Secondary Retreat

Last Wednesday, the seventh through twelfth grade, along with the secondary staff ,went on a retreat. We stayed at a resort about two hours outside of Prague in the Czech country side. For me, personally,  that was such a blessing. Growing up in small-town Wisconsin, I was ready for a break from the city. It was also a nice break from the school setting for everyone. The different setting helped relationships form between staff and students, as well as students from different grades. It was also a great opportunity for students and staff to grow in their relationship with God.

There are so many stories to tell form those few days. Student leaders did a great job of leading the chapel services. We were able to celebrate the tenth year of CISP on the tenth of October. All those things were wonderful, but some of the main stories that I have are related to all the injury reports I had to write when we came back. Being the only staff member certified in first aid, I was the one dealing with every cut, scrap, bee sting, sprain, etc. The first night, we had bleeding hands and knees and a student who ran neck first into a clothes line. The second day we had four different people get stung by bees, a knee sprain, bleeding legs, and a staff member who had his shoulder pop out of socket (but thankfully go back in). I was very busy applying first-aid cream, making slings, running for ice packs, finding the anti-histamine medication, and reapplying gauze and bandages. We all have ways in which we can serve, and that was how I was able serve my community while on the retreat.

 8th graders practicing for worship.

 Me with one of the middle school girls at our 10th year celebration dinner. 

 Me with some other staff members as we watch the students playing on the field. 

 Singing "Happy 10th Year CISP."

 Middle school students listening to game rules. 

High school students preparing for worship during chapel time. 

Praises:

1. The retreat went well and we saw God answer so many prayers; such as holding off the rain, seeing students grow closer to Him, and having fun with each other. 
2. The injuries that did occur were all taken care of and now everyone seems to be fine. Cuts are healing, shoulders are functioning, and bee stings are looking good. 
3. I was able to form deeper relationships with a number of the students and staff on the retreat. It was a great opportunity to get to know the high school students who I have not had in class yet. 

Prayer Requests: 

1. Pray that what students learned would stay with them. 
2. Please pray for my students who do not know Jesus, that they would take time to reflect on what they learned about Him at the retreat. Pray that God will capture their hearts. 
3. It was a long week, and I know there are some people (including me) who have developed colds or other illnesses. Please pray for the health of our students and staff.