The AIB Retreat exceeded all my expectations; the accommodations and hospitality was warm and welcoming. The teaching was thought provoking & helpful. I loved being with other ladies who understood my grief in a way that only those who have experienced the loss of a husband can understand. Thank you Gretchen for all your love, thought and hard work in putting this together. You done well.
Esther C
HOUSTON, TX RETREAT ‘24
The first retreat for Ashes Into Beauty was held in Houston, TX in May of ‘24. It was a great weekend filled with laughter, tears, food and fellowship. Six wonderful ladies were able to attend the weekend. It was extra special because of family that was there to support us for the first retreat.
I was blessed to be part of AIB’s first retreat ever. What an amazing and rewarding experience. We had a full agenda with topics to cover that were so needed in dealing with my grief experience, yet we had enough downtime to really get to know and bond with each of the other wonderful women who found themselves in this “club”. Gretchen, having gone through this life-changing experience herself, has an in-depth perspective of what we are all feeling and dealing with. Her sessions were well thought out, planned and designed to make one get in touch with what we are dealing with. It was a wonderful weekend and one I will always remember and be grateful for and be grateful for my newfound friends.
Patti R.
I seriously had no expectations and didn’t know what the weekend would look like. However, the weekend, activities, food, and fellowship were exactly what I needed and it wasn’t “scary” at all. I felt seen, loved, and valued and I know the other women did as well. The gifts felt like The Father’s kiss saying “I see you, I love you, and I continue to have a purpose for you.” Thank you for such great weekend and beautiful connections! Donna B.
GONZALES, TX RETREAT ‘25
In April of ‘25 we had our 2nd retreat in Gonzales, TX. Nine ladies attended and we had an amazing time. Courtesy of some dear friends who own a hotel in Gonzales, we basically had the hotel to ourselves. We had two amazing ladies come and give their time to us over the weekend and prepare the food and take care of set up and serving. New friendships were formed and we are calling ourselves Warrior Women because, well, that is what we are!
Loved it and felt the camaraderie of all the women and the sense of the Holy Spirit in our fellowship. You did a fantastic job spoiling us and speaking truth into our lives. Thank you so much. Bonnie W.
Felt very blessed that I was able to go. It happened at a time that I needed to be around other people who knew what I was going through. Will most definitely go to the next one. Tempie P.
