Categories: orthodox-life, sightseeing
Date: 30 November 2004 08:29:55
...and straight into the furnace: metaphorically (work) and actually (the horrific hot and humid weather in Sydney today).
I cannot speak (or write) highly enough of the retreat: meeting new people and getting to know those I knew better; the services which lifted me up to heaven; and, last but certainly not least, the talks on being saints in all aspects of our lives, and fighting temptation and passions in particular. I really needed to hear this, though I didn't know it until I heard it; God does indeed provide.
For the next few days I'm going to be terribly self-indulgent and reflect upon a different aspect of the weekend. I pray this may help me to continue in the joy, peace and nearness to God I am feeling -- if only for a few days more. Coming back to Sydney, the soul-sapping has, unfortunately, begun.
James' comment on the good weather down there was spot-on: four days of glorious sunshine. After the retreat finished on Sunday afternoon, most of us from Sydney and a similar number from Melbourne (~8) went to Cape Woolamai and stayed at a beach house overnight. That night we went to see the Penguin Parade. It was truly amazing to see the cute little creatures waddle up from the ocean to their nests -- and fall over occasionally. Even their falling over was cute. They were only a metre or two away from us at times. God's creation is a marvellous thing.
After a long night of talking, mainly about stories of saints, miracles and the Desert Fathers [I learnt a great deal and was greatly encouraged], we went to bed and woke up next morning for our trip back. The women went to Chapel Street to shop, while us guys went go-kart racing: I came fifth...out of eight. ;-)
We then had a quick dinner then went to the airport for some sad goodbyes: I truly have made friends down there. I cannot wait until the next retreat (mid-February, near Manly).