**I’m working on updating this in preparation for our 2027 retreat. Get the details on my events page here.
This was my fourth year attending our annual retreat to the Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside, California alongside my dad and the ladies from the life group my mom and I started in 2015. This year was the first without my mom, and also the smallest at just eight of us.
My Dad and I drove up a day ahead of the ladies. The weather was cool and drizzly. My mom’s absence was intense–she always stayed in the room next to mine, and mine is at the end of the row of guest rooms.
Our Abbey retreat is one of my favorite events of the entire year and I’ll write more soon but here are some of my favorite things about the Abbey after four years:
- Three meals a day at set times suits me, especially because the food is simple and fresh. It was a revelation to realize that I feel good the entire time we’re at the Abbey and I don’t have any digestion or stomach issues. I attribute it to a. the lack or preservatives and additives b. having a salad with lunch and dinner, and c. eating at 7:30, 12:00 and 6:00 every day.
- Fresh air and spending time in nature keeps me energized yet calm. Besides being able to keep the windows open all the time, there’s a small chapel, multiple gardens and prayer walk that overlooks Oceanside, CA with a view to Catalina Island we’re free to explore. The views, smells, sounds and breeze are so refreshing.
- Having a room, a bed and a bathroom all to myself is such a treat. Especially as a mom with three kids at home, having personal space and alone time is refreshing beyond words. The accommodations are simple but having a recliner, a hot shower and a comfy bed is all I need.
- People and connection time mixed with solitude and reflection time. Playing games, crafting and learning together is marvelous and my time alone in the library, garden or chapel is also wonderful. One without the other would feel…off.
I’ll add more reflections and pictures over time!
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