fall retreat

This retreat was really good, but quite different. As usual it started with a pang of lonlieness for me the first night. I always miss the people who've moved away. It was totally weird not having Isaac there, he's always one of the first there and in the middle of everything helping set up. I miss Carlos, David, and all the Lius. Mostly I miss my family who used to be part of the church a few years ago. I always feel a little displaced with out my sisters being around.

It was really different talking about the Moravians the whole time. At first I wondered if it was going to be effective. However, I think it turned out really good. A lot of people seemed to be touched and challenged by the story. Overall, I'd say this was the most sober retreat I've been to. Not in a bad way. I think it was because people were really thinking and being challenged, especially by the Moravian's level of passion for Jesus and the way they heald each other accountable.

Mohamad came and lots of people reached out to him, I think he had a good time. He signed up to go to France. Interesting..... he told Jeri that his purpose in coming was to evangelize us. He also told her that though he doesn't believe that Jesus is God's Son he feels very close to God when we are worshiping. He's never been in any Christian gathering other than the Thursday night housechurch.

I took Isaac's wonderful dog, Jobi, for a long run/walk/run we had fun exploring the ranch. It was such a beautiful time of day. I lost track of time till I noticed the sun getting lower. The woods were so beautiful with the setting sunrays streaming through the branches. God spoke to me a lot on the run through His beauty. He put such care into painting the woods like that. Sometimes it's easy for me to forget that He loves me and it's not just because He feels obligated (who could obligate God?) He also likes me for who I am, for who He made me to be. I don't know how, but running just has this way of clearing my head and helping me see stuff like that. However I ran waaay too long; we were out two hours and most of it was running and now I'm pretty sore. ; )