Written by Roger and Gayle Fickbohm:

Roger: Being a 1st time “retreater”, I wasn’t sure what was in store for me! My wife (Gayle) encouraged me to go and paid the down payment. (The commitment was made!) Friends had told us what a great experience they had on retreat at King’s House. However, I was not sure it was for me...

Checking in on a cold Friday, we realized we didn’t bring a check for the remainder of the retreat cost, and credit cards were not accepted. We were told this was not a problem, and given a scrap of paper with a name and address to mail the check to, when we returned home. Trust. It reminded me (Roger) of growing up on the farm in northeastern Iowa back in the 60’s, when trust was a big part of doing business among local farmers and business people.

The balance of Friday was spent getting settled and oriented to our surroundings. (I.E.: Where the snacks and coffee were located! Oh, also the meeting room, dining room, and chapel.) We had an opening session with our hosts and teachers, Fathers Jim, Tony, and Lon, and Sister Brenda Rose. We also had time to introduce ourselves to each other, in the customary cursillo way.

Saturday’s schedule included Mass, as well as morning and afternoon talks followed by “grouping” and reporting our “take-aways” to each other. (Music and singing were incorporated throughout.) We had a beautiful Reconciliation Service followed by dinner and an equally beautiful Healing service. The day ended with Adoration in the chapel. Sunday began with a later breakfast, a wonderful talk from Sister Brenda Rose, then Mass, lunch and departure. Throughout the weekend, we were given permission to take time for ourselves, even missing sessions if that’s what we needed. (For us, the sessions were so good we just didn’t want to miss a single one!) We sensed God’s presence with us and were enveloped in His love and peace. An added bonus was the opportunity to meet with one of the priests or Sister Brenda Rose, for spiritual direction. There were so many wonderful learnings! How can we communicate it all to you? The answer is, we can’t. Which just means you will have to sign up for next year’s retreat and experience it for yourselves!