Days 123-125: December Retreat, End of 1st Half (12/15-12/17/20)

Today, December Retreat begins! Basically it’s one massive retreat for all the NET teams, put on by the supervisors and NET staff, to congratulate us for all the work we have done thus far. We left early in the morning from the Towers family, and made the 8 hour drive from Indiana to St. Paul, with a stop at Culver’s, a legendary Midwest fast food chain. Before we arrived, we cleaned he van and visited a Catholic gift shop for any last second shoppers, then came to the NET Center! We were with all the other NET teams but one, who tested positive for COVID. Seeing all the teams again after three months is really exciting, and we’ll have the chance to catch up with people throughout the time. . . This break is all about rest, and for me especially, I must learn to relax and give myself a break, even if I don’t realize I need it. It’s hard though, and it wasn’t until I talked to my supervisor, Anthony, I realize I need to rest mentally and emotionally rather than physically. I’ve been very rested physically, or so I thought, but in other areas I’m worn out. I’m glad he told me that, or else it would have been a tough time for me. . . A couple highlights from December Retreat. Our team performed well during the Christmas Crazy Olympics, a series of different games against other teams, such as Human Christmas Tree Decorating, Christmas Movie Trivia, and Christmas Music Choreography. We didn’t win, but we had an amazing time. The praise and worship sessions were wild, The Spirit was working within all of us, especially me, telling me to rest. It was sooo nice, I needed it desperately. I also reunited with my old teammates, Adam and Monica! We all played guitar while catching up. When we all met at Team Announcement Night last year, none of us knew how to play guitar. Now, we were playing different finger picking songs while talking about how this second year has been different. We were missing Sarah, though, as she was on the team who got COVID. We missed her for sure, but she also learned guitar on the road which is great. . . Now I am home. This first half was incredible: 30 retreats, 22 US states, 17,000 miles traveled! So many people we’ve encountered, so many stories to tell, so much love to go around. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m excited and happy to be home, but I will definitely miss my team. I’ll see you guys at the start of the second half!