This seemed to be the common reaction at this years retreat that took place over the past weekend. Powder Blast '08 was the name and family\community was our theme. It was a fantastic oppertunity for both our Junior High and High School students to come together for one huge retreat.

Jen Ludlow spoke in our first session and she gave a fantically clear message on becoming part of the family of God. You could see by the faces of the students that everyone was following along and making their own conclusions to what she was speaking on. It was an amazing way to kick start the retreat. We didn't have a band up their with us and our worship was done through kareoke worship. At first I wasn't to sure on how it would play out, but after the first session it was clear that it was a good option. They were singing along and even the guy/girl sections of songs was happening. It was a pleasent surprise.

The second day saw everything from skiing to eating kool-aid, giant swings to broomball games. Saturday was the day of complete activities with over 8 options for the kids to try out. Before those though each gender had their own seminar led by one of their leaders and from the feedback that I have recieved they all went well. At Saturday's session I spoke on Nehemiah chapter two and how one person can make a difference in a community. It was a unique look at leadership from Nehemiah's story that had jumped into my head while in San Diego in October. That night saw snowball fights, nacho parties and a risk game (in the highschool guys cabin).

Sunday morning's session was done by Jeff. He summarized his message as talking "about moving beyond from where you are, growing up and recognizing that our relationship with god must grow as we grow otherwise we will eventually be left with feelings of missing the point." It was a great way to end the retreat by giving the students a challenge to look at in their own faith.

My top 5 moments from the retreat would be:

#5 The afternoon of sports on Saturday (snow football and broomball). My coat was a casuality of the meyhem.

#4 Finding out the Jr. High girls ate all the nachos on the Saturday Night

#3 This one is a tie. Steve Mogdan throwing snowballs at the people on the giant swing when they had no chance of defending themselves. As well as the rapping styles of our own Jen Ludlow or should I say J. Lu.

#2 The discovery of singing talent from the Juniour High leaders. Of course referring to their musical genious while showering. Thank you Jen and Jeff for your detective work.

#1 The junior high dominance in the cabin challenges. Boys finished first because of their teamwork and the girls' imaginative and creative skills placed them in second.

Ohhh I could not let this picture not make the blog. HAHAHAHA (Kool-Aid tastes bad!!)