Fall Retreat (WARNING: LONG)

Let's see if I can break this weekend down into something tangible and readable.

I got to the retreat about 15 minutes after it started. Not a problem though. The reason I was late is that I had to wait for Lori to get to Champaign from Indianapolis. When Lori got here, Sydney, Lori, and I rode northwest to the fine place called Camp Manitoumi outside of Peoria. We got to catch up and share memories from the summer. The first night was just really simple. It was a worship time and a short talk from Pavi Thomas, the special guest speaker we had in from Florida. He just opened told us about the life of Paul saying that is was very "Cross Shaped." He said the Cross Shaped Life is formed by three basic things. These are suffering, death, and resurrection. We got more in depth with those specific things throughout the weekend. After the teaching, we got to have a sharing time with our iTeam. That was incredible. The hearts that people have for each other is so encouraging and I love the community that our iTeam has. That night afterwards, I got to hang out with TONS of different people that I haven't seen or talked to in a while. I got to catch up with ISU people like Ross and hang out with people from UofI that I'm continuously getting to know. I finally made it to bed way too late. I was perfectly fine when it came time to wake up though. In the morning talk, Pavi talked specifically about reconciliation. He was saying how we really need to reconcile ourselves to others and not just God. That led me to think about the people that have wronged me and I've wronged and how I desire to fix those things so I can be better connected with them and with God. Then we got to have a quiet time with God and he really spoke to me. He just really told me I've been pursuing certain things because I haven't been pursuing him with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. After that, I got to set up THE GAME. I got some help from some guys, so that was very helpful. It was a complete success. I was honestly very worried how it would go because I had to set it up and thought I'd screw up somehow. Everybody had fun though, and the team my iTeam was on won too, which is always helpful. Then we had some free time that I got to do a little bit of homework during and clean up. Then we ordained three pastors for the church at ISU. It was a cool experience, although for me it didn't have a lot of meaning. However, you could tell that these men were loved and they definitely were deserving of the post they were receiving. Greg Van Nada, the dad of my friend Amy from LT, was there. He is a very important man in Great Commission Ministries and was there to help with the ordination ceremony. He gave a shout out to Amy's LT friends for her. She was planning on going to our retreat, but her church had their own retreat this weekend. It was really sad that she couldn't come. Her dad also said that she was 21 when I'm pretty sure she's 20. During dinner, I got to meet Amy's dad with the rest of our Project group that was there (Ross, Lori, and Syd). We got to talk a bit and he said that Amy specifically said hi to us. It was a really good thing. Later in the evening, after dinner, we got to attend a pair of seminars of our choice. I went to one on being a man. I'm pretty sure I could never hear enough of those talks. It also helped me to realize what I've been going through and doing lately. The second seminar was very touching and powerful and it really dealt with specific weakness. Then we had our bonfire. It was pretty cool. I got to hang out with people from my past and people that are going to be important to my future. I smoked my first cigar. It was interesting. While I smoked it, I walked awfully far and talked with Mike Olson about a bit of everything. He's a great guy and I'm a huge fan of his. After we got back, I got to hang out with Ross, Lori and Syd for quite a while. We just talked and goofed off. I loved it. Then I got a solid 8 hours of sleep. How spectacular was that???? I got up to a breakfast of biscuits and gravy...ROCK ROCK ON!!! Then Pavi gave his final talk of the weekend. He really got us to think about God being made perfect in our weakness...When our strength disappears. Then they had a short Q&A time. One question was asked that really touched me incredibly. The question was along the lines of "How do evangelicals/protestants reconcile with Catholics?" I loved that question because it hits so deep to the core with me. Pavi mentioned how we just need to discuss the issues with understanding. Our generation really seems to be one that is willing to take those steps too. His thoughts, and I agree with them, are that the pillar of the faith needs to be the cross and all other disputable issues will not matter as much. I loved it. Finally, we had to pack up get out of there. I said goodbye to everybody, and headed off in a new vehicle with Megan, Erik, and Pamela (all in my iTeam) to Clinton for the Apple & Pork Festival. I was pretty excited. I got to see my mom for a short period and I wish I could've gotten to see her longer. Then I got to load up on all sorts of sweet food. I got to talk with Erik about Islam and other world religions. He's a very knowledgeable guy and has done his research. I love that he could seriously answer some nagging questions that I had. I feel more equipped to discuss Christianity with a Muslim without being retarded about it. Now I'm back in Chambana and I'm back to the routine of the real school world. I got a chance to reflect on some of where I am and I'm glad I went to the retreat soooooo much. If you could, pray for me and make sure I put myself at God's will in EVERYTHING....Not trying to supply my own way out. He is make perfect when my power is depleted.