Round Top Texas

When you grow up in the country, you get very accustomed to it. So when you move to the fourth biggest city in the United States, you find out how much you had and how much you missed. This weekend, though, we got to head out to Round Top, Texas, a small little town nestled somewhere between Houston and San Antonio. Round Top has a population of 90 and an old world charm you could enjoy for years to come. It was so nice to get away from the constant sounds of traffic and neighbors and just sit and soak up the sunshine.

We were, however, in Round Top for a reason. We were attending the annual retreat for newlywed and engaged couples held by our church. Y'all, if you've never been to something like this and you're engaged or married, I highly recommend it. We learned so much and came to understand one another so much more. There's always talk about how men and women are so different but you never really hear anyone expound on those differences too much or explain how to understand and practically apply your knowledge of those differences. Bob and Ann Livesay, our speakers for the weekend, did just that and more, sharing with us a wealth of knowledge that they have accumulated from 44 years of marriage.



Royer's Café

The weekend started with me driving into downtown, picking up Brendan, and then the two of us heading over to pick up the couple we were carpooling with, Justin and Madeleine. Then we began our two hour trip out to Round Top. The trip went mostly without a hitch, until we reached the town of Round Top. Not knowing that we had come in the opposite way that our directions were written for, we drove through the town and unknowingly started heading in the opposite direction of the retreat center. After driving that way without luck for around 5 or so minutes, we decided to turn around and head back into town for some dinner before trying again. We stopped at Royer's Café, famous in Texas for it's pie. We never actually tried any of their pie since the price on the menu completely deterred us (4.75 per slice, 27 for a whole pie). So we had our dinner (I recommend the shrimp BLT, but not the Mexican pasta) and headed back out, this time in the right direction, thanks to the GPS on Madeleine's phone. We arrived just before the first session was about to start but we really had nothing to worry about. It didn't actually start until maybe thirty minutes to an hour later. We got our room assignments and unpacked the car before heading up to the Big House to wait for the start of the first session.

That night we met Bob and Ann and discussed the differences between men and women as outlined in the first few chapters of Genesis. It's not ever something you really think about when you normally read those chapters, but there is so much wisdom in there if you dig deep. After the first session they served brownies and ice cream, we stayed up and talked with some other couples for a little while and then headed off to bed. I don't know about y'all, but any semblance of travel always makes me super tired. And when you're fighting allergies, it just makes it even worse.

The following morning we had breakfast followed by another session with Bob and Ann. That session was followed by a half hour break during which Brendan and I sat on the porch and just enjoyed the sunshine and beautiful weather. I was thoroughly happy to be back in a place where I couldn't hear anything but chirping birds and slamming screen doors. Before long we headed back in for another session with Bob and Ann that was followed up by lunch outside. And lunch was followed up by another break, this one lasting all afternoon. And so what naturally happens when you have a bunch of guy and an empty, grassy space? Either a game of football or Frisbee. I didn't mind though. Brendan hasn't been able to play with a group of guys since we got married 10 months ago and I was able to get some great shots like these ones.



After the game we went into town to do some shopping and site seeing. We walked around for a good bit but never actually bought anything even though the antique shops were a treasure trove of adorable finds. We ended up spending the rest of our break in town before we headed back for our next session. During this session the guys and gals were split up for separate sessions on communication. This was another thing I really liked because we were in a long distance relationship for the two years we dated, we never really honed our communication skills. After those sessions were over, we gathered for a group picture and then headed down to the barn for a barbeque and games. So as to not spoil the retreat for others who will go in years to come, I can't actually disclose what happened during those games.

After the games we were over we had root beer floats while sitting on the front porch listening to the crickets. Others came out to join us and we decided to head back to our house to all play a game together. Justin and Madeleine had brought along a game called "Bang". It's confusing at first, but once you get the gist of it and get it going, it's a lot of fun. We stayed up later than we should have playing that game and then all headed up to bed.

The following morning we got up, repacked our suitcases, made our bed, and headed up to the Big House for breakfast and our final session. This was another one that helped a lot, as it went over resolving conflict without all the yelling and hurting of each other's feelings. After we finished that session, we packed up the car and headed back home. Justin, Madeleine, and Brendan all slept for most of the way while I drove. The road back had tons of bluebells and Indian paint brushes growing by the roadside. And there would be lines of cars parked on the side of the road with people out in the fields picking the flowers and enjoying the brief spots of sunshine in between the rain.

If I could sum this retreat up in a few words, I would say this: it was much needed, thoroughly enjoyed, and what feels like a brand new start for our marriage. Never underestimate the value of taking time off to devote to your marriage. It's one thing I guarantee y'all will never regret.