"Time has gone by since that long Queen's Birthday weekend at Camp Morely. I thought I had better type this before the memory of those moments diminish. What a weekend! It would have to be for Jan and I one of the choicest times that we have ever had. I must admit that I approached the weekend with somewhat mixed feelings - basically very tired after busy months of work, rather begrudging the time away, not knowing anyone there save one couple - and realising we would be spending 3 days with total strangers. With memories of other "churchy" type camps recurring, etc - all rather off-putting!

But what surprises awaited!!! Never, never have Jan and I been in such a group of choice folk. It was a tonic to be part of, and to experience. In sharing, I continually felt that I had known these strangers all of my life. How had this assembly / collection of wisdom, experience, maturity, depth and spirituality come together??? I was totally amazed and nonplused at the event. Thank you, thank you John and Jan sooooooo very much for arranging this event.

Some other reflections .... Body ministry - wonderful and refreshing (We really never did need all those church programmes did we!!!) The size of the group seemed about right - enough to form a circle. (More may have been too many for each to contribute freely)

The times to just chat with other couples was neat - to share honestly and just be yourself was beautiful. Honest sharing is most encouraging. No strain or stress - how neat to relax and enjoy each other's company. Acceptance. Affirmation. Recognition of each other's spirit - awesome indeed, and unfortunately quite rare. Edifying. Refreshing. Building up spiritually - WOW!!!

One product of the weekend that I have found since returning - SPIRITUAL RELEASE in an inner personal detail of my background and personality (maybe to be shared at some future time) - Thank you Holy Spirit. I still seem to carry the serenity and after-glow of that weekend time with me - but you can't bottle up and freeze / capture any event no matter how affecting. But the refreshment received still lingers with me - choice! And I can think of quite a few others we know who would have been thrilled to have been down there with us all - maybe next time!

So THANK YOU, thank you so much, each of you that were there, for coming and giving us the opportunity to meet you and to share / encourage each other. It was awesome indeed. THANK YOU, thank you, thank you. Jan and I are now part of an enthusiastic group calling folk to join us at Camp Morely for Easter 1999. Till we meet again ... SHALOM."