Crazy Love

Time to play some major catch up on the blog!  This post goes all the way back to early January when Matthew and I were invited to attend a marriage retreat with our friends Mike and Mitzi and their Sunday School class.  They also attend Englewood and teach a young married class, just like the one we are a part of.  Mike and Mitzi graciously treated us to this trip which was such a blessing.  We needed it so badly after the rough couple of months we had following my transplant.  (And little did we know, it would sustain us through some pretty rough months after the retreat as well.  Just five days after our return, I would be admitted back to Vanderbilt for two weeks.)  The timing was just perfect.  I was at a point where I was feeling really good, had a decent amount of energy and we were able to soak in every moment of teaching and time spent together.  Plus, it was the first kid-free vacation we've had since Kyndall has been born.  Sad but true!

The retreat was in Gatlinburg, TN and the theme was "Crazy Love".  When we arrived at our cabin we found sweet surprises from the teachers to welcome us.....

The view from our cabin---gorgeous!

 A few of my best girls!

Sweet tea just tastes better from a mason jar

We had lots of free time to explore Gatlinburg.  I hadn't been there since I was a kid so I was excited to do some shopping, some eating and sight seeing.  Since it was just after Christmas, most of the decorations were still up.

Each morning started EARLY with a group session in the main cabin.  Mike taught some powerful, life changing lessons and we learned so much.  After the group sessions, the men and women would split off into separate cabins for discussion time.  By lunchtime each day we were done and free to do as we pleased for the rest of the day and night!  It was the perfect balance.

On Friday night the whole group gathered for a trip up the mountain train to Ober Gatlinburg.  What a cool place!  Ice skating, skiing, snow tubing, shopping, hot chocolate, etc.  

I had my heart set on being brave and trying something new and adventurous.  I had decided on snow tubing, but my thoughts quickly changed when I saw the conditions.  What is normally a smooth ride was a very bumpy ride with a giant slam into a wall at the bottom.  After watching a few brave souls come down and walk away with whiplash I decided against it.  My surgeon had said absolutely no roller coasters, horseback riding or motorcycles for a good while.  At this point I was only about 15 weeks out from surgery and I didn't think my newly stitched in liver could handle the rough ending.  A few of our group members went down and had a blast but it wasn't long before they shut it down for safety reasons.  Oh well....next year!

There is a slow motion video circulating out there somewhere of Mitzi coming down and it makes me hurt just watching how hard she hit that wall at the end!  But in typical Mitzi fashion, she walked away giggling and smiling!  Love her!

Playing cards before calling it a night

On Saturday night we were told to have a date night with our spouse.  We were to purposefully spend time with only them, focusing on each other for the evening.  Matthew and I found a really neat restaurant right on the Gatlinburg strip where we enjoyed a delicious dinner and a great conversation.  I had almost forgotten what it was like to go on a "date".  I didn't even have to cut anyone's food or take anyone to the bathroom---crazy!

Mitzi loves taking pictures as much as I do, so I'm stealing a few of hers to share!

Mike and Mitzi---We adore these two!

The girls after lunch at No Way Jose's

The whole group, showing our support for Pastor Jordan and his upcoming 20/20 vision

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this weekend and the way it renewed and refreshed the two of us and our marriage.  Married life is tough and ours has been extra tough.  Matthew and I have already walked through more in 7 years than some couples walk through in a lifetime.  I am grateful for our trials because they have definitely made us stronger as a couple and certainly have strengthened our faith.  I wouldn't trade this journey for anything and there is no one I would rather experience it with than Matthew.  

Thank you to Mike, Mitzi, Jube, Debbie, Drew and Fowler for organizing and leading this weekend.  We are so thankful for your passion to serve the Lord in this way!