Spring retreat part II

I will start where I ended last time. I got a good bed and a room which is in high standards compared to my previous retreat experiences (obvious that I am in a developed country). I was able to get up around 7 am (as usual for the second or third alarm). Almost every time I forgot that I am with some foreigners. I was wondering and thinking like I was with them for a long time. The bond I have with my CSM members back home made me feel the same here no matter the difference of the environment.

I always got welcoming wishes from everybody and I kept getting closer to the set of strangers. in fact I felt they are no more strangers. After having the breakfast, it was the time to choose one of your prayer choices and follow that for the morning session. The choices were rosary, way of the cross, painting or drawing in prayers sketching your thoughts in free mind or do the brethren. I chose brethren since I never heard of that. It is a curved path that you follow remembering your life journey, difficulties or any thing that you wish to share with God (that is the idea I got this time and it may be different). It was actually good experience. The weather was quite cold compared to yesterday though. I spent some quiet time there and then we headed towards the room.

then before the lunch it wa the time to one-on-one discussions along walkways for an hour or so. I was paired with Nick Jobe and it was very nice. We talked about various things and I think I spoke too much there :). We exchanged thoughts about our thoughts and he liked my sharing and I was happy that in developed countries you can find faithful people to God. Most importantly I am happy to be friendly with these wonderful people. Then we had lunch. After quite some time I had all american food for all meals for a weekend. Then it was the play time all evening.

Guys went outside to play frisbee and it was windy in front so we played for some time in the back yard. One by one came and joined and it was the time to play the Ultimate Frisbee game. I haven't played that game before and the rules are abit like rugby but you play it with the frisbee. We went to a bigger playing area in front and I was in the Jedidiah's team. The game is played between two teams. Each team has to pass the frisbee from one side to the other and if you miss it and hits the ground, its time for the other team to carry it towards your goal post. Once you catch the frisbee you can't run, you have to pass that. You have to catch the frisbee between the goal posts to get a point. Its an awesome game :). fun. We played for few hours until we felt it was enough. At the same time there was a Prom night photo shoot at the venue. I have never seen a Prom other than in movies. It was a good experience as well.

Then after the game we were chatting and hanging out in the building. Jedidiah played the Piano in the lobby and I was enjoying it very much. Christian, Aaron and two girls played cards. I was having good time..... Then in the evening we had reconciliation program and a service. After that we had a bon fire. Its a fire made outside and people gather around that and roast some marsh mellows and eat, chat and etc. Brandon tried hard to make the fire bright but it was difficult since the wood was somewhat wet. But we had a good fire. hmm good time again. After some time some went inside again to lay some games. We played mafia again. Now I was getting to know the game well. Suddenly Jessie came and said fire is going down and Brandon ran to fire it up again. But he was too late and we all came inside since it seemed like fire had died so far. Some were talking about various things and I said I could show them some videos of Sri Lanka which I had in my lap top. They were amazed and happy that it is a beautiful country :).

It was around 2 am in the morning then. We some went outside again. Hanging out near the island and Christian brought hit fighting swords and they played with them for some time. Then someone brought out a strange idea of driving out for a coffee. Brandon at once second it and we set off. Brandon, Aaron, Jessi ad Marissa in Brandon's car, Christian, Jedidiah and me in Christian's car. Brandon headed the way saying he will show the way. Actually he drove for 30 mins and it was eventually abit far :). what to do? Some drank coffee listening to Brandon's talks :). When we came back it was around 4 am in the morning. Some were already asleep in the car. ha ha ha. nice outing. That was it for all saturday and what a day I had. good friends ad good days.

Sunday morning, we had breakfast and then after a short discussion we had the mass and the program came to an end. All left taking the lunch and man it was a good weekend. It helped me to get many new friends and get abit closer to God as well. I was happy that I made the decision to go on the retreat. It made a good environment for me be in the rest of my stay here. I now have more opportunity to work closely with the church and with people. I am happy.....