|
Bob and Tina Farewell
Present…
The Living Books Retreat
2009
The Annual Homeschool Event Every
Wife Longs to Attend...
...with Her Husband!
The Only Homeschool Event Designed for…
~ Such closeness and intimacy among speakers and attendees
~ Such beauty and atmosphere
~ AND encourages the use of Living Books and conversation
as the basis for learning within the family
Dear Friend,
This is our personal invitation to join our family and friends Wednesday through Friday, January 14-16, 2009. Stay at the beautiful Chalet Suzanne and escape the frigid weather up North... The rooms are lovely, the food is amazing and the time of renewal and growth will change your life.
So, Come and...
Enrich your life by listening to wonderful speakers regarding home and family life, the Lifestyle of Learning, and Living Books plus, have time to mingle with them during meals and book browsing.
Fellowship in an intimate gathering of like-hearted and like-minded men and women.
Pamper yourself with quietness, peace, and a time of refreshment.
Enjoy unforgettable gourmet meals in the fascinating and extraordinary atmosphere at Chalet Suzanne, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
A Breakfast Table for Two at Chalet Suzanne
| The Living Books Retreat is one of the most relaxing, spiritually renewing, and relationship strengthening events my wife Tracy and I have ever experienced. The accommodations are first class and perfect for a romantic getaway. The food is truly exquisite. The speakers are down-to-earth and inspirational while the fellowship is sweet and edifying. The space is limited so I encourage you to act now and take a needed break to refresh your spirit and your marriage.
~ Chris Klicka, Virginia
_________________________________________
The very environment at the Farewells' Chalet Suzanne, in addition to their amazing spirit of hospitality, was like medicine to my soul. I can't tell you how much the Lord was able to minister to me in the quiet times between sessions too. I really can't express what a lovely time it was. [I am] thrilled if our dear Lord was glorified through it all!
~A Retreat Attendee, Michigan |
Come Build Lifelong Friendships
with Our Guest Speakers...
Some of our best friends make this event what it is… the premier homeschool event of the year….
This year our dear friends and veteran home educators will join us.
~ CHRIS AND TRACY KLICKA are the parents of seven children. Chris is Home School Legal Defense Association's Senior Counsel and Director of State and International Relations. He is the author of Home Schooling: The Right Choice, The Heart of Homeschooling, and Home School Heroes.
~ JAN AND GARY BLOOM are parents of three homeschooled adult children and five grandchildren. Jan is the author of Who Should We Then Read? (Volumes 1 and 2) and What Should We Then Know? as well as owners of BooksBloom! out of print treasures.
~ GUS AND SHIRLEY SOLIS, are the parents of five homeschooled children and owners of Lifetime Books and Gifts, with their new book treasures
~ BOB AND TINA FAREWELL, yours truly, are host and hostess of The Living Books Retreats and founders of Lifetime Books and Gifts and Bringing Dads Home™.
.
What Makes the Living Books Retreat So Different?
Our speakers are not just speakers. They are our close friends who want to get to know you personally and share life with you for three days. Retreatants have lots of time to interact with the speakers and with each other.
And remember, we tailor-make the Living Books Retreat just for you! Upon registration, retreatants share their deepest questions about homeschooling and family life. We compile the thoughts, concerns, and questions, then make certain we address them in our sessions.
Because our focus is relationships, not workshops, we advertise only the names of our speakers, not their workshop titles. We pray for the Holy Spirit's inspiration and sometimes at the last minute, we've even changed the planned presentations—because we had the freedom to do so.
There is time for talking and fun, for dining and prayer, for shopping and relaxing, for questioning and learning, and, of course, for time at the shooting range!
We seek the heart….the heart of God, the hearts of our speakers, the hearts of our retreatants. We want to learn together, to sharpen each other. We pray for the Lord to touch all of our hearts as we come together for this unusual homeschooling event.
I loved all of the sessions. They went together so well, as God intended. Everyone who spoke encouraged me in some way and touched my heart. I especially appreciated how the speakers were also “students,” listening and taking notes when someone else was speaking. That was a good illustration of iron sharpening iron.
