Oasis Retreat 2006

After looking over the summary that Howard sent us, Aaron and i were both a little nervous about how the messages and 'tract' would turn out. So little faith.
Thank you Howard (aka Mr Vermont) =)

I expected the messages to be difficult, but i never could of thought that the Spirit would have convicted us in such ways and the degree of transparency and vulnerability....wow.

Another thing that 'stood out' was the conversations among some of the girls. I find it so difficult to open up now- mostly because i'm afraid of investing into a relationship and then loosing it. So i tend to open up to a certain point or only invest a certain amount of effort/time into a relationship. I really want to 'invest' in these friendships with the girls at church...Lord give me the courage to step out and be a blessing to my sisters.
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I've been reminded alot recently that it's not everything in the world. There are more important things- there is still alot of time.

And i think to myself, 'What was i thinking??? '
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Congratulations to all the recent graduates! Good job.

I was really sad after meeting some of the children last week. And it got me wondering, how i would feel/react/live if my child was blind..and couldn't speak..or with any other disability. If all of his creation is made to glorify him..how is a child with such limitations suppose to do that? My heart was so heavy last week. I kept asking himself over and over again what i would do.

But THIS week i'm beginning to see what the children CAN do rather than what they can't. It's hard sometimes when i'm trying to communicate with a blind child who can't speak..cuz it feels like i'm talking to myself. But yea. I've been spending time with this little boy who is a little over a year old..and he's SOOOO smart and shows all his emtions. So cute. He would get really upset whenever anyone walks near the door cuz he thought he was getting left behind. And whenever you ask him a question, he always nods his head. He's so full of energy and loves to play and smile. He fell asleep in my arms today.

So yes, i'm liking this week alot more. I've been meeting alot of the other volunteers which is a nice bonus.

My highlight of the past week- hearing from Linda (aka Miss Hammy Ham Ham).

What i'm looking forward to- Oasis Retreat. I'm a little scared of what God will be telling us through Howard. Scared but excited. Although most of the ppl from Oasis is already serving in several different ministries inside and outside of tcac, we still have SOOO much potential to serve, to love, to do kingdom things. So i'm really excited about how Howard is going to challenge us- maybe to give up some things, and to take up other things. I think we're ready to climb higher.

I've also been thinking of the English Retreat alot. To be honest, they're not always the most fun retreats. But similarly, i'm excited about what our congregation will hear. I pray that we will get a good butt whipping.