We searched many different options for our 25th anniversary trip and we really had a cabin by a stream in the mountains on our minds. But with time and other constraints, we ended up in Oark, Arkansas “In the middle of nowhere somewhere”. It was so far in the middle of nowhere that the nearest Walmart was over a half hour away and in Arkansas that is amazing!

The place we found on Airbnb was right in the middle of the little town of Oark. It was by the historic General Store & Cafe which was established in 1890 and is the oldest continuously operated store in Arkansas. The building has the original floors, walls, and ceiling. They served some amazing breakfast, lunch and dessert options. One particular favorite of ours was the variety of freshly made pies. In fact, they were so good we bought a piece one morning to eat after dinner that night.  

We took several hikes, explored a cave with a flashlight and crawled on hands and knees to find a hidden water fall, swam in some cold creek water and drove many dirt roads exploring the surrounding area. We planned to canoe the Mulberry River, but a rain storm made the water levels rise to a dangerous level. 

We played several games of Battleship, rested, took some time to read and had fun watching the various groups come and go from the General Store. The groups that showed up to eat at the store varied from dirt bikes, Corvettes to dune buggies. 

It was a blessing to get away from the busyness of life and enjoy each others company. We know that no matter what life brings or where life takes us we are committed to traveling together to the end of the road, even if that takes us to the ‘middle of nowhere somewhere”. 

Even though it takes time and effort to get away or celebrate a milestone, it’s always worth it to invest in your marriage. A day or two away with your spouse gives you time to refresh, reconnect and focus on each other. Give it a try and let us know where you end up and the adventures you enjoy.

• • • 84 Weekends to Remember

    • 35 States

    • 57,209 Attendance

    • 1,498 Salvation Decisions!

I never knew “great marriages are intentional, not born.” I thought because we were in a rough spot that we were not for each other, which is a lie. And I'm glad it is.”  Wife, married 11 years (Kansas City)

I was prepared for a marriage root canal, but instead got a thorough cleaning.  Wife, married 21 years (San Antonio) 

I came here to fix my wife, found out it was me that needed fixing.  Husband, married 27 years (Atlanta)

• • • Pray for the six couples my team at work will host next month as we discern whether or not God is calling them to FamilyLife.

    • Rachel is having a great semester and recently attended an equine therapy training in Bentonville.

    • Praise that Brandon’s sophomore year is off to a good start, with classes and football both going well.

    • Continue to pray for several friends and church members that are in difficult places in their marriages and we will continue to speak into those situations. 

    • Pray for a smooth and successful transition of leadership at FamilyLife in the coming months. 

To receive $100 off your registration, use our group code thebarbers.

• • • Dallas - Omni Mandalay - November 10 - 12

    • South Padre - Hilton Garden Inn - Nov. 10 - 12

    • San Antonio - Hyatt Hill Country - Nov. 17 - 19

More locations at familylife.com/events.