16.2.08

marriage retreat

Sometimes we get to do the coolest, most edifying things! This week was no exception. Some wonderful leaders of ours hosted a marriage retreat for the 4 here on a certain team, which includes us, so we got to join in on the fun. It was a stretch for me, being away from baby for 36 hours, but it was well worth it.

It was very laid back. We got together in a large group and discussed certain topics. The two couples leading us have over 60 years of marriage combined between the two of them, so they of course had lots of great advice to offer. Then in the afternoons, the husbands and wives split up to discuss gender-specific issues. But in between all this was lots of food and lots of dating! The leaders provided 3 huge breakfasts for us (complete with bacon and sausage!) and at lunch the couples went out on dates. So it was a great way for husband and I to explore new places in the capital.

The first day, I got to choose the date, and I chose a restaurant/lounge I'd been eyeing for awhile. It's in a market near us, so if we can save up again, we'll go back! It was really nice and romantic - dark purple velvet couches, deep red pillows and walls, low lighting. I felt very sophisticated. :)


That evening, the leaders gave us an extraordinary candlelit dinner that I still don't know how they pulled off with the tiny ovens we have here.

The next day, husband picked the date. We went to a really nice outdoor garden restaurant we like, where we sat in a little tented area.
After lunch, we took a walk through some really nice gardens.

On our way back we got a special treat of seeing an elephant and two camels among our traffic. What a cool city!

The discussions were very encouraging for all of us, and made for one of my favorite Valentine's Days ever! We owe a ton of gratitude to those back home who helped fund this refreshing time, and to the boss for creating marriage - what a wonderful gift He gave us!

4 comments:

SouthAsiaRocks said...

Sounds like fun! So what restrauant is that first one? I think we saw that same elephant and two camels!!! How funny!!! Fun!

Anonymous said...

Your pictures are so pretty! I read your blog all the time but haven't written yet. I figured it was time. Baby is beautiful by the way. My daughter, living in Russia, talks about you all the time and I always see your posts on her blog so I thought it was about time I commented on yours. Must be different starting a family in a foreign country. Looks like both of your moms had a good time tho. Good to see a picture of husbands mom. Haven't seen her in a very long time. Take care. Hugs & Kisses!
from : Mom of a Moscow girl

jrob said...

Hey baby
I had a great Valentine's with you. I love you

Dana said...

That sounds like a great time! So we have weighed the costs and I think we are going to Goa! I'm really excited. We did some calculating and we would spend just as much in Dubai with the extra things we have to pay for as we would on our trip to Goa. So we are looking into some small inexpensive excursions in Goa. We'll see. I will know more details at the end of today. I think we should message on facebook about this!