| When Christian women retreat for a weekend of | | | | cookie jar. Be sure to also stock the refrigerator with |
| renewal, they hope to come back refreshed and | | | | some fresh fruit. Prepackaged snacks are a favorite |
| rejuvenated. Unfortunately, many problems can arise | | | | for the little ones. Be sure to take a few of those |
| before and during the retreat, which can negatively | | | | snacks and some fruit, and pack them into your own |
| affect the impact of the retreat. However, many of | | | | suitcase, too. |
| these problems can be avoided and prevented. With a | | | | 3. When packing, bring along a small amount of various |
| little forethought, the Christian women retreat can be a | | | | over-the-counter medicines. Essential medicines include |
| very positive experience. The following are 5 | | | | pain reliever, cough medicine, cough drops, allergy |
| preparation tips to ensure a very rewarding Christian | | | | medicine, antacids, and anti-diarrhea medicine. Also |
| women retreat. | | | | bring a few band aids and tissues, and don't forget the |
| 1. If you have small children, arrange for childcare well in | | | | earplugs to insure your comfort. |
| advance. Sometimes a household budget does not | | | | 4. Check the weather forecast for the area in which |
| take into account a large sum for an extended | | | | you will be staying at your particular Christian women |
| babysitter fee. If this is the case, consider bartering | | | | retreat. You will want to be sure to include a jacket, a |
| with another mother. You can swap childcare for a | | | | warm hat, a scarf and a pair of gloves. Sunglasses |
| service such as housecleaning. Or, perhaps you can | | | | and sunscreen should also go into your bags. |
| swap a few homemade casseroles in exchange for | | | | 5. Leave emergency phone numbers at home for your |
| babysitting. | | | | family's use. While you are at your Christian women |
| 2. Prepare some meals that your family can reheat for | | | | retreat, you will want to feel at rest that preparations |
| themselves while you are at your Christian women | | | | are in place for minor incidences that occur at home. |
| retreat. A few great suggestions are meatloaf, | | | | You may want to bring a cell phone, but turn it off for |
| mashed potatoes, spaghetti, tuna noodle casserole, a | | | | portions of your weekend, checking- in only now and |
| large tossed salad, and of course, cookies in the | | | | then. |