i'm a pilgrim, i'm a stranger

this was my first year attending the midwest pilgrims' retreat near chicago. paula, sadie, beth and i left at 6:30 am on friday and drove to chicago. the retreat was in rockford, a town about 1 hour outside of chicago. the ride was long, but definitely worth it. i don't think i can put into words what an amazing experience it was for me. many of these ladies have since moved to places like new york, minnesota, new jersey, massachusetts, alaska, and utah, but it was so amazing to have the opportunity to be surrounded by old friends and reconnect as well as make new ones.



some highlights of the weekend

~journeys
~belief-o-matic
~claudia bushman
~heavenly mother
~when the journey gets dark
~finding our own personal relationship with our heavenly parents
~the squishy toilet
~yummy food and snacks
~a handsome priest
~rooming with sarah
~pittsburgh reunited
~good sex with jennifer
~caramel popcorn
~sitting by the lake with a good friend
~feeling peace
~singing in the choir
~did i mention awesome friends???
~a safe enviroment
~happiness
~growth
~laughter
~joy
~forgiveness

for those that attended, i am interested to know what you have gained. feel free to add to the list. and for those of you who would like to know more, feel free to ask-i encourage everyone to be involved in an experience like this. i know i have emerged a better saint, a better person, a better friend, a better wife, a better mother. thank you again benji. and thanks to all you amazing women who put so much time and effort into making this retreat possible.

more pictures: