Tuesday, July 26, 2005

WBS retreat

It is always nice to have a weekend away. Even if it is just a drive down to a not too distant suburban town.

The country air was crisp and fresh. Our minds were allowed to wander. We were feeling happy and relaxed. The views on our drive down south were stunning.

We arrived at Nowra close to midnight. Our car carried most of the food supplies for the weekend, so we were welcomed with open arms by the early arrivals.

I have never been to a church camp or retreat before. So I was ready for the 2 days of learning and investigating the bible.

The topic we were to discuss is Wisdom. God’s wisdom.

We used the book of Genesis in our exploration, and paraphrased that to passages of the New Testaments. We looked at God’s order of creation, Adam and Eve, the fall of mankind and our new hope through the one man we call Jesus.

Through the investigation and discussions. We learnt that creation was not mastered up by a random combustion of events. Instead, every action and history led to a purpose. Like a game of chess well played. With every move well thought of and executed.

I was humbled and challenged.

Though the world came to sin by one man. The world was saved and given salvation by one appointed other. We are not just restored to the beginning of time like the circle of life. But are heading towards a better world, a better time. Through his Son, who paid the ultimate price for all mankind. We will have inheritance to a world where sin, fear, pain will rein no more.
A powerful and reassuring certainty so freely given, yet so hardly grasp.
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Besides bible studies. We took time out for walks in the lush bush land of Shoalhaven River.

I love bush walking. The stimulation of both sights and senses are invigorating. It must be because I am such a city pumpkin. So rarely in touch with nature and her gifts.

The start of the 4km bush walk is through 2 huge boulders. We finished the walk in just under 2 hours stopping several times to take pictures (as all asians do!) and playing silly "I spot with my little eye something that begins with..... something something something" games. It was refreshing and I managed to catch up with lots of friends that I only get to meet once a week so that was great.

I was in charge of our meals and here was the menu I put together..

Breakfast
American Breakfast – Bacon, Honey Baked Ham, Eggs, Toast, and Mel's famous Love Pancakes! (don't ask... )
Cereal, Fruits
Coffee & Tea
Lunch
Spaghetti Bolognese with Toasted Garlic Bread
Tea Break
Biscuits with Tea & Coffee
Dinner
Wanton with Mee Goreng or Chicken Noodle Soup
Dessert
Red Bean Soup

Not bad for a mere budget of $10 / person!!

I had 6 beautiful and 1 hunky [my husband of course] assistant chiefs. And a large [almost professional looking] kitchen to show off my culinary skill.

We had so much fun cooking, eating, playing table tennis, shooting pool, and intriguing bible studies. The retreat in short, was a success!

AND. Mel’s love pancakes were such a hit!!

Thunder stealer.... !!!!!

ps: Incidently. WBS stands for Workers Bible Study.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures guys!


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