A month before Easter week, I got to know there is a retreat organized by the Catholic Campus Ministry of Wright State. I had no idea what this retreat was and wondering whether to go on this. In fact when I was an undergrad in Sri Lanka, we used to organize retreats once a year. I only had 4 years as an undergrad and when I remember those years they were unforgettable solely because of the time I had in Catholic Students' Movement activities. I shall also say that our unit was the best among other universities. No doubt about that. Others always wait to see what is coming out of us. We always introduced new things and activities. Printing a t-shirt annually is one such thing. Talking about my CSM memories can be set aside for now. I will talk about it later. This is about my new experience....Sometimes I feel lonely, sometimes I feel enthusiasm. All because I am in a new country and living alone. I have been living in my home country for a very long and suddenly I had to come to a totally strange environment. The only consolation I have is God and trying to get closer to him. Sunday mass is one such thing. So the retreat also has very little cost compares to living expenses and rest is covered by some funds. Since it had some charge, I was thinking whether to go on this or not. Furthermore these people are not that familiar to me as well. Then one day I talked to Brandan about this and asked what is the schedule and what is going on. It seemed like the same thing we did earlier. So one positive thing. I do not know how it happened and I decided to participate.
On the same week when the retreat is organized we were having mid term exam for a core course. So I was really busy and wasn't thinking about the retreat but studying and doing many other work. Exam was on Thursday and just as it was over I was thinking about the retreat. I was abit scared and also more happier. It might be of thinking like going on a trip. I was scared because I am a stranger here. My color is not matching as well. All those thoughts were going on. Above all, I was happy that I was going on that on Friday. I packed the bag and waited until Friday evening. Christian phoned me and said he's ready to go and I left the lab to meet them at the church. I had mixed feeling at that time. happy and scared.
I told Theresa that I need car pooling since I do not have a vehicle. So Me, Christian, Eva and Jedadiah set off by Christian's car. I talked with them on the way and they were really nice. I met Jeradiah on wednesdays at Bible study but I haven't talked with Christian and his sister even though we occasionally meet at Sunday mass. We had to get dinner on the way and we stopped at the restaurant and I have never been to there. We ordered breakfast menu. I had no idea on that menu and I asked Christian to order what ever he orders. I got pan-cakes and it was delicious. I really enjoyed them. At the end Christan paid the bill for all of us. Such a nice guy.
Even though Christian had a GPS he never turned that on and we missed the road on the way and had to find the way back using the GPS. that was fun though. When we reached the place, Maria Stein, it was around 7 45 pm. Most of them know each other and I am the stranger. There was the welcome talk and then we had some play time. They played Ninja. I didn't because I have played that before. While there were playing, I got a piece of paper and drew a sketch of their play. And I got some good comments from girls. That was a positive sign and a move.
So then they started playing Mafia. It seemed like a cool game and I decided to play even though I didn't have any clue. Gino helped me with all the information and I played the game until almost the end. They didn't kill me because they might not know me well or gave me a chance :) . It was a really cool game. very interesting and thrilling. One of the most exiting group games I have ever played. It was fun.
Then we had a walk in the outside late night. I am so grateful that they all welcomed me really well and I felt no discomfort. But once in a while I got reminded by my self that I am with foreigners. That is because I have slight skin color difference :) . But they didn't care as I guess and I neither. We walked around until 1 am. Some stayed outside and others went inside. I also stayed for some time outside hanging around for sometime ( near the lake shown here). I didn't wear shoes and felt cold. So I went inside. Some played inside, others waited outside. I was reading a book in the lobby found in that area and it was about some faith experience article. Many passed by stopped and spent some time with me. It was really nice for me. I was getting the feeling that it is the same. Very same things that we did when I was a undergrad when we went on retreats. I remember, CJ, Hasitha, Derrik, Susantha, Anton, Mahesh and many other friends (love u guys for those days). I am getting back those days again and I am thankful to GOD.Then after sometime around 2 am, I went to sleep and wanting to get up early around 7 30 am and get ready for breakfast around 8 am. This is how my first retreat experience started on the first day and I was welcome really well and I am thankful to everyone for that. I got to know many here and made many friends. Good friends with great faith. The rest of the story to follow (next two days) .....
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