Our Girl's Princess Retreat - we just returned.

Nine young ladies, ages 7 through 10, came together for something so special and wonderful this past week. Through worship, prayer, and Bible study combined with creative expression through crafts and other interactive, hands-on experiences, they were transformed into Princesses of the Most High King. Of these nine princesses, five are adopted children, four from China, and one other princess has a little sister adopted from China. Unique in their individual beauty and personalities, bringing in a wide variety of experiences and idiosyncrasies, they found unity in friendship and compassion for each other, learning that being a princess is about caring for others, showing honor, and sharing. Primarily, though, they learned that the King of Kings is totally in love with each one of them and that they have a beautiful and wondrous destiny in His Kingdom.

Watching the radiance of God’s presence on these princesses as they danced, created, and explored filled our hearts with joy. On a sunny morning we trekked down a cool, sparkling creek, wading and discovering brilliant gems hidden amongst the rocks. At the end of our trek, nestled in rocks, sat a crown filled with more colorful gems and jewels - pink, green, red, blue, yellow, gold, and clear – sparkling in the sunlight. The girls let the jewels flow through their fingers and learned more about being beautiful, like a jewel in the crown of their king. Much later, after dark, we celebrated, telling stories around a campfire and roasting marshmallows.

After two days of preparation and learning, the girls celebrated with a crowning ceremony. With white dresses flowing, carrying their own bouquets of fresh flowers, and wearing crowns they created, the princesses descended the stairs and lined up for an amazing worship dance. The princesses then took communion with their families and danced with their daddies. A special ceremony of dedicating their lives to Jesus sealed the evening in awe-inspiring beauty and joy. Topping it all off with special cake and ice cream, the radiant princesses began asking, “When can we have another Princess Retreat?”

PHOTOS TO COME! Come back soon.

Many Thanks to: Jesus, our King of Kings!

Barb Grimshaw, of Incense Aroma Ministries, for leading the children and orchestrating all the amazing activities throughout.

Monica Blackburn, for initiating and organizing the retreat, and for preparing such a wonderful celebration.

Kayla Amlung, assistant children’s leader, for her love and hard work throughout the retreat.

And last but not least, Quiet Waters for hosting us in the perfect setting with such comfortable accommodations and Sonya Strom for providing delicious meals.