Catholic Volunteers in Florida Retreat

Our Fall Retreat was held at the United Methodist Camp in Fruitland Park, under the direction of our new Retreat Director, Julie McElmurry.  The exuberance of friends coming together from their various service sites was infectious.

Friday began with chair yoga, then a presentation on "The Spirituality of Conflict" by Heidi Peckham, who always gives a lively discourse on interesting and timely subjects.  We had plenty of free time, and I played my first volley ball game that afternoon.  Chelsea starred in college, so you can imagine the caliber of the competition.

Another presentation on the 'Examen' of St. Ignatius of Loyal was given by the Orlando Director of Communications, Teresa Peterson.  She encouraged spiritual journaling using the Daily Examen to explore God's presence in our lives.  Each evening Julia and Calla provided inspirational material for prayer and reflection.  There is a cross on the lake that is illuminated at night, and a heron and an alligator show up, faithfully, at sundown, I guess to glorify God and thank Him for another day.

Saturday I led a yoga routine and the Morning Prayer with Taize music, Psalm, Scripture and Intercessory prayer. Then THE FUN! -  a Ropes Course in the woods to continue to build team spirit.  We were led through various routines, to test cooperation and support, culminating in very difficult rope and rock climbing, which only the stout-hearted were able to complete.  I climbed the tower to the zip line, my knees shaking, stepped on that flimsy platform and wondered what kind of fool was I?  Then jumped!  OMG, I can now cross that off my 'bucket list'.

Later that evening, we carved pumpkins to take back to our service sites and lit a bonfire to toast sommores (or however you spell it).  I recited "The Cremation of Sam McGee", and we sang and honored those who birthdays had passed or about to be celebrated.  Again, the stout-hearted stayed after midnight to watch the flames go out.

Sunday several of us attended Mass at St. Paul's before saying goodbye until January, where we will gather again in St. Augustine.