Family Retreat (December 5-7)

The weather was perfect for a parade!! But I'm getting ahead of myself.  We try to make the December R&R or Retreat a family affair.  Part of the reason is the lighted parade in Fredericksburg is fun and beautiful and main street after dark looks like a Dickens Village.  Last year it was literally freezing.  Not so this year.  It was cool but almost no wind so it was great being outside.  Zion Lutheran Church hosted the families  on Friday night with a delicious meal prior to the parade.  In addition, they set up chairs on the street so the families would have a birds eye view of the parade.

Lisa telling Christmas Story

Saturday morning the couples met with Chaplain Ginsburg for some counseling.  While parents were "in class" the children were taken to the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church (FUMC) where Lisa Davis told them the story of Christ's birth.

Donna demonstrating making a tree

Then Donna Lafferty and Louise Murphy, local artists, taught the children how to paint with water color and make Christmas cards for their parents. After completing the cards, Joel Griffin, FUMC Youth Director, and some of the youth served snacks and led games that ran off some of that kid energy.

Goofy Photo

Families were reunited for lunch at West End Pizza and a free afternoon to explore the town, ice skate, nap, etc.




Saturday evening everyone gathered at the First Baptist Church for "Italian Night" dinner and Sunshine the Clown.  Kids young & old loved her.  The way she involves the children in her magic tricks is great!! Prior to dinner the children presented their works of art to their parents.  It was a nice surprise for mom and dad.

Sunshine's Arrival

Admiring Their Child's Art Work

Admiring Their Childrens Art Work 

The success of this retreat and all of the events organized by the Wounded Warriors at Nebo is dependent on the generosity of the Fredericksburg community.  It takes many volunteers and donations to bring everything together. Many Thank You's go to the following food providers, kitchen help, volunteers, merchants who discounted rates, other donors.  
Zion Lutheran Church                              Fredericksburg United Methodist Church
First Baptist Church                                 Donna Lafferty
Louise Murphy                                         Joel Griffin
Will Cooke                                               Esten Cooke
Sadie Eidson                                            Sloan Ball
Clear River Pecan Company                    In on Baron's Creek
West End Pizza

Like us on Face Book facebook.com/ww.nebo and see more photos.