Marriage GetAway

Back in January when we went to Virginia for our debriefing, upon our return to the States, I was talking to some colleagues.  They began sharing about using personal development money (that our organization graciously gives on each stateside assignment and based on the length of your term) to use for marriage retreats and many other things.  One particular lady spoke of Glen Eyrie (pronounced air-ee).

Glen Eyrie is a castle owned and operated by The Navigators, a mission sending agency.  There are several other building on the grounds including NavPress, training facilities for their missionaries, and much more.  The Navigators own almost 1100 acres of beauty in Colorado Springs!!!  And it is just amazing how they are using these grounds to glorify Christ and take His name around the world!!!

You can read about the history of Glen Eyrie by going here. 

So, back in February I made our reservation at Glen Eyrie for our Marriage GetAway.  This is not your average retreat!  We are talking about a time to truly focus on each other and your walk with the Lord.  The group is limited to 8 couples.  Here is an idea of the schedule:

Thursday

    * 3-6 Registration

    * 5:30 Welcome reception

    * 6:00 Dinner by candlelight

    * 7:30 Fireside chat

Friday

    * 8:00 Breakfast in bed

    * 10:45 Castle Tour

    * 12:00 Lunch

    * 1:15-6:00 Freetime

    * 6:00 Dinner by candlelight

    * 7:30 Fireside chat

Saturday

    * 8:00 Breakfast

    * 9:00 Group session

    * 12:00 Lunch

    * 1:15-6:00 Carriage rides and free time

    * 6:00 Dinner by candlelight

    * 7:30 Fireside chat

Sunday

    * 8:00 Breakfast

    * 9:00 Prayer and share time

    * 12:00 Lunch

Each night there was a gift waiting for us on our turned down bed.  The first night was a picnic blanket. 

On our new blanket, eating away!!

 The second night left on our bed was the book “31 Day of Praise”, written by a Navigator missionary by the name of Ruth Myers.  Wonderful book!!  And the third night was Sparkling Apple Cider!!!  Each one of these gifts was accompanied by chocolate as well as little card with our names and a little message for us!!

Our breakfast in bed was a fun treat!  Eggs, sausage and apple-filled crepes!

Glen Eyrie has a wonderful chef who fixed us gourmet meals each night.  The first night was a scrumptious steak, second night we were served bass, and the third night was pork filled with sausage and cheese!!

As I mentioned before the group was limited to 8 couples.  There was also a returning couple.  One that had attended before and came back to help the leaders, so there were 10 couples total.  Because it was a small group, we grew close in those few days.  In our free time we got to go on a horse drawn carriage.  We rode with Steve & Susan and had a great time with them!!

 We saw a bear about halfway up the mountain on our ride!!  What a treat and not seen often!!

 We also used our free time to hike around the property.  My favorite spot had to be Dorothy Falls.  We had to hike through a narrow canyon, crossing the little river over rocks and tree limbs about 15 times!!  It was well worth it once we reached the falls!!

A little glimpse of our room.

 I was a little sad to leave this beautiful setting and the new friends we made, but I was ready to see the kids!! I will definitely have the life lessons, memories and pictures to remind me of this special time!!

And, if you and your spouse are in need of a getaway, check this out!!  It truly was above and beyond our expectations!!!