retreat season

we are in retreat season here in moscow! from september 18 to november 2, tim and i are involved in retreats every other weekend. it's a whirlwind for sure, but a sweet one. this last weekend was the hinkson high school retreat at a camp ground a few hours outside of moscow in the woods and country side. in spite of the non stop rain, and sometimes because of it (i.e. "mud soccer") it was rich time. our friend, james hutchenson, came up from nalchik (southern russia) last tuesday to be our spiritual emphasis week speaker and retreat speaker. spiritual emphasis week and the retreat are two things that the high schoolers look forward to every year, so james was met with much enthusiasm. the students love him and are already looking forward to the next time he can come up to moscow...

the musicians...



silas and rachel



silas and tina and the boys



trying to keep warm!!!



campfire night...



game time



small group discussion...



me and cam before a session



worship leaders getting ready to lead






another game...looks fun, huh?



the whole group



on the bus home...

this is such a special group of students who tim and i have fallen in love with. i wish you could know them all. they come from so many different backgrounds and cultures and of course each have their own unique story. i feel so fortunate to have this time with them...

and silas loved his first high school retreat!