Our Discovery Weekend Experience

"Plan your marriage, not just your wedding."

When we first heard of the Discovery Weekend Seminar, Bear and I were both hesitant to attend it since we've learned that some couples have decided to break-up after realizing that they have issues that they can't settle or personal goals/beliefs that they cannot compromise.  But after over a year of consideration, we've finally decided to join DW as part of our Valentine's Day activity (February 4 to 6, 2011).

Our trip to OMI Retreat House was not that easy - I remember rushing from the office to ride the MRT on a Friday evening, going on round trip, I was like in a can of sardines, someone stepping on my toe (@_@), missed to buy my personal hygiene stuff since we want to catch-up with the 7:30PM registration cut-off, Bear waiting for me in a taxi cab (since we just sold our car that time) and he's getting quite impatient since I've promised to leave the office earlier. It was really crazy!  Thankfully, we didn't start a fight at that time since it was too early to spoil our long weekend together. :)

As we entered the dining hall, couples were all over the place!  We sat down together with two couples and instantly talked about our wedding plans over dinner.  It was really nice to be surrounded by people in love. :D

After dinner, we started with our first activity - Couple Introduction.  I remember Pierre describing me as "very understanding", while I described him as "very patient". :P  After a few talks and sharing, we have ended our first night.

It was time to meet my roommate, Inez.  She's really nice and sweet!  She even offered to share her personal stuff with me since I was not able to buy earlier (our lovely faciliator, Kate, has offered to buy the things that I need so that I'll feel more at ease). I really admire her humility and simpleness despite of her status in life.  We also have a lot of things in common - we love to cook, we have our spiritual readings, we even call our fiances "Bear" :)



Our second day was the most meaningful for us since it involves a lot of open communication with our partner. Bear and I were able to confirm that we have similar goals in life.  We were also asked to write "real love letters", which is far from our usual plain "Happy Monthsary", "Happy Birthday" greetings. The couple sharers were also great! We were able to hear very unusual love stories that we thought could only happen in telenovelas/movies.  The night was capped with the Sacrament of Reconciliation which is very solemn and peaceful.



With the DW couples :)

Our third day was still packed with activities.  There was an element of surprise which I won't be sharing here (for the benefit of those who will be attending DW in the future). :)  After the seminar, a mass was held where Bear and I were asked to read our written prayer to God.  Graduation followed, the DW theme song was sung, and we finally said our goodbyes.


Overall, DW is a very meaningful experience for us.  As I quote from my FB, "A weekend full of lessons and sharing. The Discovery Weekend lives up to its slogan "Plan your marriage not just your wedding". Glad Pierre & I came out of it still firm with our decision to get married, and we're even more excited! :) With the help and guidance of the Lord, everything will fall into its right place in His own time."

Indeed marriage is something that we should really take seriously as no one would like to enter into something that can end up as the biggest mistake of our lives!  We believe that God has paved our way so that we can be part of this DW experience, and we are looking forward to working with Him to make our relationship last more than a lifetime.

Discovery Weekend website: http://www.discoveryweekend.org/