Day 10 - Leadership Retreat (Day 2)

Oh my! What a way to start the day! We got to sleep last night at around 11:00pm, and I’m not sure how early everyone woke-up (our cabin woke up at 3:30), but everyone was up, ready, and leaving by the truckload by 4:30 to head to the start of a 3 mile run, in pairs, to the beach.

At the start of the race, Tyler explained that the Salvadorian leaders are up against a darkness in their country. Gangs, violence, broken homes, political unrest, to name a few. But he explained that by following Christ and submitting to His purpose for each of their lives, they begin a journey (the race) toward their goal (the beach). And just like path brightened as we ran into the dawn, El Salvador will be brighter in the aftermath of these leaders taking up their cross, following Christ, and fulfilling their purpose in life. The road can be difficult, and you may easily give up alone, but having someone by your side, pushing you forward and supporting you will enable both to change the world.

Our team was incredible on the run. Brandon was cheering on his partner, Kelly (one of the few non-athletes on this trip) without getting frustrated that he couldn’t finish first like he hoped to, Bishop ran alongside everyone, cheering, Carly literally carried her partner on her back when she wasn’t able to run anymore… all in all, it was amazing to experience. The end result was worth the work; the water looked beautiful... and after that run, it felt even better!

Back at camp, the day was filled with more sessions, meals and competitions, including a game of Ultimate Frisbee and swimming competitions.

As for Ultimate Frisbee... Tonia deserves a serious MVP trophy for that! She ended up in a leg cast! But she is doing great, she is in wonderful spirits, and she now has the undying approval of the TLA family because she incurred a sports injury, and won the game for the team by doing it! But please keep her in your prayers!

Until tomorrow...