Covid put lots of ministry things on hold at Calvin, but things are slowly coming back, for which we are thankful.
One of those things is our young adult retreat.
In past years (the last one being March 2020) we held this retreat in the winter (see 2020 posts for that entry).
It's always hard to get into the cottage that is offered to us, because of the snow and road conditions, so this time around Pastor Joe and I decided to try a fall retreat.
A VERY good choice : )
Not only was it the WARMEST November weekend on record, but it was just nice to not have snow and ice to drive on and to be able to drive right up to the cottage instead of lugging all our stuff several hundred feet in the snow. : )
We arrived at the cottage at about 8:30 p.m. and unloaded and settled in.
We started with a game as we waited for Joe and Jason to arrive.
Once they got there we did some get-to-know-you games. I confess I forgot to get pictures of this evening, but I made up for it the rest of the weekend. : )
Three others joined us at about 11 p.m.
We all settled in and got to bed somewhat on time, and then before we knew it, it was morning.
I woke up to no one being up yet, well, except for Jason and Phil. : )
Quite a different sight this time. Water and grass, and VERY warm weather.
Breakfast is being prepared.
This morning it was me making it.
Bacon and Eggs.
Made to order.
The group settling in for breakfast.
Chelsey offered to clean up.
The day was WARRMMMM
Jason taking in the beauty.
After Breakfast we gathered together.
We sang songs acapella.
We got to know each other better using this book and other get-to-know-you stuff.
And we studied this book.
A VERY practical book on identifying the busyness of our life, and ways to work on slowing down if possible.
We discussed as a large group, and in pairs.
Afterwards we had some time before lunch, so many went outside to get some sun.
A walk to the water.
And relaxing by the water.
Eventually, Casey and Courtney helped make Lunch.
Soup and sandwiches.
And Joe and Phil chatted it up.
And others just stood around and watched the cooks in action : )
Lunch is served.
Sarah and Miranda cleaned up.
Chelsey and Megan catching up on life.
After lunch we took a nice walk to the causeway.
It was warm...
and breezy.
A nice walk.
Time to rest.
Jason, what in the world are you trying to do?
Back at the cottage again.
Then we had time to relax before supper.
Some read...
These four played "Ticket to Ride."
Courtney relaxed.
And Joe and I played Cribbage.
I didn't stand a chance.
Those of you who play Cribbage know the damage this hand did to my score : (
And the sad thing is he got a hand like this THREE TIMES!!!
Once in each game.
Very infuriating : )
And very rare.
Supper time!! Taco's.
Megan and Phil did the honours.
While others continued to relax.
I think Joe (on the left, but not really) was telling a joke or something : )
Dinner is served...to yourself.
Then it was time for our evening session.
I took a panoramic shot, but Jason moved his hand, and you will see that somehow he grew another one.
That's better.
More singing, get to know you stuff, and continuing with the book.
After this we learned a new game called
"Chase the Ace".
Was actually quite fun.
The final three left.
The final two.
And the winner was.....
Miranda!
Then people split up and played other games.
Dutch Blitz....not my favourite : )
We played Code Names.
Joe's team wasn't as good as ours, (Sarah, Megan and Me) as you can see from Joe's facial expression : )
Courtney played a video game?
And Dutch Blitz continued....
...and moved to the table after we finished our game.
It got pretty intense.
As the night wound down some of us sat on the balcony enjoying the warm and windy night.
Next morning.
Whoot.
These three are wide awake. That's because we also experienced an extra hour of sleep due to falling back an hour. YES!!!
And, as tradition would have it, Courtney and Miranda cooked pancakes.
Oh, there's Miranda.
Justin helped out making the OJ.
Hmmmm... a bit toooo much batter maybe???
Courtney seems to be able to multi-task well. : )
The crew enjoying breakfast.
Our final session.
Singing.
Then we all shared a favourite Bible verse.
And finally, I read a few modern-day parables from an old book called "Jaw Droppers."
Then it was time to clean up and skedaddle.
Looks like we were never there : )
The group chillin' (well not really as it was still wonderfully warm out), waiting for me to do the final close-up.
All in all a GREAT weekend getaway.
A shout-out to Al and Wilma for allowing us the use of their cottage. THANK YOU!
We will see what next year brings.
I think it will be another fall retreat. : )
Till next time!!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment