I'd like to plug a very unique vacation destination nestled in the heart of the metro Phoenix area. No, it's not another one of those 5 star resorts that offers you 24-hour room service, bed linens fabricated from gossamer wings, or the latest masseuse who is only too happy to treat you to the latest in Serb-Bosnian, laser-enhanced stone massage- at $5oo an hour! Actually, at this vacation destination, you won't find any of those luxuries; in fact, you won't find any luxuries at all! Not only will you not find any luxuries, you won't find any TVs or phones in the rooms either!
I'm not talking about Sheriff Joe's tent city, where you dress in pink jump suits, eat baloney sandwiches and work a chain gang during the day. No,this place is a latter-day Garden of Eden, a spiritual oasis in the desert, a Shangri La for the soul. I'm talking about the Franciscan Renewal Center, also known as "The Casa".
Now before you all start scoffing at the idea of spending a vacation at a Catholic retreat center, let me ask you this: what is it you truly want out of a vacation? If your answer is show girls, roulette wheels, and a performance by the Blue Man Group, then The Casa is probably not for you. On the other hand, if you are searching for a pause in the helter-skelter, keeping-up-with-the-Joneses society we live in, The Casa may be the best vacation you ever book.
The Casa offers a wide range of programs to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, ranging from spiritual retreats that explore our relationship with God and each other, fun activities like T'ai Chi and Qigong, or even the Art of Breathing and Healing (and you thought you knew that already!) They even have a 60-ft. swimming pool for you to enjoy!
How many times have you returned from a vacation and said something like, "I'm exhausted", "we were on the go the whole time" or "I needed a vacation from my vacation." Often times what we really need from a vacation is rest and renewal, a sanctuary from the craziness of everyday life. The Casa can offer that to you.
The next time you're feeling overwhelmed by life's troubles and challenges, or you just want some good, old-fashioned peace and quiet, consider The Casa- the Oasis in the Desert. You can contact The Casa at: 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, (480) 948-7460, http://www.thecasa.org/. They'll leave the light on for you! Peace out...
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On a similar note, a few couples that are friends of ours along with all our kids go to Arkansas for New Year's eve for a couple of days/nights with no cable, phone service, or fast food. Just a great cabin the mountains, hiking near the Buffalo River, and board games. While not specifically religious, this mini-vacation is the highlight of the season and a great beginning to a new year.
Hi Anne! Thanks for your response...vacation in the Ozarks sounds awesome! Retreats don't have to be religious to be effective. I'm glad you shared the info...hope all is well and have a Merry Christmas! See ya!
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