Submitted by Tim… Don’t miss out on this year’s retreat sophomores! I think one of the best parts of the retreat was the atmosphere. It was eye opening and thought provoking while still being fun and relaxed. Some people expected another winter retreat with all day messages, while others expected a snow trip kind of retreat. It was actually a healthy mix of both. Looking back on it, it feels like we spent a week up there, which is why I can’t believe it was only about 2 days.
People always tell me that sophomore year is the most difficult/challenging year due to new living situations, insecurities, and spiritual growth. But from the experiences at the retreat (ex. vision sharing, Q and A with Pastor Ed and Kelly, talking during meals/hike), I got to see that each one of us is as insecure, irrational, and clueless about the future as the next peer. Now I feel that we can all just be honest with ourselves and make the most of this year. That barrier of being casual acquaintances with most of my peers outside of my home group was broken this past weekend. One thing I learned was that, in order to really get to know my peers, I need to take initiative and go beyond the casual interactions of games and sports and dig deep in sharing how I see God working in my life and what He’s been telling me. It’s so true that friends can go for months, and sometimes even years, without getting past the “fun and games” part of life.
It was great getting to know Pastor Ed and Kelly. They’re actually very fun to be around! There is that aspect of them being as old as my parents and them being the leader of my leader’s leader’s leader, but I think it’s healthy. Seeing them talk about their visions for us and our future, watching them live their daily lives, and learning the word of God through them gave me a new conviction on how I want to live my life.
That weekend really made me appreciate the fellowship I have with all the peers God blessed me with and the Sierra Lodge. Life at Sierra Lodge is just different. You eat together, work together, learn together, have fun together, and praise God together. It’s worry free. It’s you, your brothers and sisters, and God.
Vision sharing was the highlight of the discipleship retreat for many of my peers as well. After hearing each of our visions, all the sudden we saw one another differently, and it got me excited just realizing that these are very doable if we combine forces. Right after, I remember seeing some of the girls getting together and started talking about it, saying, “I didn’t know you had heart for this!!” And that’s actually how some of the senior girls did the “More Than a Face” talk on campus and in the dorms this past year.