I am sitting here on the Tuesday after, continuing to decompress from the last Creative Soul Retreat at The Whatever Craft House for 2023. Another incredible group gathered that only God could have orchestrated. That is one of my most favorite things about these retreats. 17 women coming together from all over the United States, some not knowing anyone, gathering together at 5:30 pm on a Thursday evening and by Friday morning, new friendships have formed along with older friendships being renewed, tons of laughter, conversations at all times, deep sharing, tears and overflowing joy and happy.
This group had some new faces and as always, Jesus showed up and connected us all, probably faster than we realized.
Traveling by plane to Wichita Kansas has become a little tricky since Covid and typically, there are only two, sometimes one flight in and only a few out which makes it hard for those that fly in and have to wait for the clock to strike 4:45 when I roll up in a big white van to pick them up. I have recognized that all of those who fly in as strangers are fast friends by the time I pick them up. It happens every time.
It is tricky for me to explain what these retreats are all about. Sure, I can outline the basics of who, what, where and when but it is impossible to describe the experience. I typically say "It is so good" but that is vague to someone that has no idea what the actual retreat experience is like.
I really want to say "just trust me" (because I 100% trust that God is in ALL of the details) but again, that is vague and when you are spending a lot of money to go somewhere you have never been, with a bunch of ladies you don't know, staying in the same house and sleeping in rooms with "strangers" that all can seem crazy, especially to those you are trying to explain it all to.
Thank you Meg & Lisa for all of the prep work and on the spot work you do for me and for all of those who are at retreat. Thank you does not feel like enough for all of the time you spend away from your families and life and I am grateful and thankful for you the both of you.
Thank you Stacy Spangler & Debbie Bitner (IG beachlife_art) for coming to share your gifts and talents with us. We all learned new things and were reminded to experiment and practice. I am working on my little people Debbie..I think we all are (in our new journals that you introduced us to and we ordered on the spot and were delivered before we got home)(Thanks, Amazon!)
So that is a wrap for 2023 at The Whatever Craft House.
I have 2024 Summer and Fall Creative Soul Retreat dates scheduled and will announcing those soon. Thank you to all of you who make the decision to come back year after year...I am grateful and thankful for you.