~Maridel Willer, Florida |
Now…A Little More about Our Speakers…
Chris and Tracy Klicka
CHRIS AND TRACY have been married since 1984 and are the parents of seven homeschooled-from-birth children, ages 11–21, including a newly wed daughter. We could list their many accomplishments in the world's eyes, but those don't come close to what they do for the Kingdom of God.
Through many trials (including Chris' 14-year struggle with multiple sclerosis, the near-death of their twins during Tracy's pregnancy, and Tracy's health concerns), they are constantly learning to walk by faith.
Chris leads his family and a staff of 10 HSLDA lawyers and legal assistants, together handling 20,000 legal issues annually. His testimony of faith in Christ changes lives wherever he goes. As Bob says, "Chris is my hero!"
Tracy knows firsthand the outpouring of God’s grace in her life, as well as the precious importance of the Scriptures in sustaining and empowering believers. A gifted artist and vocalist, Tracy will share these gifts during the retreat.
Chris and Tracy's lives exemplify Philippians 4:13—"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
__________________________________________________
Gary and Jan Bloom
GARY AND JAN BLOOM will bring their wonderful, well-stocked bookcases of Out-of-Print Treasures all the way from snowy Minnesota. Jan's knowledge of the best authors and books for all ages will astound you! Gary and Jan, parents of three delightful adult homeschooled children, share openly about their family's struggles through life—and finding God's mercy.
Jan’s newest book, WHO SHOULD WE THEN READ? Volume II, will be published in 2008. She highlights 100 noteworthy authors who wrote true to the Christian worldview. Both volumes of Who Should We Then Read? include biographies of authors and list all the books each of them wrote. Each author was highly committed to excellence in writing, accuracy, authenticity, and truth in their fiction and non-fiction.
If you have questions about books, Jan Bloom is the expert…and Gary is our bookshelf-building guru!
__________________________________________________
Bob and Tina Farewell
Bob and Tina Farewell married in 1979 and began home educating with the birth of the first of their five children in 1983. Though they planned to do “school at home,” God intervened by rapidly growing their business, Lifetime Books and Gifts, allowing their family to enjoy a lifestyle of learning and to travel, explore, read, think, and discover. Bob and Tina pursue four main goals for their family: the love of Christ, the love of family and others, the love of learning, and creating a multigenerational vision.
Since 1989 the Farewells have traveled around the United States for at least six months each year speaking to thousands of families and hosting retreats, conferences, and workshops. For years they published the Lifetime Treasures and Lifetime Entrepreneurs e-newsletters as well as numerous audio and printed resources for families, including the widely acclaimed Always Incomplete Resource Guide.
After eighteen years of successful business and ministry, the Farewells sold their business to the Gus and Shirley Solis family to continue the Lifetime legacy. The Farewells continue with their calling and mission as speakers in the homeschool world and in other venues. They founded Bringing Dads Home, a business and ministry designed to help families succeed in their family, homeschooling, and entrepreneurial adventures.
Bob is passionate about not only his wife Tina, but about being in the woods, working with his hands, traveling, hunting, and fishing with his children; and about public speaking on many subjects. Tina loves experiencing life with her husband, reading aloud to their children, collecting great books for their huge family library, and her morning cup of coffee with Bob. She delights in sharing the trials and joys of being a woman, wife, and mother with other women, helping them realize how simple and enjoyable life with their husbands and children can be.
Bob and Tina have five children, three of whom are still learning at home—Joseph, Rebecca, and James. Eric continues his entrepreneurial journey in California and Elizabeth is married to Joe and recently birthed their first grandchild. While not traveling, the Farewell family lives in a renovated old home at beautiful Chalet Suzanne, their family’s historic country inn, in Lake Wales, Florida.
"Nothing strokes the senses, teases the taste buds, nor satisfies the soul the way a visit to Chalet Suzanne can. It makes you feel as though, in one weekend, you have traveled to exotic places and spent weeks. My very favorite place for a special weekend."
~ A Secret Admirer of Chalet Suzanne
on BedandBreakfast.com
|  |
And, Now for the Family Side…
Homeschooling Mothers seem to have a difficult time keeping their husbands first in their lives, so I will share how you can keep your man your priority in body, mind, and spirit. We'll even include a little discussion about our hormones, as well as the intimate issues of our lives as wives.
