Saturday, August 04, 2007

Grade 12 Houseboat Trip



We have just returned from a great week on a houseboat trip with this year's school leavers from St John’s Shaughnessy. Jess and I fulfilled the role of drivers, cooks, speakers, leaders and boat captains. Ken & Julie Moser, the Youth Ministers, are bringing to St John’s what they brought to Christ Church St Ives in the Whitsunday’s trip. For those unfamiliar with the “Whit”, the formula is pretty simple… take the Grade 12’ers (who have just finished school) to a spectacular place for a week of good times, great fellowship, rest, relaxation and some time reflecting on the journey of faith in Jesus Christ so far, and the road ahead together.

Lake Koocanusa in British Columbia (near the Albert and Montana borders, close to Fernie) was the spectacular location. The lake was full of fresh, clean, turquoise, refreshing water and was surrounded by sandy beaches, pine trees and mountain vistas. We cruised around the lake on 2 Daydreamer houseboats for 4 glorious days where lazy mornings, lots of swimming, fishing, eating and being together was the agenda. Jumping/diving/sliding/back-flipping off the boat and cliff jumping (including a 70 foot jump!) were also part of the daily action. We lit campfires on shore and spoke about the importance being intentional with our faith, decision making and building Christian community.

A great part of the trip was driving around BC. We got to see some of BC's Glacier National Park and the Okanagan area. Everywhere we drove, we found spectacular mountain peaks, stunning lakes, rivers and streams, pine trees galore, and long and winding railways. This is an impressive part of the world!

Thank you to the Grade 12’ers for having us share in their adventure and to Ken & Julie for inviting us to be part of it. It was a blessed week!

No comments: