Every day we were there was sunny which was a blessing because last year it was a bit cold and all of us huddled next to the wood stove whenever we could. It was great to see other missionary teens, many of whom we met for the first time at the last MTR. We know that we are privileged to be raised on the mission field and that God has given us unique opportunities to learn firsthand the blessing of full-time Christian service.

When we got there the Carlisles entertained us all with a game of Mad Gab, which helped to break the ice. The boys then played on a big barrel of water trying not to get wet, but alas, some did. Also, the Cures, Bonikowskys, and Wilkins prepared highly entertaining skits.

The best part of these retreats is always the messages from the Word of God. Pastor Travis Smith came from Florida with studies prepared for us on Choosing Joy. Having inner joy is not dependant upon circumstances. His studies were especially effective because through difficulties in his own life and ministry, he learned the lessons he taught to us. I am sure that every person that was there took something home to meditate on. I realized how blessed my life was, and though the studies were not specifically addressing prayer, I was challenged in that area. (LD)

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Another thing I appreciated was the good, clean fun that we had together: the game on the stone water barrel (pretty refreshing when my leg took a dip into it!); the small ‘nap’ that we eight boys had, all squished together on a bench on the way back from the showers, waiting for Mr. Bonikowsky to arrive with the van; the hillside swing; Caleb’s wild tales (I’ll especially remember the one about the unfortunate Mundacio guy who lost his shirt); the descent through the trees (the best part of the hike!); and the night-time lullabies between the dorms! It’s good to know that fun can be free of the perverse elements the world likes to joke about. I’d like to thank all the organizers of the fantastic games and skits, and the great participants, too!

I am also glad for the emphasis that was put on our responsibilities because of our great privileges. Though I hadn’t really bargained on getting toilet duties again (I don’t mind, really!), I was grateful for the chores and rustic facilities and buildings. It’s good preparation for future ministry to learn to go the extra mile, accept responsibility, and adapt to new circumstances willingly. Actually, the old stone walls and wooden beams were things I looked forward to seeing, because of the charm they add to the farmhouse which wouldn’t be there if all the furnishings were modern. We learned to work together, as in kitchen duty and the dislodging of the truck when it got stuck in the muck!