Sisters on purpose, a way to live your own experience

Courtesy photo/Debbie Turner

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Sisters on Purpose traveled to Assisi, where participants on the tour had the opportunity to share their life experiences. Courtesy photo/Debbie Turner

BOUNTIFUL — More than 25 years ago three sisters started getting together once a year in what they called a ‘Sisters Weekend,’ as a way to get away and spend time together.

"These times started to become so precious to us… so we kept doing that and it became more frequent," said Debbie Turner, the oldest sister, who began spending more time with her sisters, Sylvia Lamb and Katy Montrone. After a while, they thought they should start inviting others to join them on their journeys.

"We knew we wanted it to be more than just a trip," said Turner. "We wanted to create a sisterhood, to be able to have a chance to think about your life and how to make it better."

Lamb, Montrone and Turner created ‘Siblings by Chance -Sisters on Purpose.’ With Turner living in Arizona, Lamb in Texas, and Montrone in Utah, the sisters were able to recruit women from throughout the country which, Turner said, "became a really fun thing to do."

Sisters on Purpose trips tend to be more of a retreat, with time for activities like yoga, daily thought-provoking messages and time for meditation or self-reflection.

"Usually we like to keep it small. We don’t want to create the feeling of a tour," said Turner.

The trips create an opportunity for women to spend time with other women and share their life experiences while traveling within the United States or to other countries. Montrone, Turner and Lamb have extensive travel experience in Europe, particularly in Italy and Germany, where their first tours took place. Sites in the U.S. have included Sedona, Seattle and the Zion Park area.

"Some of our trips have become a really spiritual experience," said Turner, referring in particular to a trip to the Vatican last year, in which they had the opportunity to see Pope Benedict XVI as he celebrated Mass. Women on the trip who had a rosary had it blessed.

"It was amazing," Turner said. "We heard the Pope deliver a message at the Vatican in 10 different languages."

When women sign up for a tour, they are asked about their expectations. They receive a complete itinerary, along with a journal "so everyone will have the chance to make the trip into something more than just a typical vacation," said Turner, who also emphasized that trips are usually limited to no more than 12 people so "with three sisters we can still create that intimacy."

This year the trips include ‘Refresh in Germany’ (April 29-May 7), ‘Revive in Seattle (Aug. 9- 12,) ‘Replenish in Italy’ Sept. 16-24, ‘Rekindle in Zion’ Oct. 11-14 and ‘Rejoice in the Christmas Magic of Germany, Nov. 25-Dec. 3.

Sisters on Purpose also has a Build Your Own Trip option where participants select a location and the sisters will help tailor a unique experience to fit each group.

"Before we do any planning on the Build Your Own Trip we’ll talk with you and find out what you want to get out of the trip," Turner said.

For information or to book a tour, go to sistersonpurpose.com