Jill had told us that the junior high and high schoolers from the school she teaches were going on an overnight retreat. She asked if we would want to go along. They needed someone to handle the meds for the kids and since Al is qualified to do so, we decided to make the drive and help!
Before leaving the school, they went over all the med information. It was so organized!
The bus was full so we were able to ride in a vehicle with Jill and another teacher. Isn't that too bad we couldn't fit on the bus? (cough, cough)
After we arrived at the campgrounds, we unloaded the sleeping bags and all the suitcases. There was a session soon after. Our granddaughter Claire led worship time. That was so special to see how God is using her!
The speaker's talk was "Run to Win"
The 4 sessions were:
Run Unashamed
Run with Grace
Run with Hope
Run to Finish
One of my favorite lessons: He asked a girl and guy to leave the room. While they were out, he told everyone that they were to give instructions to the kids on how they should run and what course they should take. "Go right. Stop. Jump up and down, etc." All different instructions, all yelled at the same time. When the kids came back in, he told them that they would be running on a certain course around the room and they were to listen to the instructions. Well, it was chaotic and mayhem. Confusing for them. Then the speaker had them all stop and he alone gave the kids instructions, which they were able to easily follow. Likewise, the voices in this world are noisy. Social media, news, various religious leaders, friends...so many different voices to listen to! But if we listen to Christ, He will instruct us and guide us in the way we should go. Listen to Him.
For our meals, we needed to go to the dining hall. We had quite a distance down hill to get there. Three times a day. Down there and back up. My arthritic hips were acting up so I walked pretty slow. The kids passed us up all the time.
The food was great at this camp! Some of the kids were pocketing some of the food. They were kind of scolded about that.
Al, or Papa, as the kids called him, handed out meds as needed. I called him the Medicine Man.
Walking back up.
This was where we stayed and had sessions.
The kids got bunk rooms, but Jill, Claire and us got an "apartment".
We realized that we'd have to wait to get coffee in the morning until we went down for breakfast, so we brought along our mini-Keurig so we could have coffee first thing. (pretty pitiful, huh?)
Besides the sessions, the kids were grouped into their "house groups" and they strategized how they would be doing relays and competing against eachother. There was a trophy and also ribbons that were handed out at the end of retreat.
Medicine Man and I relaxed by the waters.
What is that down by the water's edge?
That's just a little creepy. Especially after hearing those coyotes the other night at home! A rubber wolf with wooly fabric tail? It was chained down so no one would take it. I don't know who would.
We took a walk.
There was a bonfire in the evening. Unfortunately, the one leader who thought he knew where the bonfire was, took us on a path down the hill, and realizing that it was not there, proceeded to take us back up the hill (my legs and hips were groaning!) where we found the campfire close to our dormitory!
We got home the next day and relaxed on the deck.
Boy, we were exhausted. I guess the Medicine Man wasn't. He looks happy. That's a decent smile on him. Usually, he doesn't smile for photos so we always get on him about that. We said, "let's look pooped out" - and he smiles. Ha!
What an enjoyable time with Claire, Jill and Adam!
On the way home, there was this pump in Dubuque. Service for those who need it!
I still recall the days when it was standard for them to do it for you.