And, of course, wives won't want to miss the informal, late-night follow-up discussion in our living room. (And husbands will want to make sure their wives are there!)
A Dining Room at Chalet Suzanne
You should do an “Intimate Issues” session everywhere you go! You do a very God-honoring job of it and it's a topic that is desperately needed right now, since women are not being discipled at all in this area of their lives.
~ Teri Helms, California
|
And the Men Will Have Wild at Heart Discussion too…
There will even be time for an expedition to our Shooting Range!
At the Shooting Range With the Men
I especially enjoyed “the men’s fellowship and free flow of conversation, shooting, and entrepreneurial discussions.”
~David Clark, Severna Park, Maryland
|
Look Forward to…
Workshops on Living Books for All Ages—children, teens, and adults—will be a much-discussed topic. You're going to love making your Wish List of Books!
The Finest Living Books Will Be Available for Purchase! Lifetime Books and Gifts and BooksBloom! will have their full displays of new books and out of print treasures. Chris Klicka and Jan Bloom will be happy to autograph books for you. You'll be able to shop, shop, shop…in the quiet of our home!
 | Of course, Bob and I will share what the Lord is doing in our family's life—with the goal of inspiring you to open your mind and heart to a larger vision.
Our talks will cover both philosophical and practical issues that are important for everyone, especially home educators.
|
Our children, Joseph, Rebecca, and James, will carry your suitcases to your room, run errands, and, hopefully, display their servants' hearts!
There's not enough space here to tell you about all of our plans, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised since we tailor-make this retreat for attendees of the Living Books Retreat 2009.
Over the last six years, husbands and wives have driven and flown from all over the United States to join us for this time of ministry.
What a glorious time we've had! It is always a truly wonderful experience for Bob and me, but we don’t like to toot our own horns. So read what our guests have written!
A Lifestyle of Learning was the predominant theme of the retreat. The best part to me was the like-mindedness of the speakers. Though each of the speakers' messages was on a variety of topics, a lifestyle of learning was the thread that tied them all together. It really made me stop and think about God's design for education and for how HE wants us to teach our children. I considered how Jesus taught His disciples. Talk about food for thought!!!!
~Kristina Solid, Florida
This retreat is such a blessing in our lives and a blessing in the lives of all who attend. It is three days of laughter, learning and loving new friends and old friends—and maybe even spouses!
~ Jan Bloom, Minnesota
Your retreat is the perfect time of year…when burnout is at its peak. It is a catalyst that sparks an energized second half to the "school year."
~Dawn Baczewski, A four-time Retreat Attendee!, Florida
The retreat gave me time to refocus and sharpen my vision. It will give me energy to move forward with the vision and to expand on the options.
~David Beinetti, New York
The week was a relaxing retreat in which I felt poured-into, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
~Lynn Purkiss, Texas
I cannot even begin to express all that I have learned, been challenged with, and blessed by these past few days. I am refreshed (or will be after a few more hours of sleep!), my vision of what our homeschooling is to be about is clearer, I am encouraged in my walk with our Lord, and oh-so blessed by the speakers who shared their passion with us, and the new friends I've met…
~ Roberta, Washington
I really appreciated the numerous opportunities to talk in depth with so many like-minded people. Thank you for sharing yourselves with us!
~ A Retreat Attendee |
 
Dining Rooms and Guest Rooms at Chalet Suzanne...
If you are able to book the retreat in heaven next year that would probably be an improvement. Other than that we only have three words for you to consider... Awesome, awesome, and AWESOME!!
~A Retreat Attendee
|
A Second Honeymoon... or a Special Time Just for You
We want to share all this inspiration, pampering, fellowship, and fun with you for two special nights and three unforgettable days!
We want to minister to you in a special way and in a unique setting; because of that (and the fact that the Chalet Suzanne is limited to a small number of guest rooms) we have to limit the number of people who can attend.
If you want to join us Wednesday through Friday, January 14-16, 2009, please call our direct line at 863-676-6311.
Husbands and wives, you can (and should) come for a second honeymoon! None of the sessions are "required" but when you desire, you can visit with the other attendees in our home or over a cup of coffee at the Chalet Suzanne...
