I Survived. It was awesomer.

76 kids and eight hours of sleep in three days later, I am still alive. I have survived 'Winter/Snow without Snow Retreat Weekend 2005.' Lots of high's, lots of low's, but really most importantly--most of the kids had a good time and they got to learn lots about Jesus. Whew. Because that was the point.

Our speaker for the weekend was named Dustin, and he gave a great talk about living our lives "awesomer" with Christ. He made up the word--and three days later, the kids are using it as the new buzz word, which is rather entertaining.

Because it was basically us and 76 kids in the Arlington Free Methodist Church Youth Center building for three days, there was lots of down time--meaning there was lots of time for meaningful conversations with kids. I was able to talk to a girl I've been praying about for 5 months about Jesus for the first time--I was able to find my Owyhee River girl a ride to Sunday School, meaning she will probably finally get integrated into a local church--and I was able to talk to a junior high girl who is feeling like it's hard to believe in God right now.

All in all, the weekend for me really was just about surviving a last-minute entertainment-driven no-sleep schedule. and two days later, I'm feeling okay about it.

Although next year, I guarantee I will be praying and fasting for lots of snow.