Family Retreat Part II

It is always a privilege to partner with the Joni and Friends team. 

Dr. Zhang shared during our training. His daughter joined us this year as a volunteer. Dr. Zhang translated Joni's autobiography into simplified Chinese.

I'm always glad when my family can join me in our activities.

On Saturday, the kids enjoyed flying kites. It was a nice windy day.

The kids also enjoyed bubbles. Bubbles near and far!

And then there was water! Hudson did not enjoy being soaked, but most of the kids thought it was great fun!

Meanwhile, the parents were receiving training and encouragement. This is Melissa and Clemen's group. Dayna and Leah led the other group.

In the afternoon, we had another two guests share their stories (to my right). Their stories were powerful. All of the men who attended the dad group this afternoon were impacted. It was my favorite hour of the retreat.

Inside, the kids had lots of songs and crafts like a typical VBS setting.

More outside fun! This time with water guns.

Molly and Hudson loved their new best friend, Mary, who was one of the team leaders of the Joni and Friends team.

Saturday night was family swim night. One of the mother's cried as she expressed gratitude for her to be able to take her child swimming with friends.

And of course, my kids loved the swimming. Dayna repeatedly voiced, "This is so much fun!"

Here is one of my good friends. I gave him the English name of Jimmy. He would like for me to visit his home every day. I could only promise to come in a few weeks, but I'll do my best to see him when I can.

On Sunday night, the Joni and Friends drama team started the talent show with dramatic mime interpretation.

When it was the kids turn, they filled the stage with more energy and excitement than I can express with words.

They were ready with costumes and all.

Our musician friend continued to play Mozart-like pieces.

And of course, Molly and Hudson had a puppet show to perform. Many evenings in our home look like this. In this drama, they are acting out Joshua and the walls of Jericho.

One of the best parts of the retreat is the closing ceremony. This is what it looks like for a family to walk through the tunnel of volunteers and JAF team members. Words of encouragement and hope and love were spoken over the family as they traveled.

At the end of the tunnel, they were greeted either by Dayna and me or Steve and Melissa.

The family retreat is truly only the beginning. A few days after the retreat, this grandmother (on the far left) had to go to the hospital for cerebral infarction, a type of stroke. This family asked us to come and pray, which we were honored to do.

~ Kevin