~Winter Retreat!~

We had so much fun! We left on Friday and got back on Monday(yesterday). We had a weekend full of fellowship and learning! We had classes and activities that were centered around God. Our theme was "TRANSFORMED- Turning Barriers Into Bridges" We had cold days and

LLLOOOONNNGGGGGG nights! Eric and Curtis decided to bring back "The Candle Thing" and for those of you who have done it you know how touching it can be. Its where the kids get to talk about all the positive things they have experienced in the youth group and about others. We passed around a candle and as it went around to each person the emotions surfaced. I told the kids how much they meant to me and I told each one of them the great qualities that I loved so much about them....... Eric told them how great our year had been with them. These are some of the things that I said about the seniors that went with us.......

Rachel Dunn- She is an awesome leader and all the girls look up to her so much. She has been such an example for all of them.

Stephen- He always knows how to make everyone laugh. We have went through our ups and downs but you know that we care for you very much! We have shared so much with each other and I cant wait to see you grow after High School! We will always be in your life and we look forward to your friendship for years to come!

Becky- Your smile always helps me get through!

Richard- I am so happy to see how you have stepped up this year! You have been amazing with the group and you mean so much to us!!! You are truly a GREAT leader and so many of the boys look to you for help and you are always there to get them through and offer them encouragement! You will be such a great Youth Minister someday! You are such a role model for your brother and he is already following in your foot steps.

We enjoyed a weekend with the kids and the adults that went! We learned so much more about the group! We shared memories this year at the Winter retreat that will never be forgotten! We got snow last year and we were all looking forward to snow this year. However, we didn't gt any. We had below freezing temps but we didn't have the moisture! Some of us were dissapointed when we found out that Prattville had snow and we wouldn't get to see it! Maybe next year!