Last Thursday, February 3rd was a holiday for the Mozambicans and CAM has to close the school for country holidays. Because the holiday was on a Thursday, we decided to take off Friday as well. It was perfect for a long weekend team retreat. Larry made reservations months ago and what a challenge that turned out to be. The team decided to go to Bad Plaas, which means “bath place” in South Africa. It is a wonderful resort built on a hot springs. No matter what time of year, it is a lovely place to visit.
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| Our "home" at the retreat |
South Africa is an English speaking country, but for some reason, they don’t seem to understand our “American” English. Larry spent several hours (at different times) shouting on the phone to try and get them to reserve three chalets for our group. They ended up with reservations for YWEIL. When everyone checked in they had to misspell our last name. What a riot.
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| Speakers: Louie & Craig |
The team invited two pastors, Louis and Craig, from a church in Nelspruit, South Africa, that most of us attend when we are there. We had a wonderful time of singing, praying and listening to God’s Word.
The afternoons were left free for relaxing and enjoying the pools and other activities at the resort. It was just lovely.
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| Larry "Braai-ing" |
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| Badplaas resort |
We were reminded of God’s great love for us and that He had chosen us to be where we are, not because we are the only ones who can do the ministry here, but the fact that God wants us here so that He can work in our lives.
We ate lunch together at the restaurant there and for the evening meal we barbequed or had a “braai” as they say in South Africa. All in all, we had a very good time.
We ended our time at Bad Plaas on Saturday morning and then traveled to Nelspruit to do our normal shopping for ourselves and the school. Larry and I traveled back to Maputo Sunday morning to get ready for a busy week ahead.
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| Melvin & Sharon Kelly & twins, Larry & Susan Weil, Louie, Craig, Aimee Howarth, Don & Aleta Hulsey, Zac & Coleson |
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| Retreat session at the resort |
Looks like a lovely time! I miss spending time with all of you, and I treasure those memories. :)
ReplyDeleteI love what you wrote: "We were reminded of God’s great love for us and that He had chosen us to be where we are, not because we are the only ones who can do the ministry here, but the fact that God wants us here so that He can work in our lives." This is so true...
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