I received perspective on my personal problems and all the situations that I can’t control. I enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know more about the casual friends I have. I enjoyed the snacks and especially the cold bottles of water–please bring more cold water next year. The music was a terrific blessing. Val did an incredible job of making us feel at home and keep things moving. The food and table service is awesome!

The Lord built on my faith, encouraged me to have confidence and trust Him. Received more joy by touching the life of a stranger, by obeying the Lord (Holy Spirit).

This has been a good weekend for me to slow down my pace and listen to God’s still small voice away from the busy hours of my life and to realize that I need to please only one person…first and foremost and that is God and to wait on Him.

I appreciate the honest vulnerability shared by Kathleen and her story of how God has been present in her and Rick’s walk through this new life. I have experienced the desert myself and also the never failing reassurance of God’s love and mercy shown through His word, songs and His people. The hurt is real and also the healing and the new me. Thank you! The camera session was great, non-threatening and fun.

More than just a time to renew friendships and catch-up to spend a different kind of time with family and those you have known from childhood. It was here 26 years ago that God grabbed my heart and spirit again and began the journey back to his protection and healing. Every year I have been met again in a very personal way that keeps me challenged and refreshed. This was again unique and timely. I have been dry and needed the refreshment. Thank you for all your work!

God has been talking to my life and this weekend has been a true OASIS to me. – Gracia Castillo

God’s presence was so real. It has given me renewed strength for all the tomorrows.

An inspiring weekend. Speaker gave some wonderful points to carry on in your new life after darkness or “pirates” attack your life. Next year I would love for Marilyn to play and sing with her guitar at the outside fire. It brought us closer to God.

This truly was an “Oasis.” February was a hard month for me. It is the 3rd anniversary of my grand daughter’s death on the 8th and on the 9th this year my mother passed away. I really did not want anything more than to stay in my bathrobe and watch TV this weekend. But I did push through and come and I had a blast! It’s the first time in weeks that I laughed from the heart…I also cried. The combination of release of many emotions and the compassion of the ladies help me keep things in perspective. It was hugs from God with skin on. Thank you retreat committee for making this possible.

I have found the love of Christ in each and every one of the ladies even though i don’t speak English. I hope I can see you all next year. -Concepcion Rodriguez

Have Kathleen back in a year or two..or whenever!

Enjoyed the sounds of women praising and worshiping together, whether it was singing, sharing or laughing LOL! Wonderful being with my blood sister and my Christ sisters!

I have enjoyed coming to the “Firs” for 15 years. Now my daughter is also coming 3rd year for her. I am blessed that she wants to come and we look forward to coming every year. Please don’t change the location. This place is part of the “whole” experience. We love what the committee is doing. Keep it up! -Christine Wilson

I loved the speaker’s sense of humor and powerful spirit as she related her experience. God is such a wonderful god. Even through the darkest times, we can laugh.

What could I possibly say that could fully embody all that I have experienced this weekend. Saturday morning early, God led me to Isaiah 33:20-24. If you get time to read it, please do.

I would encourage all women, young and old, to have the “Experience of Women with God.” Beautiful women, beautiful God! Love, love and more love. I felt very close to God and to women I had never met before. God’s women are towers of strength for each other.

We are all on a “journey!” with Jesus. Thank you, we’ve returned after a two year absence. Wonderful! God met me in a very special way where He acknowledged all my “pirates” and “monsters” who have robbed me/us of our joy. But in our sorrow and our loss He has shown me/us that He is right there beside me/us. He’s promised to never leave us nor forsake us. We found “true sisterhood” and love and acceptance. As we find our way in our “new normal” and re-learn to L.I.G. (Let it Go). I too was blessed and healed this weekend from the pain and the hurt of the past. Today is a gift that’s why the call in “the present.” I too have a “prodigal son” and pray everyday that he will return to his Heavenly Father and learn to walk with the Lord. I also pray for my daughter that she will be healed of the past (alcoholic father) and learn to let it go. I can’t wait to share what He has done for me when I get home! Love in Christ, Sherry (P.A.)

It was a beginning of an “Oasis” season in my life. I felt fresh water springing forth in my spirit as I walked into the worship session Friday evening. Then the word “Oasis” came up on the screen! Yes, Lord I hear you and welcome your renewal and restoration. – Shirley

I forgot how powerful it is for sisters in Christ to come together. We met God here together and I am so thankful to have come. I loved the speaker, food, worship, campfire, free time.

Oasis is the perfect word for this retreat. It provided refreshment and rejuvenation from life’s “stuff.” It is a privilege to be with Christian sisters–to laugh together, to cry together, to grow and to heal together. Thank you.

Fresh air, tall trees, singing songs of praise. Friendly smiles, tears streaming, laughter rings out loud. Oasis is a time of refreshing, reflecting and re-centering! I’m really glad I came! -Aisling Zweigle

It was truly an Oasis, a stepping aside from responsibility and normal daily schedules and duties to focus on our Savior and the fellowship of His Kingdom. The singing around the campfire on Saturday evening was a high point, but so was the renewal of fellowship with many friends from different times in my journey.

Keep up the good work! I REALLY enjoyed everything! God Bless!

What a great experience! It is just the right name “Oasis” a time of refreshment, time to worship, communion between sisters in Christ and time to meditate in the Lord. Thanks to the speaker Kathleen and organizing committee and be the glory to God.