Are you scheduled to attend an Engaged Encounter weekend but you don't know what to expect?
You can expect to learn a lot about one another even though you may have known one another for many years. You can expect to be tired.
You can expect to be surprised that nearly all of your sharing is just between the two of you.
On Sunday afternoon of an Engaged Encounter, we ask couples to let us know what they think other couples need to hear on the Friday night of the Engaged Encounter experience. They write their thoughts and expectations on a banner which we display on our next scheduled weekend. Here are some of the responses:
Just a few words of advice... take advantage of the tools you are given over the course of the weekend -- it will really pay off!! Make the most of it. D&C
If you are cynical and doubtful, as we were, leave your prejudices outside and feel the transformation. Christine & Don
Listen to what these couples have to say and learn from them. After all, they've already been through what we haven't. Lori & Joe. P.S. Go to bed early!
If you didn't know or don't know what to expect from this weekend don't worry. We didn't either. We were nervous and scared. Stick in there & open your hearts and share as much as you can. This is a great opportunity to show the truth about how you both feel and your fears, in a safe place, with no interruptions. May God be with you. Michelle & Rich
Be open in mind and open in heart. Leave the preconceived notions at the door. Tom & Kristin
Please keep an open mind to this new experience. If you keep an open mind and heart, you will gain a better understanding of your relationship with each other and God. God bless, Dan & J.J.
Use this weekend as a guide into and through your likes together. It will be very enlightening and will "make or break" you. Good luck. Dan & Deanne
Take this weekend for each other. Amaze yourself and be open with your fiance. It will make your relationship stronger and your love for each other deeper. Keep everything God centered and laugh alot! God bless, Dave & Bonnie
Take a moment and look inside... you might be surprised at what you will find. Be open and true to each other. Ron & Mariliza
This is a special time to recognize the importance of love and communication, acceptance and patience. Invest this time for you both. Be grateful as we are for the time and sacrifice made by your presenters to help you on your journey together. Good luck and good preparation. Love, David and Stephanie
Even though you may have originally come to this weekend because of church requirements, open your minds & hearts to each other and what you can gain by giving your all. Good luck. Matt & Lezlie
Cherish this unique weekend in your early phase of a life-long journey. We pray you keep your hearts open to the Holy Spirit and that your life plans meld with God's plan for you. Take this opportunity to widen your perspectives so that it may serve to guide you in choosing the path to take. God bless your coming/pending marriage. Myla & J.R.
Trust this to be a special time and place to gain inspiration, insight, and knowledge about being together in an intimate way. Ray & Lucia
As much as you think you know one another, you will come away with at least one nice surprise. We hope yours is as nice as ours. Good luck in your marriages. Greg & Laura
I encourage you to listen to the stories/topics close. There is a lot of useful information. Tyler & Cresencia
Enjoy each other. Take this time to focus on each other. Julie & Mitch
Our weekend encounter was so much more than I expected. Please be open to the process and just let your true feelings flow. Best wishes, Stu.
Make an effort. The outcome is truly enlightening! Jond & Carole
We came not knowing what to expect. We left with the knowledge of how to have a happy & successful marriage. Open your hearts and truly listen. You'll be amazed at what they have to say. Mel & Grace
Take this opportunity to talk to one another, even if that is something you are used to doing. You'll learn alot from the weekend and only grow in your love. Jewell & Daniel
Put all your effort into this weekend. You will get out of it what you put into it. It is a very special weekend. Most likely the best weekend you as a couple can have! Good luck. Chrissy & Frank
You definitely get out of it what you put into it! Apply yourself.
Bob and Sheri's gift to us this weekend was eye opening and tremendously valuable. I realy encourage you to try to get the most out of these days. Good Luck. Sebastian.
Make sure you use what you are given and have a powerful experience with your fiance. J & J
Be open to learn from the presenting couples and open to learn new "things" from your future spouse throughout the weekend. God Bless! Elaine and Nick
More Tips and Hints From Other Couples
