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Reflections on the Women's Retreat by Marianne Anderson I recently joined many of the women of St. Augustine's at the Serra Retreat Center in Malibu. I hope you have had the chance to enjoy the photos of our weekend on the St. Augustine's website. We remembered and missed those who were unable to be there with us. While there was a persuasive welcome in "you have to come, it's one of our biggest events", I cannot say why I signed up for my first retreat experience. As I drove to pick up my carpool partner, a woman I did not know, I noted the absence of my usual "how do I get myself into these things?" God was preparing a place for me. Renewal began even on the way to retreat when my new friend and I discovered shared experiences which stirred an excitement about drawing, a gift long shut away from my daily life. During the weekend, there were periods of drawing, journaling, scarf painting, silence, conversation, prayer, coming together, and being apart. A beautiful place was provided, we were present, and the Lord was among us. "Wherever two or more of you are gathered in my name, there is love." For the first time, I felt the shared faith of women on the same journey, if along different paths. Some of our experiences were remarkably similar, so many only our own, each of us needing something, and, at the same time, with something to give. Each at times a leader, or led, the speaker, or the spoken to. I am most thankful for the time away, together, and the lasting refreshment, renewal, and restoration of my relationship with God and our community. Copyright © 2008 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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