Spring Ladies' Retreat.
It was a beautiful day when I left the house for my trek to Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp, with a little bit of a breeze from the West and lots of sunshine. I had packed my raingear, but would I need it?
Soon though, dark clouds came into view, lightning cracked the sky and rain came down so fast my wipers could not manage the water. I didn't have rubber boots...
As quick as it started, it stopped again. Calgary was behind me now and in the rear-view mirror I could still see the pitch black clouds flashing angrily.
But ahead of me were the mountains and the green fields of the Foothills. I was not in a hurry, and stopped in a quiet spot along a river to eat something. The wind rustled in the trees, and the water scrambled over the rocks, what peace!
The landscape changed, more open spaces on hills far and wide. I was looking for landmarks. The fence posts on my right were wearing caps, all faded from the weather. Once on the gravel road into Kanaskis country, progress was slow, with many cow/calf sets on the road. One brown mama was waiting for her black baby to get through the fence. I waited for awhile, too. They walked on till there was a break in the wire. What a different pace out here in the hills!
The camp was the same and different: the same cabins, same cookhouse, different cook, different campfire place. I was impressed with the staff. They were all so young and so capable all visibly serving Jesus Christ!
Where else would you find two girls from opposite sites of the globe (Canada and New Zealand) singing worship songs in the kitchen?
The evening started with introductions. The teachers were three ladies from a church in Longview. We were in for a study weekend on four attributes of God: God is Holy; God is Lord over all; God is Truth and Truthful; God is Lawgiver and Judge. (by Paul Washer.)
Some very scary traits if you don't belong to Him! God is Love, too, and that's why He sent His Son to save us from Judgment.
Saturday afternoon was kept open for some outdoor activity. Some went for a walk, others went for a horseback ride, or took a nap. I went for the ride. It was beautiful! All around we heard birds as we rode through meadows full of spring flowers. We crossed many creeks, running fast. It made me feel dizzy, splashing through them. I kept my eyes on the far side, instead of looking at the swirling waters below.
That evening we sang songs around the campfire . We were from many different backgrounds, but singing about the God who saves, brought us together!
On Sunday morning we had worship, and then the last teaching of the weekend. We finally got to know each others a bit, and now it was time to go. A last lovely lunch together, some exchange of emails, and the weekend was over.
Thank you God, for your creation, for us to enjoy; the teachings, so we can get to know you better.
