FAQ

We would describe ourselves as “hosts and guides” who provide lavish hospitality to the weary and create a safe place for them to process, connect with God, and begin (or continue) their healing process. We both have our specialties: mine is debriefing and his is coaching, both of us have a priority for spiritual renewal, and we highly value and recommend counseling. Our general plan is to guide couples through discussion and provide exercises for them to do on their own. We don’t over-program though because most of the people we are working with desperately need REST. While we have tools and “experiences” we highly recommend, we are flexible and would want to supplement, not detract from your counseling. One tool we are trained to facilitate – and we highly recommend – is the Prepare and Enrich Marriage Assessment. Whether we work through the feedback report with you or not at the retreat, you will leave with a detailed report and highly valuable tools and feedback that are essential for every couple.

Someday Refuge is a non-profit, donor funded ministry. Our retreats are hosted in the beautiful homes of generous donors who have made their properties available to us because of their like-minded hearts for those who serve. The cost is $1000 per couple and $500 for singles, which covers delicious, homemade meals the whole time you are there, programming, set-up, cleaning, etc. We encourage our guests to invite their organization into the process of restoration by asking them for their support and help in this essential step in their wholeness and effectiveness as someone who pours out their life in the service of others. We can provide a letter to your organization, company, or church to assist you with that process upon request.

Depending on the situation we would recommend staying a certain number of days. While you are not required to stay that whole time, we recommend setting aside at least five days because it takes a couple of days to unwind and have clear headspace to take full advantage of the rest.

Those vary by location. In San Diego, guests have access to onsite pool and jacuzzi, table tennis, billiards, small four-wheelers, and hiking. Immediately next to the property is a track, artificial turf field, basketball courts, and tennis courts. The “Gateway to Yosemite” location is near Oakhurst, CA and has private balconies, hiking, starry nights, pool and jacuzzi, axe throwing, billiards, board games, shuffle board and a guided day in the National Park (some additional cost for entry fees). The Crested Butte location offers stunning views, billiards, high altitude hiking, ebikes (rental fees apply), wildlife sightings, and river rafting (fees apply).

We believe wholeheartedly in the counseling process. As you work with your counselor, we would seek to complement that process. If he/she has exercises/tools for you to work through outside of an office setting and within the context of rest at a retreat, we could incorporate that in the programming for your time with us.

While we have a collection of degrees and applicable training, we are not licensed therapists. We know and believe that we are “comforted to be a comfort” and that God has equipped us to create a safe place where people can “drop the pack,” connect with God, and begin their healing process. We have tools and resources that we will incorporate throughout the retreats so that people have access to what they need along the way, including licensed therapists that will be available for an additional, discounted fee. All the plans we make will be carried out in a pace that intentionally incorporates a balance of processing with God, recreation, and rest. When we host retreats for married couples, our priorities will be the same as those modeled in Scripture. We will prioritize our connection to God first and our marriages after that. We have learned that ministry, work, parenting, and life in general can have a more “sacred pace” when the foundation of those two things are “shored up” and firmly grounded. Our prayer is that your time at the retreat would be a big step in your healing journey, realizing that wholeness will come over time.

We are trained facilitators in both the Prepare/Enrich and Re|Engage curriculums. Both are excellent, but different. We strongly recommend that all couples who cross our doorstep take the Prepare/Enrich marriage assessment before coming. The output is a comprehensive report that identifies strength and growth areas that apply to all facets of one’s wellbeing – communication, personal stress profiles, conflict resolution, balancing priorities, and assertiveness, to name a few.

Your journey will start by filling out a contact form and requesting one of our retreats. We will then arrange a Zoom call so that we can begin to get acquainted. Then you will receive an online assessment and intake form. These will guide our programming and help us create what we hope will be a 5-star experience for you!