Calvin Young Adult Retreat 2018

For several years now we have been hosting a wonderful young adult group at our church with lunches every other week during the semesters. 

I've been trying to host a winter retreat time for the past couple of years, but things didn't seem to jive.  This year, though, things seemed to work out.  

So we are now back at the same cottage, but with 18 young adults and Pastor Joe and myself.  

Williamsburg CRC came along with 4 guys as well.  : ) 

We arrived Friday night to regular snowfall.  Was pretty, but the driveway wasn't plowed so we walked in a bit with our stuff.  

Once settled in we spent the night just getting to know each other.  

And soon it was morning.  The early risers/readers.  : ) 

Megan helped me make breakfast.  
Thanks Megan. 

Others read.  : ) 

And helped in other ways.  

More eggs. 
Don't they look awesome. 
I wonder who made them.   : ) 

Rachel eagerly awaiting her eggs.  

Sarah and Janelle also waiting patiently.  

Chillin around the table.  

And the living room as there wasn't enough room at the table.  

After breakfast we gathered together again and did some more get to know you stuff.  

Lots of fun.  

We then reviewed a process called Lectio Devina and did it with the group.  I sent them off to do it quietly for about an hour. 
I went outside to focus on mine, and see the place in the daylight.  Our cars lined up in the longer driveway.  

And mine at the top of the hill. 
Didn't want to go any further for fear we wouldn't get out again.  

We are going to have to back out of here tomorrow.  

People working through the Bible passage with material and questions I gave them.  

Upstairs and downstairs.  

And then it was time for lunch.  : ) 

We did some more get to know you stuff after lunch....

...and then set everyone free to relax.  :) 

Sarah going to start her writing as her way to relax. 

And these guys are playing a new game I think. 

Oh, and the reading corner.  : )

And I found out Elysia also likes Cribbage, but she's WAY better than me.  WOW  : ) 

Still playing that game. 

Elysia giving Megan pointers as she learns the game. 

and....still reading those books. 

And soon it was time for supper. 
Spaghetti and meat sauce and veggies.

Hey Courtney.  Yes, I'm taking your picture.  Sorry  : ) 

William and Miranda mowing down. (is that how you spell Mowing? ) : ) 

Chillin....oh, and Rachel with her camera face on again. : ) 

After supper a couple of people shared some life stories with the group, and then we play Bible Pictionary. 

I guess Rachel's team didn't win. 
And we won't even get into the competitive nature of some in the group.....right Scott!!! : ) 

Next morning....and it's the olympics. Whoot.  

And Courtney agreed to make the pancakes. 
Did a masterful job as well.  

I went out as breakfast was being made to check on the vehicles as it had been snowing all day Saturday, with a layer of freezing rain under the snow. 
I actually dug a pathway right in front of where I took this picture and turned the van around so I wouldn't have to go backwards down the hill as we left.  

We had some work to do to get out of here.  : ) 

The outside of our hosts cottage.  

After cleaning up.  
You'd never know we were there. 
The way it should be. 

After backing out we made our way out of the driveway...having to only dig one person out.  whew.  

It was a great weekend, and hopefully we can expand this to include other young adults in other churches in our classis next year.  
Stay tuned.  : )