Women’s Weekend Retreat in Switzerland

As we approached St. Stephan, on Friday September 17, 2021, passing one bend after the other on the Swiss mountain roads, not only were our cars packed full with bags, but also our minds were full of thoughts, emotions and our stories. This was the main reason why I decided to attend the Women's Weekend Retreat this year. I wanted to get away from everyday life, to consciously take time to fill up my tank and to meet other women. When women meet, not only do they talk a lot, but they also listen to each other at the level of the heart. Particularly gratifying and incredibly enriching this year was the colorful mix of old and young women, long-time believers and newcomers to the faith. All were there just as women.
All of us came to this weekend with our baggage and was brought into eye contact with God through Shaina Strimbu, the retreat speaker. God sees us as He intended us to be as His created beings. There is a benevolence in his gaze that brings healing to our hearts. This was illustrated to us through the touching story of Hagar, Abraham’s slave. Although she was a slave, God met her and heard her cry. By making eye contact with God, Hagar saw the benevolence in His eyes and was allowed to experience that this God makes His promises come true and that HE saw in her not the slave, but Hagar, "the beautiful one." God still shows this unbelievable esteem to every woman today. In this encounter, Hagar gives God the name "El Roi", God who sees or lets himself be seen. This being seen by God is not always pleasant. It also means that we become vulnerable, feel shame from the guilt that weighs on us. Many tears were shed, and many tears were laughed - authentic, healing tears that brought us closer together.
We were encouraged to use practical methods of Bible study to strengthen us in our daily devotions that help us to stay in eye contact with God. Thanks to Elmar and Ursula we didn't have to worry about food during these few days and were able to just sit down and be pampered.
May this weekend also be a blessing for those who stayed at home. I decided to sit like Mary at the feet of Jesus and listen to his voice and be in eye contact with him, to let go of my feelings of shame and receive healing from him, to let my vessel be filled by him, every day anew.
Thank you Dagmar Latuski and the whole Women's ministries team for this unforgettable weekend, in eye contact with Jesus, heart to heart. See you next time!
Reported by Silvia El Gabi