Heaven on Earth: Our Church Retreat in Predeal, Romania
This weekend was so much fun! The church I’m a part of here in Bucharest hosted its annual retreat — a cherished tradition that’s been going strong for over 31 years. Every autumn, members, friends, and families come together for three days of fellowship, reflection, and fun.
This year, about seventy of us gathered in a cozy mountain complex in Predeal. The purpose of the retreat is simple but powerful: to bond as a spiritual family, create lasting memories, and spur one another on toward “faith, hope, and good deeds.” The theme of this year’s retreat was “Encouragement.”
The Journey to Predeal
Predeal sits about two and a half hours north of Bucharest, tucked deep in the mountains of Transylvania. Once the train left the bustle of the city, the scenery transformed into something out of a storybook — sprawling pastures dotted with sheep, gentle hills that gave way to majestic peaks, and the ruins of old castles along the way. We even caught a glimpse of Wednesday’s Castle (Cantacuzino Castle) perched high on the mountainside.
By the time we arrived, the valley was bathed in late-October color — bursts of golden yellow, fiery orange, deep red, and evergreen. For my little Southern California heart, it was absolutely magical.
Faith, Fellowship, and Encouragement
The retreat itself was as spectacular as the scenery. The theme came from Hebrews 3:13:
“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘today.’”
Throughout the weekend, we were encouraged to sit with people we might not normally talk to at church — to hear each other’s stories, get to know their families, share hobbies, and learn how each person came to know Christ.
Each participant was placed into a team for activities and games — another opportunity to build relationships. In the spirit of encouragement, the games weren’t overly competitive (though I’ll admit, part of me wished they were!).
Saturday began with a powerful general session led by Robert, followed by afternoon breakout classes for men and women. Robert’s lesson focused on truly knowing one another — walking together in faith, creating space for vulnerability, and helping each other find the courage to face life’s challenges. It wasn’t about fixing problems but inspiring one another to stay faithful in the race God has set before us.
In the women’s class, we built on that theme with practical discussions about extending grace — the same grace Jesus shows us — and speaking life into one another’s hearts. We shared our love languages so we could learn how to make each other feel seen, valued, and encouraged. Then we wrote cards of gratitude and love to our sisters.
Fun, Fellowship, and a Little Adventure
The afternoon was filled with laughter and games. One of my favorite games was “Pop the Balloon,” where everyone tied balloons to their shoe laces and tried to stomp out the other team’s balloons. (The yellow team — not mine — won, though I proudly made it to second place among the losing teams hehe.)
Another game was a group Rock-Paper-Scissors relay that had everyone on edge — who knew something so simple could be so fun?
Later, during free time, many from the RevivEE and Young Professionals groups went down to town for snacks. I decided to go the other direction — up the mountain trail called Cabana Susai. The forest was breathtaking, the air crisp and clean, the trees glowing in autumn color. But after spotting a few “Caution: Bear” signs and noticing how quiet the trail was, I turned back about halfway. Still, it was one of the most peaceful walks I’ve ever taken.
Hearts United Across Generations
The whole weekend felt like a gift from God. I grew closer to my brothers and sisters, danced and sang with the kids, finished a book I’d been reading, and met God in the beauty of His creation. But my favorite part was connecting with the “Young at Heart” ministry — our older members who have been faithfully walking with God for decades.
Many of them don’t speak English, so I relied on Google Translate to have conversations at mealtimes. But the effort was worth it. I heard incredible stories of faith, perseverance, and joy. These women radiated wisdom and peace, and by the end of the weekend, I felt deeply inspired by their lives and their love for the church.
A Glimpse of Heaven
I truly believe our church lived out the message of Hebrews 3 this weekend. We encouraged one another, built deeper bonds, and loved each other like Jesus loves us. That’s what makes the Kingdom of God so special — the way it brings generations, languages, and cultures together as one family.
Predeal felt like heaven on earth — a small glimpse of the paradise we look forward to for eternity. And if this weekend taught me anything, it’s that encouragement really does change hearts. It strengthens faith, knits us together, and reminds us that we’re never walking this journey alone.
