Beautiful Moments of Healing – Recapping Our Kauai Retreat
Our 2023 Beautifully Flawed Retreat on Kauai was an incredible, amazing experience and it has taken me some time to take it all in. As the planner, it’s sometimes hard to see beyond the details to make all of the retreat work, and let the beauty and impact of each moment really sink in.
As I have spent the last month reflecting on what a special time the retreat was, two of the things that has brought me the most gratitude were 1) the overwhelming support of our community, and 2) all the different ways each of you have helped to make this all possible.
The retreat was a lot of work, and hard work at that. Yet, what we reaped from the hard work were beautiful moments of healing happening in all the ways the retreat was made special for the girls. From the first day as they were able to feel the warm ocean water wash over them, I saw a community instantly built as the girls helped each other to the water’s edge. Seeing them frolicking and jumping in the water, I knew we were gearing up for a special week.
Each day the girls were met with experiences and challenges and they were par for the core throughout it all. Like waking up early for a workout and then jumping into an ice bath the first morning they woke up on Kauai. No one was left without a cheer from the others as they each challenged themselves and conquered the hard by overcoming the ice bath. As we later learned footgolf at the Ocean Course at Hokuala (which is so fun), the girls smiled and played with a childlike joy. Kauai graced them with a Luau just for them, and they each got to learn to dance hula with Kumu Lei and her hālau. We ended day one by sharing transparently about the struggles and fears we each have, and realizing we do not face those fears alone.
From ocean surfing, to lei po’o making, and outrigger canoe rides, there was adventure at every corner. The girls were blessed with amazing meals at Duke’s Kauai, Chicken in the Barrel, and Wishing Well Shave Ice. The employees at each place went above and beyond to make sure the girls knew just how special they are. Not to mention all the companies like Mae Cargo, Kilauea Fine Jewelry, Love 41, YETI, Hemlock Hat Co., Hoa Kai Surf, Rustico, and LoveHandle who came together to gift the girls with something beautiful upon their arrival. It truly was so special so see it all come together.
In all my years of executing retreats, I have never received the outpouring of gratitude I have from this one from the attendees and their families. I have had so many of the girls share that the entire week was exactly what they needed, and in different ways, how their lives will be forever impacted. They are walking into the future with the assurance that they are truly loved, and that there is a community for them no matter where the road takes them. They shared how our team in its entirety has become a family to them, and how even though they might not know what the future has, they can trust that the heart of God is good, thus they can yield to Him in the seasons they do not understand.
Thank you all so very much for taking this journey with us. Thank you for your support, prayers, and for your hearts for the work we do. I look forward to the future and pray that the Lord continues to open doors for us to do life and ministry together.
Aloha,
Sarah Hill
Executive Director
Beautifully Flawed Foundation
Mahalo to our 2023 Kauai Retreat Sponsors!
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