Catholic Engaged encounter

gmjpeach

Hi Girls!

This weekend I am goig to the Catholic Engaged Encounter in Montebello.  I am not sure what to expect, or how to feel, especially b/c FH is not Catholic. 

What happenes?  Thoughts?  Experiences?  Advice?

Thanks!

chinchilla2284

I did the Engaged Encounter last yr at Montebello too! I was abit nervous too, but after going through it I would suggest just go with the flow. It was a great experience if you are open to the ideas and willing to talk to your FI about how you feel. The weekend allows you to express yourself and you get to share insight on each other.   
If you have anyother questions let me know.                         

Genie03

My Dh and I also did this  in montebello a couple months back. Even thought we have been married for 7 years and have 2 kids it was nice to talk about everything and have time to ourselves again. We met some great couples there and we have actually kept in contact with them. Alot of people where really annoyed that you have to sleep in diffrent buildings, but seriously it's 2 nights get over it and the community snack table is soooo awsome LoL. Just have fun.

gmjpeach

Thanks for the input.  I actually got a call today from them and it seems like this is actually going to be well run.  Honestly, I have done retreats before where I have been irritated at how unorganized it all is.  The lady seemed to know what she is doing.

Question:  Are we in a room with 3 other people, a la summer camp with shared bathrooms?

amymarie8893

We did EE in June but we went to Santa Barbara for ours.  We had dorm style rooms with curtains for doors.  So we had a bit of privacy. (guys in one building, girls in another)  But I'm not sure how the rooms are in Montebello.  

I would suggest going with the flow of the whole weekend.  If you fully participate in the exercises and really open up to your FI, it will be a great experience.  I was hesitant at first because I am not Catholic and neither one of us knew what to expect.  But I am SO glad we went.  Even if you've discussed the same topics that come up over the weekend, it gives you a chance to readdress those things and reaffirm how you really do feel about one another.  

Also, it's nice to get away and spend ALL weekend together with other couples who are going through the exact same things as you are.  

If you go into it with an open mind, you'll get a lot out of the weekend!

chinchilla2284

The rooms in Montebello are small little rooms. You have one bed, a stool (i believe), and a closet. They do not have doors, but a curtain as a door. The shower is dorm style and so are the bathrooms. Hope that helps and have fun!

BuildABride

I did EE in Montebello a few months ago too. I just had to comment on the sleeping arrangements - everyone gets a private little room and it's not like you're in a room full on bunk beds with strangers. I was sooo relieved not to have to share! Ha ha. And yes, the community snack room is pretty awesome. They're long days, though - wake up time is at 6 am and we didn't finish on Friday and Saturday nights until 10 or 11 pm

gmjpeach

Hi BuildaBride!

6 am?  I can count the days my FH has been up that early on one hand in his WHOLE life! 

Thanks ladies for all the input on sleeping arrangments etc.  I apprecitate it. 

annagtz82

Sorry if this is a dumb question but what exactly is "dorm style" bathrooms? FI and I also are required to go to an EE. Let us know how it goes.

pajarito81

We did the Santa Barbara one in April, and it was so much fun. THe entire weekend really brought us even closer, and got us so excited for marriage. It really reminds you about the marriage part of it, not necessarily the "wedding" you are always stressing about. It brings up so many issues that a lot of couples today probably don't even talk about before taking the plunge, so to me it was very beneficial and fun. ANd you are there with like 50 other couples from all over SoCal getting ready and excited for their wedding. It was very serene weekend getaway for us. I'm sure you will like it too!!
I think the best part too was hearing from a couple that was one of our mentor couples that were married over 60 years. There was so much wisdom to be heard!

OMAR1DEB

ah! im going to the Malibu one next month and what i fear the most is are the sleeping arrangements!! im so claustrophobic, it kinda freaks me out to have to sleep in a room with a stranger..... like im gonna be self conscious about snoring or waking up after her (or them) and noticing my leg is exposed and u can kinda see my butt or whatever.. idk, im scared of awkwardness 

annagtz82

I'm not too thrilled about the sleeping arrangements either.

angelfz99

Does anyone know if you can bring a computer/ipod/cell phone?

annagtz82

Yes you can bring all of those. I noticed my post was before I went on the EE and I wasn't thrilled about the sleeping arrangement. After going (back in Nov. 10') I can say that it wasn't that bad. I would recommend bringing your own pillow though. My pillow was so uncomfortable I barely got any sleep. Plus I got sick so that didn't help my sleeping situation either.  We met some great couples and we still keep in contact with them. It was a really great experience and it brought me and my husband (fiance at the time) closer together.