336: Stories from the Italy Retreat-Blessings and Surprises from Our Time in Tuscany
What happens when women from all walks of life come together in one of the most beautiful places on earth to rest, connect, and hear from God? In this episode, Alicia shares highlights and testimonies from the 2025 Italy Retreat, where God’s presence was unmistakable through laughter, connection, rest, and reflection.
Hear stories from the women who joined her in Tuscany, the surprises they experienced, the spiritual lessons that unfolded, and how the retreat’s balance of rest and exploration created space for deep renewal.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
[00:00] How the Italy Retreat Came Together and What Made It Unique
[02:00] Stories from Attendees: Why They Said “Yes” to the Trip
[05:00] What It Was Like to Attend with a Spouse and Travel as a Group
[07:00] How God Showed Up Through Connection, Prayer, and Shared Experiences
[10:00] Lessons on Stillness, Slowing Down, and Receiving God’s Blessing
[13:00] What Women Learned from Scripture Teachings and Hands-On Activities
[16:00] The Power of Connection and Vulnerability in a Christ-Centered Community
[21:00] Favorite Moments and Memories from the Retreat (Cooking, Worship, Laughter)
[24:00] Reflections on God’s Promises and What Comes Next for Future Retreats
[00:00] How the Italy Retreat Came Together and What Made It Unique
The Italy retreat was created as an opportunity for women to step away from everyday noise and experience rest, connection, and spiritual renewal in a peaceful Tuscany setting. Our group of 15 Christian women gathered in a villa overlooking the hills, sharing meals, exploring the countryside, and spending intentional time together.
Unlike a typical conference or fast-paced trip, the rhythm of the week was slow and spacious. The atmosphere allowed the women to breathe, reflect, and enjoy the quiet beauty around us without pressure or hurry. The simplicity of the environment helped everyone relax quickly and feel open to what God wanted to do during their time away.
[02:00] Stories from Attendees: Why They Said “Yes” to the Trip
Throughout the episode, several women shared why they chose to come to Italy. Some came because they needed rest after a difficult season. Some longed for spiritual clarity. Others were drawn by the chance to connect with like-minded women.
For a few, this retreat represented something deeply personal—courage to travel, stepping out of comfort zones, or finally giving themselves permission to rest. Their stories show that each woman arrived with different needs, but all came with open hearts.
[05:00] What It Was Like to Attend with a Spouse and Travel as a Group
A few husbands joined the trip, and this brought a special dynamic. One retreat participant described how Tuscany allowed her and her husband to relax, enjoy time together, and experience community in a natural, unforced way.
Traveling as a small group—sharing meals, van rides, cooking classes, and excursions—created a rhythm of togetherness that felt joyful and peaceful. The shared travel experiences became part of the retreat’s bonding, creating memories that strengthened friendships.
[07:00] How God Showed Up Through Connection, Prayer, and Shared Experiences
The women described moments when God’s presence felt especially clear—during conversations, times of prayer, quiet mornings, and unexpected interactions. The retreat wasn’t built around big emotional moments; rather, God moved gently through the week’s slower pace.
Simple interactions—talking over a meal, walking through the villa grounds, sitting together during downtime—became places where women shared their hearts and experienced connection they didn’t realize they needed.
[10:00] Lessons on Stillness, Slowing Down, and Receiving God’s Blessing
Many women talked about how different it felt to slow down—really slow down—and how much they needed it. The quiet environment helped them notice what had been buried under responsibilities and noise back home.
Being away from normal routines opened the door for rest, reflection, and gratitude. Several attendees described how slowing down helped them feel more grounded, more peaceful, and more aware of God’s presence.
[13:00] What Women Learned from Scripture Teachings and Hands-On Activities
The group spent time together in Scripture, reflection, and teaching. The women share how these moments helped them think differently about rest, identity, trust, and receiving God’s goodness.
Hands-on activities—like the cooking class, wine tasting, exploring the village, or simply sitting quietly in the garden—became practical ways to experience joy, creativity, and connection with God and one another.
[16:00] The Power of Connection and Vulnerability in a Christ-Centered Community
One of the strongest themes in the stories is the depth of connection formed during the week. Women opened up about their lives, supported each other, prayed together, and experienced the gift of being known.
This wasn’t forced vulnerability—it grew naturally as trust developed. Several attendees shared about how meaningful it felt to be around other Christian women who were open, caring, and willing to share their journeys.
[21:00] Favorite Moments and Memories from the Retreat (Cooking, Worship, Laughter)
Some of the most memorable parts of the retreat were simple joys:
- cooking an Italian meal together
- laughing during shared experiences
- exploring the countryside
- conversations on the patio
- enjoying the villa’s beauty
- worshiping as a group
These moments helped everyone bond and created memories that the women said they would carry with them long after returning home.
[24:00] Reflections on God’s Promises and What Comes Next for Future Retreats
As the episode wrapped up, several women shared how the retreat reminded them of God’s faithfulness, His care, and His ability to meet them wherever they are.
There is also excitement about upcoming retreats—with many women expressing how meaningful it was to step away and how they hope to experience future gatherings as well.
It’s a reminder that when women create space to be with God and with one another, blessings and transformation naturally follow.
2026 SAN DIEGO BEACH RETREAT: Join Alicia in Feb 2026 in San Diego for this all-inclusive, 5-day experience for Christian women seeking deep soul rest at the beach (virtual options available).
2027 SCOTLAND RETREAT: Get on the interest list for this 10-day all-inclusive retreat experience with Alicia in the Scottish Highlands in June 2027 for Christian women (spouses of retreat attendees welcome).
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Ep 335: Need Deep Soul Rest? Join Me In 2026/2027 for Women’s Retreats that Restore Your Spirit
