Wellness Training Retreat

Sunday

29 March 09

We just got back from a three-day trip up into the mountains of North Carolina (south of Ashville, near Hendersonville) to the Kanuga Retreat Center. Even though it rained most of the weekend, it was still a beautiful location near a small lake up in the forest. We were there to learn the Family Wellness material that will be taught in the Army's Strong Bonds retreats. Over the last 10 years, the Army has developed this curriculum (for families, marriages, and singles) to help the family members as well as the Soldier. It has been extremely successful for the Army, and swelled to a $40 million annual budget that we, as Chaplains, can tap into. This is the last of the overall training modules to prepare us for leading our own retreats someday as a Chaplain for a Unit or Battalion. That's the goal, anyway.

Did I mention that my wife and I celebrated our 16th Wedding Anniversary this past week? It was sad not to be together, but you do the best you can with what you got. She is a wonderful, beautiful, and supportive wife and I am blessed to be married to her. And, did I also mention that she will be here tomorrow for the Spouse's Seminar that helps conclude the final week?!! It's amazing to think that it's almost over. (By the way, please pray for her. She is pretty stressed to get everything done before heading to the airport). Next Friday I will graduate from the Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course. My wife and kids, other family members, and some close friends will be here to celebrate with me, and then we're going to spend some quality family time (i.e., vacation) together before returning home. Talk to you more this week!