most of us were asleep long before the rest of the gang! One gal even slept on a mattress on the floor!



Christy (O'Brien) Contreras and team did a wonderful job of leading us in worship. Juanita, on the left doubled up as our chef as well as worship team participant. She has a beautiful voice.




Our speaker was Chely Navarro (shown above singing with the ladies) from Queretaro. She had a powerful message for us and all were blessed. I’m praying that now that the ladies have gone home that they’ll put it all into practice! Myself included! A young gal from our church, Isabel, was only there Saturday went home to report on what she had learned, and she informed the ladies who didn’t go, that they HAD to go next year! Go, Isabel!



Check out these workshops!



Jewelry-making


Beauty shop (make-up, manicures and hair trims)



Quilling


Scrapbooking


Stampin'


Designing kleenex holders



Sewing dozens of small pillows - not to take home, but.....


....to sit on! Those stone "seats" get mighty hard!
We didn't have filler to make enough for everyone, but next year
we'll plan to make more!



Sunday we held five 20-minute workshops on having a devotional time with the Lord, focusing on Memorization, Singing praises, Bible Reading, Using Devotionals, and Prayer. I heard many reports of what a blessing and encouragement they were. I didn’t get in on four of them, since I gave the one on Using Devotionals. They ladies were so responsive, it was just fun to see them enjoying all of the workshops!



I had one of the gals take a couple pictures of me teaching the workshop,
just to prove I really was there!


Ivonne took books and materials to sell. The ladies bought quite a lot the first day and the second, they were in a frenzy trying to buy ALL they could, since it was their last chance! I was very happy to see that Ivonne did well.



Juanita (second from right) and her team did an excellent job in the kitchen feeding us: chilaquiles, molletes, chicken salad, beef in a chile sauce, tostadas, and much more. This year we had the different churches bring paper products, which helped keep dishwashing down to a minimum. No one complained about that! At each meal there were also volunteers who assisted - notice Christy there on the left wielding her knife!



Several babies showed up with their mamas. It was hard work for the mamas, but I know they were glad they came, and it was worth the effort!



My partners in "crime", Reina and Ivonne from San Juan del Rio.
Ivonne is my "team partner" and Reina is her friend of many years.
Ivonne's daughter Rosy was also there from San Juan.
As I said above, Isabel also came on Saturday.
We were disappointed that more from San Juan didn't come, but...
wait till next year! Isabel will get them going I'm sure!



Enjoying chilaquiles for breakfast!


Heather giving instructions. She also gave out small gifts to each lady. They had to be ON TIME to the sessions to receive a gift, so you can believe, they were on time! No one loves a little gift more than ladies! Right? (Even those who were late eventually got a gift - didn't want anyone to feel left out!)

Friday night we showed a movie called El Estudiante (The Student), a Mexican movie that shows special relationships within the generations and how the love we have for each other can make life worth living. Saturday night we held a bonfire and made S’mores! Most of these gals had never heard of such a thing, and were delighted! And Heather and I were a sticky mess! After the S’mores a good number stayed late into the night singing and giving testimonies.

This is the 4th year we’ve held this retreat and I believe it was the best ever! God blessed in a huge way. Our planning team (Heather, Ivonne, Monica, Cristina, and me) will have our evaluation in a couple weeks and are already excited about planning next year’s retreat! And what a great group they are to work with, each with wonderful talents! So, keep posted for news next year of another fantastic retreat!

No comments: