DA Retreat

For the past two weeks there has been this German/Swiss group staying at the Phare. There is some sort of teaching going on in the salle de conference. Pleasant bunch these folks. They love our animals. I saw one of the ladies during her break take the Quenums dog, Lassie, for walk on a leash. This is highly amusing because Lassie isn’t the walk on a leash type. Anyway, so they’ve installed themselves quite comfortably and didn’t seem to be going anywhere for some time. I was surprised then, when I saw a big van show up one day and cart them all away. Bags and all. Were they done with the conference? Actually, no. They had to leave to make way for the GIGANTIC group of teenagers from DA that were coming the next day to spend the weekend with us.
At around 4 p.m. Friday, two car rapids , plus other cars and trucks came rumbling down the driveway to deliver what would be the Phare's rowdy guest till Sunday.
110 kids seeped out of the vehicles and onto the grounds of our tranquil abode.



Loud speakers were set up, tables were brought out and placed for convenience and efficiency. Pockets of friends roamed around discovering what there was to see and do in this new surrounding. 
This is the first time that DA has had their high school retreat at the Phare. Those of us who live and work here have been anticipating this, hoping that it would be a good experience for them and us. Beds were torn apart and reconstructed in different locations so as to accommodate the mass. Here’s a pile of mattresses we got in just the day before.

I was so happy how they immediately started using the fairly recently renovated basketball court. It gave them something to do while the staff set up for the evening meal and activities.
Later on after the meal they had a worship/teaching session. The music was SO nice. It made me wish we had loudspeakers placed throughout the Phare illuminating the property with songs that uplift the soul. I have this image of sweet songs of praise chasing away demons of dark that hide in the corners. But I digress...After that there were games and then beach time. The kids camped out around a fire in the back till late at night. It looked and sounded like they were having a lot of fun.




When I first moved to the Phare groups like this got on my nerves. I felt they were in ‘my space’. I can see that God is changing me in that area. I don’t feel so much that this is my space, but is Gods actually (uh..DUH). It gave me true joy to see these young people enjoying themselves so fervently and using the Phare as what its meant for. A place of training, teaching, retreat, rest. Ultimately enjoying God, loving Him, and giving Him glory.
We’re excited they came and are looking forward to next year when they come again:)



Oh, and a side note. After the DA group loaded up and left, the German/Swiss group rolled back in:) They are still here and still taking lassie for walks.