Sorry it's been a while since i've written. Let me fill you in... The silent retreat on Saturday was a really neat experience. We all piled in vans and went to the state park (which was gorgeous!). We got there at 10am and everyone dispersed to find his/her own place to get away and try to listen for God. When we gathered together again at 1:30, I was so blessed to hear stories of how God spoke so personally to each. It actually moved me to tears as I listened, because I was just overwhelmed with the realization of just how precious we are to God. I was just struck with how anxiously he is waiting for us to get quiet so he can come and talk with us intimately. And he talks to each person according to the details of how he created us! He knows us so well and loves us so passionately! It was an awesome time for everyone.
Then Saturday night, we all let loose and got off campus to have some fun. About 20 of us loaded up in 4 cars and drove 45 minutes to a Big Sandy's Dance Hall, where a crowd of older people regularly cut loose. It was SO much fun! Some feisty little old ladys taught us all some great Country line dances, and we spent the night learning the western 2 step with sweet old men my grandpa's age :) It was a blast and we all want to go back!
Sunday was church and a nice loooong nap :D. Now today we're back to the normal schedule, in class at 8. Today we learned about conflict resolution: between us and God, us and other people etc. It was very helpful and I think well needed in preparation for living in a big tin can (ie. the ship ;P) with about 450 people. hehe After class we took a team photo of the whole Gateway class and the staff. It's been fun. looking forward to another week and what God has planned for the rest of the time!