Tuesday, October 08, 2024

Paddling

Family came round bringing pizzas for an impromptu dinner together on Sunday so that was lovely. Then yesterday it was the Zac's retreat day.

Husband dropped me off in Mumbles early so I could get some food for lunch and it didn't take me as long as I expected so I was ridiculously early for the meeting I took a wander along the prom, had a paddle, and collected conkers.


It was late to be collecting conkers. All the best ones had gone. I was asked why I collected them; because. The best ones are very beautiful, and there's a legend that if you keep a bowl of conkers in a room it deters spiders. My bedroom is living proof that doesn't work.

Then the retreat. There were four of us: Sean, Stu, the venue manager, Poj, another trustee and me. We were meeting in Red Cafe, which had been loaned to us, very kindly by Linden Church. As I've mentioned before some big decisions are needed, and, I confess, I went along feeling quite down about it, as the future looked dim.

I came away feeling rejuvenated and excited for the future. If things go to plan we will be getting back to the original vision of Zac's, which I and a number of others felt we were in danger of losing.

So I am very happy!

13 comments:

Boud said...

That sounds like a good outcome. What's the original vision?

Liz Hinds said...

"A chaotic mix of radical Christian discipleship, the arts, and service to the poor." It felt that we were losing the mix; it was becoming all service to the poor without any real relationship/friendship building.

Anvilcloud said...

I looked up conkers to be sure, and they are what I had thought.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

The sign of a great retreat -- feeling rejuvenated and excited for the future!

Janie Junebug said...

I'm happy for you. A good retreat is a wonderful thing.

Love,
Janie

Marie Smith said...

I am glad things worked out as you’d hoped, Liz!

jabblog said...

I agree with you about conkers - they are quite beautiful.

Liz Hinds said...

Sorry, I meant to put a photo.

Liz Hinds said...

Indeed, it is.

Liz Hinds said...

Thank you, Janie.

Liz Hinds said...

Thank you, Marie.

Liz Hinds said...

They have such a wonderful colour and sheen.

Kathy G said...

I'm looking forward to reading what unfolds at Zac's