Days 190-193: Start of New Jersey Tour (3/5-3/8/20)

After an incredible evening with the host families, we prepared for one of the largest retreats yet. Here, at Sacred Heart School in Glyndon, MD, we were running a 6-7th grade retreat with 122 students. Yes, between the two classes they has 122 kids! Very large number for any Catholic middle school, especially the ones we have been to. This school day retreat was tight, as we had only a space just large enough to fit 150 people into a retreat that included the students, NET team and teachers. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful sunny day, so many small groups went outside. Mine stayed in a room full of couches. And after lunch, we didn't have that space anymore, and had to stay in the church the rest of the day, which was wild. No matter, the retreat was fantastic, my small group had an amazing discussion that really opened their eyes to the faith, and I am super grateful for it. The afternoon was weird, though. We were supposed to be in Tabernacle, New Jersey for the night, but due to miscommunication, they were not ready for us. So,while we waited for solutions from our supervisors and team leaders, we got to hang out and throw the football around under the beautiful sun. Turns out, we got to stay with last night's host homes for another night! My wish was granted! We had leftovers from the night before (Pulled Pork Sandwiches), and played games into the night. God is good. . . The next morning, we took our two-hour drive over to Holy Eucharist in Tabernacle, New Jersey. Yes, that is correct. Holy Eucharist Parish in Tabernacle. Nothing, NOTHING, will ever top that name. It is our first stop in what looks to be a month-long stint in New Jersey, which is something to be excited about. When we arrived, retreatants were there, and we experienced something we haven't yet: our first non-binary student. It's not unordinary on retreats, it was just the first time we experienced it. But we knew what to do: create Co-Ed small groups. Turns out, with the numbers, we could pair off a guy and a girl small group leader, while each small group got between 10-12 people in their group. It was exciting for us because we could learn from eachother how each person leads their small groups. I was paired with Monica, and I learned alot from her, especially things I once overlooked! It was such a fun experience. Plus, with confessions available, almost everybody went, and the retreat ran late because people were waiting to get in line! Which is literally the best and one of the only decent reasons a retreat should ever run late. Plus, our supervisors arrived! It is their last visit of the year, and although it was only three weeks between the last visit, we are excited to see them again. That night, Adam and I stayed with the Garrett family, where we stayed up until 12:30am talking and conversing. A very lively family, super grateful to meet them. . . In the morning, I smelled the Garrett's "famous" biscuits and gravy, and, well, they should definitely be famous if they aren't yet. But it was on to the next one, which took place at Our Lady of Sorrows in Hamilton, NJ. Oh, I should mention, many if not all of these retreats in New Jersey, according to Nels and Sarah, will be Confirmation Retreats, like this one! This group was very distracted, were definitely worried about their phones more often than most groups, but we were able to pull it together. After a very nice mass and fantastic dinner put on by the church, the guys resided to Sacred Heart Parish's rectory in downtown Trenton, New Jersey. It was a sweet setup: three floors, including a basement with a workout room and pool table. That night, Evan found access to the roof. Adam and I were the only ones up at the time, so we took advantage and went up with him. Turns out we could see the Delaware River and Pennsylvania from our view, as it was only a half a mile away, which was gorgeous and outstanding. Rooftops seem to be a theme that Evan and I tend to bond over, which is super fun, and am excited to see how many more rooftops we can climb together. . . The next morning, it was off to (a different) Sacred Heart in Riverton, New Jersey for yet another confirmation retreat. It was a very similar group to yesterday's: pretty distracted, high energy, but we managed. Plus, it was the first retreat Aimee led, and she KILLED it! SO proud of her. It was a very chill day, as Jaime, Nels, Evan and I stayed at the rectory across the street, and made some unforgettable memories. Well, they know what I'm talking about.