Encouragement for the Day

Exercise DAILY - walk with the Lord

The Junior-Senior Retreat

      Smiles crept across the faces of all whose eyes fell upon the sign – “There will be no orchestra or choir today. That means no volleyball, no hanging out in the halls, everyone to the dorms. It's time to pack.” What seemed to be edging up ever so slowly was now only one sleep away: Junior-senior campout.

     Packing was lighter this time; there were no tents, no air mattresses, and there wasn't an extra bag needed to be packed for the food each of us were usually required to bring – lest we starve. How was this a campout, you ask? It wasn't. This was our retreat. You see, normally Junior-senior campout is a legitimate campout that consists of hard dirt floors, tents, fires for warmth, and a lake for a shower at Seton. This campout was different. Because of an unexpected dilemma with camping at Seton, it wasn't available for us eager campers this year. The breaking of tradition was about to take place because we were on our way to Camp Hope. That's right. Cabins, beds WITH MATRESSES, a lodge, and best of all...showers with HOT WATER.

     Load luggage, get on bus, sleep on bus, arrive at Hope, unload bus, scramble to best cabin room, RELAX. Volleyball and soccer were the first of many activities that unfolded, followed by telephone charades, skits and various activities planned by the mighty fantastic Senior Class Officers. You see, the class officers – Mr. Chris Donatelli as President, Ms. Sierra Buhler as Vice President, Pastor Diane Carvalho, Treasurer Michael Jensen, and Secretary Eileen Corrigan – planned the entire trip for the luxury of the juniors. We were never required to help cook food in the kitchen, which by the way was the best food ever thanks to Beth and Agnes, nor were we required to help clean up or wash dishes. Even seniors's only requirements were to help make breakfast and clean up once the entire weekend.

The weekend reached its climax Saturday night. All of us campers were in the lodge singing hymns after the close of Sabbath when shrieks of terror erupted from the room. Bandits burst into the room terrorizing different victims. A bag was thrown over there heads and the poor souls were dragged from their seats and out the various exits. Some tried to kick their way free while others gave up the fight – all, however, were gone. Noises of confusion murmured from the lips of us who witnessed this terrible scene. It was now our job to go rescue one of the captives. Given a map and a glow-stick for light, we were sent on the hunt. Into bushes, through dimly lit trails, under rocks, over hills, and climbing walls, we were required to find the next clue. Not only that, but we had to beware of the bombs that were thrown at us along the way: water bombs (or balloons for those of you that are less imaginative). Time after time we were assaulted with balloons. Many moments were spent lost and in confusion of where to go next. Where was our captive!? What were they doing to them? Finally the last clue was found: “I am fed, but don't touch me or your hand will turn red”. That could only mean one place, the fire pits. When we arrived, we found all the captives warm and laughing by the fire. We joined the happy throng as we all reflected on the amazing hunt. Some never made it entirely through but were brought to the fire for delicious smores, hot chocolate, and lemonade. That night, or should I say morning as the clock read 12:30 a.m., was the most memorable night of the year.  

Worship Group

My hall has a lot of awesome people. We have enjoyed mornings together in worship and devotion as well as an awesome Sunday eating splurge. (:

1 sophomore, 3 juniors and 2 seniors