Couples strengthen marriage during retreat

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Eleven couples from Moody recently attended a retreat where the focus was to learn more about one another and to gain the tools needed to help strengthen marriage bonds.

The two-day retreat held March 20-21 was hosted by the Moody Chapel and was aimed at teaching couples how to handle marriage through life transitions.

"The retreat allowed for a more hands-on approach instead of just talking about it in a classroom-type environment," said Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Thompson. "They were able to learn about the various tools and resources that are needed for a successful marriage."

The first day of the retreat took place at Perimeter Road Baptist Church located in Valdosta, Ga. Couples watched the movie, "Fireproof" and held a discussion session afterward.

"The movie showed a couple going through a marriage crisis," said Andrea Escobosa, wife of Senior Airman Jose Escobosa, 23rd Wing Legal Office. "We saw how the different incidences in the couples' lives affected their marriage, but with patience and perseverance, they managed to work it out."

During the second day, the retreat group visited the Hannan Ranch in Valdosta, Ga., where couples participated in an all-day activity. The activity involved 22 stations, which were placed throughout the 35-acre ranch.

"We had to find each station using a map and complete each one within a time frame," said Mrs. Escobosa. "Some of the stations were as far as a mile apart, but it gave us time to actually slow down and talk to each other about anything."

Each station had a different lesson that corresponded with the movie.

One station Airman Escobosa said was the most beneficial to his marriage was called "Capture the Wolf" story.

"What I learned from the story is we do things that please us but sometimes we don't realize it hurts ourselves and others," he said. "Sometimes, we have to stop and think about our actions."

The retreat's final event was a group campfire discussion about the day's events.

"Some people rush into marriage and they don't realize what they're getting into," said Airman Escobosa. "The retreat helped us learn more about each other and gave us a chance to work together through the lessons.

"Couples should attend retreats because the experience is really beneficial to marriages," he added. "The experience will make our relationship much stronger."