My Weekend at the Sr. High Retreat- Joanna

Spending the weekend at Marmon Valley Farm with the Senior High youth was incredible! I had so much fun riding horses (once I got over my fear of falling off), doing the ropes course and hanging out with everyone. One the most difficult activities that we did over the weekend (at least for me) was the tire ropes course. There was a zip line that ran from one tree to another. They had set up five tires that were hanging from the line about two feet off the ground and three feet apart. Our task was to get from one tire to the other WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GROUND! I was thinking it was going to be almost impossible for me. I watched as every single person that went before me swing from one tire to the next. Then it was my turn. I am pretty positive it took me twice as long as it did everyone else. I almost fell off eight times. Oh, and it's Thursday and my arms still hurt a little.
Saturday night, Matt spoke on loving others as God loves us. He challenged us to love others as Jesus did, forgetting about ourselves. Sunday morning we woke up, hopped on a wagon and had a "Chuck wagon breakfast." We all got on a wagon that took us to a place in the woods, where the Marmon Valley staff made us breakfast over a campfire. After breakfast, Jon spoke and reminded us that we should focus on our relationship with Christ first and foremost. Sports, boyfriends, girlfriends and other things can control our lives and get in the way of what is truly important. He reminded us that our relationship with God and glorifying Him should be our first priority.

Sunday afternoon we spent the day playing Frisbee, doing the "straw maze," which was on the upper level of the barn and hanging out. When we left Marmon Valley, we went to Young's Dairy and had ice cream. The weekend was such a great time to get away from the stresses of our lives and focus on building relationships with each other and God. We were challenged both physically and spiritually. With each task we were given we learned that we could not complete it without good communication and encouragement. It was a challenging weekend for me but I loved every minute of it.

Joanna