If you're a mom who really just needs to get away, come by yourself or bring a girlfriend. Relish your time in a quiet room without your children tugging at your knees.
Either way, this is the perfect Christmas gift!
Whether you want to bring a spouse, a friend, or just yourself, we will accommodate you.
Another Guest Room at Chalet Suzanne
We enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Chalet Suzanne and a fabulous late night session on how to be better wives that kept many up into the wee hours of the morning. But I'm sure everyone's husbands will agree it was worth it!
Besides being incredibly encouraging and a romantic break from the doldrums of winter, the retreat was wonderfully fun! We all made new friends and loved browsing through shelves and shelves of new and used books.
~A Retreat Attendee, Tennessee |
Our Tentative Schedule…
~ Check in Wednesday morning, January 14, 2008, and then join Bob on a tour of Historic Chalet Suzanne.
~ Enjoy luncheon in the dining room at 1:00.
~ Afternoon workshops and plenty of visiting and book-browsing time.
~ Informal dinner at the Farewells' home.
~ Slumber in a unique guestroom at world famous Chalet Suzanne. (http://www.ChaletSuzanne.com )
~ Breakfast, luncheon, and dinner on Thursday with new friends.
~ Enjoy a full day of workshops, browsing, and fellowshipping.
~ Scrumptious, unforgettable dinner at historic Chalet Suzanne. (Tina's grandmother founded it 75 years ago!)
~ Thursday evening continues with special treats…
~ Friday morning breakfast at Chalet Suzanne, then enjoy more sessions and a very informal late luncheon at the Farewells’. Browse books and fellowship all afternoon if you desire, then leave at your leisure!
~ ~ AND we encourage you to come early and stay late for several extra days of relaxation and delight! Special rates are available through Chalet Suzanne. It really helps to relax for an extra day or two so you can contemplate and discuss all you’ve experienced!
Dining Room and Circle Fountain...
Details, Details...
We can only accommodate nursing babies who will be happy in your lap. There will be no child care of any kind available or a place for toddlers... We're sorry, but this time is for you to grow, not your children :-)
Dress is casual except for Thursday night's dinner, which will be church dress—or semi-formal if you prefer.
If you are flying, our Chalet Suzanne airstrip (2380' sod lighted strip) is the closest! But if you don't have your own plane, we suggest Orlando airport. Tampa is also a possibility, but Orlando is closer and easier driving. Rather than renting a car we will pick you up and return you to the airport for a small fee (to help cover the crazy fuel costs!).
If you are driving, Lake Wales is located right in the center of Florida, between Tampa and Orlando, south of Interstate 4 just off U.S. Hwy 27.
This retreat was a welcome boulder thrown into the surface of our lives that will make waves for a long time to come."
~ Janet, Texas
There is nothing like the retreat to have extended conversations and themes carry over and sharpen one another.
~Clavonne Holter, Minnesota |
The cost for two nights and three days with us at Chalet Suzanne, which includes all your meals, your room, and the retreat program is as follows:
The entire conference is just $1197 per couple. If you and your spouse cannot both attend, you may share a room with a friend at this same rate.
Based on availability, we may have a limited number of rooms for single occupancy, at the rate of $697.
Once again, please call us for more information and to register. This event WILL fill quickly as it has every year. Our home number is 863-676-6311.
We've spent thousands of dollars on conferences and we have gained a lot of knowledge. This conference has been worth more than all for one reason —this one was truly inspiring!
~Wendell Perry, Tennessee
A wonderful balance: Wisdom, fellowship, retreating!
~ Cass Hawkinson, South Carolina
The L'Abri of Homeschooling...
~A Retreat Attendee |
So... Come Join Us!
What a delightful way to start the New Year! Join excited, like-minded friends in sunny Florida at our family's Chalet Suzanne Country Inn. This is the year for you to come.
We truly look forward to welcoming you to our home!!
Blessings in Him,
P.S. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns PLEASE call us at
863-676-6311 or email us at BobandTina@aol.com. We’d love to hear from you!
To receive updates about the Living Books Retreat, click here.
Now…let the friendships begin!
|
|
