Fall Retreat

Thanks for praying for our middle school fall retreat to Switzerland, it was a fun weekend! 

We arrived on Friday afternoon, and after unpacking our vans and settling into rooms, we hiked to a nearby waterfall. That evening we kicked off our teaching theme of "community" by doing a few group activities that caused students to have to work together. On Saturday morning, we woke up to snow! It made for a fun day. 

Overall, we had a great weekend. Our talks focused on learning what it means to be part of the body of Christ, and how each person has something to contribute to the group. We often focus on things we can't do or aren't good at, rather than thinking through what gifts and strengths we do have. We challenged students to consider how they can use their abilities to encourage others. 

For one of our meals students couldn't ask for any food nor could they fix their own plate. After a little confusion, they figured out that in order to eat, they needed to make someone else a meal. For another meal, we zip-tied everyones wrists together and they had to figure out how to work together to eat their meal. It was a good visual of literally being "one." 

These group challenges went fairly well. Some responses made for prime teaching opportunities to lean into. We'd appreciate prayers that our group would continue to grow in unity this year and that students would be more willing to lay aside their selfish desires and look out for the interests of others. It's our prayer that students would grow in Christlikeness.

^A picture of our lodge surrounded by mountains. 

 Learning to work together...

 

 ^ In the middle of our group challenge, a farmer passed by our lodge with his cows. This picture doesn't do it justice, but each cow had a huge bell hanging around their neck. They were noisy! 

 Free Time...

 ^ Our lodge had an awesome yard... what a view! 

^ Our snowman!