Exhale - Experience - Encounter

Hear God's Voice Through

Journaling, Serving & Connecting

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Trip Details

EXHALE

A Journal With Jesus Beach Retreat + Mission Trip
Location: Luperón, Dominican Republic
Dates: October 21–25, 2026

What’s Included

Your retreat package includes:

✅ Airfare
✅ Shared bedroom and living space
✅ Rustic hillside home overlooking the bay
✅ Transportation to and from the airport
✅ Transportation for planned outings
✅ Mission outings
✅ Excursions
✅ Meals

What You’ll Experience

⚓️ Beach Retreat Renewal

You will have space to slow down, rest, breathe, and take in the beauty of the Dominican Republic.

You will stay in a rustic home set on the hillside overlooking the bay,

surrounded by peaceful views and the natural beauty of Luperón.

This is a simple, sacred space designed for

connection, reflection, and renewal.

⚓️ Journal With Jesus Reflection

Throughout the retreat, you will be guided through intentional journaling moments designed to help you connect with God,

process what He is showing you, and listen for His direction.

You do not have to be an experienced journaler.

You only need a willing heart, an open page,

and a desire to meet with Jesus.

⚓️ Mission Work With the Local Community

This retreat includes mission outings, where you will have the opportunity to love, serve, encourage, and connect

with the local people of the Dominican Republic.

This is where rest becomes overflow.

You will not just receive from God.

You will carry His love into the community.

⚓️ Excursions and Dominican Republic Experiences

You will also experience the beauty, culture, and surroundings of Luperón through planned outings and excursions.

The ocean views, smells, sounds, and beauty of the

Dominican Republic will become part of the experience - reminding you of God’s creativity, peace, and presence.

STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a passport needed?

Yes. An updated and valid passport is required for this trip. Please make sure your passport is current and does not expire close to your travel dates.

Are extra vaccinations needed?

No additional vaccinations are required for this trip. However, please check with your personal physician before traveling to discuss any health concerns or recommendations specific to you.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is optional. This is an additional cost that you may choose to purchase. A link will be provided for those who would like to explore travel insurance options.

Do I need to be concerned about the water quality?

Bottled water is recommended for drinking and consumption.

The housing accommodations we will be staying in have a state-of-the-art water filtration system, so there are no concerns with the water quality in the home. However, for drinking, bottled water is still recommended.

What is the weather like in the Dominican Republic in October?

The Dominican Republic is typically hot and humid in October.

Average daytime temperatures may reach around 88°F, with evening lows around 72°F.

October is also part of the wet season, so you should expect humidity and the possibility of sudden downpours. These showers are often short, heavy afternoon rains that usually give way to sunshine.

It is recommended that you bring a lightweight raincoat or poncho.

How many bags or suitcases can I bring?

It is recommended that you travel light.

A backpack or crossbody bag and a carry-on suitcase are suggested. You may check a bag if necessary, but please keep in mind that our living space is shared, and extra storage room for clothing and luggage will be limited.

A packing list will be provided, along with recommended clothing suggestions.

Cool, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended. Please also bring:

Swimsuit

Sunscreen

Comfortable walking shoes

Water shoes

Lightweight raincoat or poncho

An outfit you feel beautiful in for pictures

What language is spoken in the Dominican Republic?

The primary language spoken in the Dominican Republic is Spanish. Haitian Creole may also be spoken in some communities.

It is recommended that you download Google Translate before the trip to help with communication. We will also have a translator with us at all times.

Should I bring sunscreen?

Yes. Sunscreen is strongly recommended.

The Dominican Republic is located close to the equator, so the sun can be very strong. Please protect your skin by bringing sunscreen and reapplying it often.

You may also want to bring:

A hat

Sunglasses

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts

After-sun lotion or aloe

Do I need water shoes?

Yes. Water shoes are strongly recommended and may be required for some excursions.

When we visit Damajagua Waterfalls near Puerto Plata, closed-toe water shoes are required. You will be climbing slippery rocks, walking on uneven terrain, and entering rocky pools.

Water shoes also help protect your feet from hidden natural hazards such as:

Sharp coral

Sea urchins

Rocky seabeds

Hidden shells

Slippery surfaces

Scorching hot sand

Closed-toe water shoes with good grip are the best option.

What kind of clothing should I pack?

Cool, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended. Since the weather is expected to be hot and humid, breathable fabrics will be most comfortable.

You should also pack clothing appropriate for:

Mission outings

Beach time

Excursions

Worship and reflection time

Travel days

Photos

Please bring at least one outfit that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable for pictures.

Will a packing list be provided?

Yes. A detailed packing list will be provided before the trip so you know exactly what to bring and what to leave at home.

EXHALE Retreat Refund Policy

I understand that life happens and unexpected situations may arise. Because this retreat includes planning, airfare, accommodations, transportation, excursions, meals, and mission-related expenses, the following refund policy applies.

Nonrefundable Deposit

A $500 deposit is nonrefundable. This deposit is used to secure airfare, lodging accommodations, transportation arrangements, and other retreat-related reservations.

Refunds Before August 31, 2026

If you need to cancel your retreat registration on or before August 31, 2026, you may receive a refund of any amount paid minus the $500 nonrefundable deposit.

Read The Full EXHALE Retreat Refund Policy HERE

What Other's Are Saying After Getting The 30-Day Journal With Jesus

This journal became my daily lifeline. Within the first week, I felt a shift. I felt less anxiety, more peace, and a deeper awareness of God’s presence. The prompts made it so easy to connect with Him in a way I’d never experienced before.

Sarah L.

I’ve tried journaling in the past, but I always ended up staring at a blank page. Michelle’s daily scriptures and questions gave me direction, and I actually looked forward to my time with God every morning. It’s been a game-changer for my faith.

Jessica M.

What surprised me most was how much healing happened in just 30 days. Old wounds I thought I had ‘moved on from’ came up, and instead of avoiding them, I processed them with God’s truth. I feel lighter spiritually and emotionally.

Karen T.

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A PERSONAL NOTE

Hey! I'm Michelle Newman

I'm a licensed psychotherapist with nearly 30 years of experience walking alongside women through emotional healing, spiritual burnout, and some of life’s hardest seasons. But my most powerful breakthrough didn’t come from a therapy technique or a textbook—it came in my own rock-bottom moment, when God whispered to my heart: “Write. And keep writing. I’ll show you.”

From that day on, I began journaling through scripture—turning my pen into a tool for processing pain, releasing burdens, and hearing God’s voice in a deeply personal way. That sacred practice became Journal With Jesus: a Spirit-led journaling practice that’s helped countless women exchange shame for truth, fear for faith, and anxiety for peace.

Now, through my journals, retreats, and community, I offer a safe, grace-filled space to stop pretending you’re fine, start truly healing, and reconnect with God one word at a time.