Home from our Retreat

Kevin and I just returned from our Engaged Encounter Retreat. We had such a wonderful time that we found it hard to leave. Our retreat was held in a VERY rural area, the grounds very much reminded me of the ranch where I grew up. Since the retreat center's focus is on reflection and study we were without cell phones (not that we would have converge anyway), TV, Internet, and radio; at first I was worried to be without these things but, after just a short time I had a huge realization that I could soooooo live without them.

Our retreat was absolute bliss. The facility was absolutely gorgeous and coupled with the fact that it was just saturated in prayer made the atmosphere indescribably relaxing and perfect for spiritual growth. Our group discussed a wide range of topics but, I think the most important is that marriage is truly a vocation; and, when Kevin and I marry we will be joining a union to each other and God. Even though this topic wasn't anything new I was learning, the way the material was presented spoke directly to my heart.

Kevin and I are such a close couple. We are truly each other's best friend. Because I do feel that I've been called to be Kevin's wife and because our love has truly transformed my heart - I've never felt more like the person God intended me to be (I hope that statement made sense). Even though we grow closer each day I couldn't have imagine how much closer we would grow over this weekend.

Here are some pictures of the weekend:

We when got home Sunday night we were still in full relaxation mode. What could be more relaxing than a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day??? So, I decided to make some :)

Ingredients:

4 cups water

2 cups sugar

2 cups fresh lemon juice

1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

Lots of Ice

Whole strawberries for garnish

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon juice, stir and remove from the heat. Let cool completely. In a blender, puree the pint of strawberries and add to the pitcher with the lemon juice. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until well chilled.