I went on Travelocity to check prices form Pensacola (PNS) to OKC, I may need to check out leaving from Valparaiso, just in case it's a bit less expensive.

Oh, and Lucinda...I'll be so excited I won't be able to sleep, so, it would certainly not be an issue for us to arrive early and room together, if that is the only hold up...but, my husband tells me I snore, although I have never caught myself...LOL.

I have been giving this a great deal of thought lately...because April is not so far off. I like to prepare in advance for things...I mean, I like to get my head clear...mentally allign myself (as best I can) lol.

Anyway, the thing I am absolutely most excited about...the purification ceremony!!! I wondered if there is something, from a spiritual aspect that we should do prior to our arrival to mentally prepare for such a ceremony? I don't enter into anything like this lightly, it will be a sacred thing for me. I want to approach it with dignity and reverence. Do you have any suggestions for us in this regard?

I really really really hope I can do this. I too need the details though, as I have to plan in advance. I hate to fly, honestly, but I would get on a plane for this. How far a drive is it from NC to Oklahoma, anyway. a road trip to get there might help me out too....

Hey Jezzia, that NC to OKC thing...bit of a haul since OK is in the middle of the states, and you are on the Eastern border, but hey, all roads lead to Rome [OKC], right? I live in Florida, just a few states away. but, I think I am seriously going to look in to the flying thing. Or, perhaps AmTrack....only thing I hate is to go anywhere without my car...or without me driving it....kind of a control thing I have...lol But I have never been any farther West than New Orleans, and this is a bit farther West,,and then North...least I think that is where OKC is.

Isn't this exciting? To meet our friends here who are so supportive. I can only imagine it, at least for now.

This sounds interesting, but I need to ask a question: How rustic is it? I'm blind, but very can-do. Still, I like porcelain and running water for certain things.

Is it like the cancer survivor camps? Do they do the tightrope walk and the blanket bounce? I'm very intrigued by all this.

Hey Cherie, I think it was stated way up high on this post that it is very domesticated accomodations, like a college dorm kind of domesticated, so I think the word 'retreat' just means 'rest and pull back' in this instance...not so much like a camping thing.

Other point..this is a 'ground floor' effort Matt is trying to put together, never been done before, so I don't think it will have the issues of tossing ourselves off a 10 foot high tree stump backwards into the arms of our peers...least ai hope not. Because if it does, I will be happy to stand proudly with you off to the side...I'll give you a play-by-play of whomever is falling back...but, one of them won't be me...lol.

I personally LOVE porcelain...and water that swirls right before disappearing. No out houses for me. Matt did say that this is definitely dorm-style accomodations. They have to have toilets in dorms..else, how would they do those swirlies and wrap saran wrap over them when you go to college? I am totally with you on the porcelain and running water thing!

Hey, Hold the blanket while I jump! Just tell me which direction. I'm not passing on anything! LOL!

How would you all feel about a weekend in May? It gives us all time to plan and claim cheapest travel arrangements. I've had a major financial setback recently, and yet this whole endeavor begins with me investing out-of-pocket, so I need to be certain I can make cost.

I'd love it to be Memorial Day weekend, but my father-in-law graduates then, and we'll be in Alabama.

Memorial Day weekend is my 34th wedding anniversary, so the hubby probably hopes I'll spend it with him. May 16th is my memorial day- of my rape. It would actually be helpful for me if I could be around friends around that time (would that be selfish?) I don't want to be a downer or anything. But, I have been taking about this for weeks, and my husband is now saying things like "Your'e not driving out there alone, a plane fare would be just as cheap, or cheaper"....so, sounds like he is less against it than at first. I can be quite persuasive when I ned to be...lol. So, for me, a weekend in May sounds very good. Just need to know well in advance so I can prepare....and did you see my message to you farther up in post re prep for sweat lodge?
Please, as soon as you know, I will be happy to send in my fee for the retreat so you can have those funds available to you for up-front costs. Just tell me how much and where to send it...Thanks!

If you do this in May I might actually be able to make it! My friend told me today that she would help with my child and dog if I wanted to leave town to come to the retreat.... I'd really like to, and if it's in May that gives me a little more time to come up with some extra money.

I have some friends here now that I would really love to meet in person. I hope this all works out... I'm kind of starting to get excited.

I like the sound of the cleansing ceremony.

So if you could let me know details such as cost, exact dates, date fees are due, etc, I will be able to find out for sure if I can make it.... also will I need to rent a car once I get to Oklahoma? to get to (is it) Stillwater?

Yes, you will need to rent a car to get there. If the weekend turns out right, I would be more than willing to drive some of you, so that you could save on the rental expense. May is a better month for me as well. It is Stillwater, home of Eskimo Joe's. I have a mini-van, so depending on the luggage situation. I can probably drive five of you. But, I have to be honest, I can't live without my Sonic Dr. Pepper, so I will probably need to stop and get my fix. I also understand Starbuck's needs, etc. :)

I would love to go! It sounds like an amazing thing. Maybe my mom will come with me as well (she is also a survivor). May is also a better month for me because of school. Just tell me the date and I will try my hardest to get there.

I've said from the first mention of this retreat that I'd love to go...and I still do!
Matt, you are AWESOME for doing all the footwork to organize, facilitate, finance...take care of details, and make this happen for us!

I would love to attend and May would be fine for me. I agree, Matt, you are wonderful for creating this opportunity for all of us!