“It’s like coming to a party without balloons,” that is how first time participant James Henkels (five years old) described his first day and a half at this years Family Retreat at MSIA’s wonderful property in the woods surrounding Lake Arrowhead. He did not know of the upcoming festivities that were planned for the following Sunday! Yet, in those few heartfelt words, James summed up the joy and lightness that permeated this year’s Family Retreat. It was definitely a party, and a respite from the hectic pace that can sometimes manifest in day to day life. Even more, the Family Retreat was a celebration of Spirit and of coming together in loving care and support for one another that touched all who were present, leaving many a happy and tender impression upon our hearts, some tears on parting, and anticipation for visiting again with one another in the years to come.
James was joined in the fun by his mom, Regina, and nine other families, including twelve younger members of our community, a loving family of assistants, and participants from Australia, Europe, and Puerto Rico. All in all we were thirty nine family members, including singles and couples, with or with no children, which made for a cozy group with lots of opportunity to celebrate old friendships while making new acquaintances.
For myself, this was the second year attending as an assistant, and as I approached the mountains above Lake Arrowhead my heart began to lighten, and the loving began to flow. With each new bend in the road, rising higher and higher up into the mountains, I could feel the peaceful presence of the land calling to me, and welcoming me once again to what has become for many a part time summer home. If you have never enjoyed the blessing of visiting MSIA’s property at Lake Arrowhead, it is a retreat property of approximately ten acres, situated on a wooded mountainside above Lake Arrowhead, in the San Bernadino Mountains. There are numerous walking trails, secluded and peaceful campsites, and a wonderful sanctuary bordered by outdoor hot showers, with a modern bathroom facility nearby. Up the hill a little is the cookhouse which is surrounded by a wonderful area to sit and catch up with old friends, have time to make new ones, all while enjoying what many have described as finer dining than in favorite local restaurants. Certainly do not expect to release those few nagging extra pounds as the food is prepared with great love, is delicious, and is abundant. Thanks to Elaine Baran, Susan Gerke and Julianna Rose who stepped forward by sharing their culinary arts with our Family Retreat participants.
The theme of MSIA’s Conference this year is Coming Home, and many found our weekend together a coming home to the loving of our community and a remembrance of shared life together. It was also a reunion of sorts as many families have now attended year after year, such as the Hayes and Patton families, while some families, such as the Fryes, returned to the property after an absence. This year’s retreat was once again lead by the Semigran family, including the Family Retreat assisting debut of Jeffrey Semigran, who at eleven was the eldest of our younger family members. Jeffrey led with great poise, dedication and love and it was a privilege to serve with him.
Also returning to the property for the second year in a row was John Morton and his family. John took sharing before dinner on Friday and then he and his family joined us all for the evening meal, only to resume sharing afterwards in a relaxed and festive mood in the Sanctuary. It was a privilege and a blessing to share this time with the Traveler and his family in such an informal and comfortable way. Our thanks go out to John and Laura for their generosity of Spirit and the way they share themselves with us.
One of the opportunities, especially for adults, is rest and relaxation and there was ample opportunity for both. The mornings began with optional spiritual exercises while the assistants lead the children in arts and crafts and games. Later in the morning, and in the afternoon, there were opportunities to come together in the Sanctuary to share as families, or participate in other activities outside. Many parents commented on the gift of being able to do spiritual exercises or take rest in a setting where they know the children are being well loved and cared for. As an assistant, there is no greater joy or honor than to have the opportunity to play and learn with the younger members of our extended family and I am grateful and feel privileged that the parents offer this time to share in and join with their families.
Predominantly though, the theme is families, and there was also time to rest and play as individual families, and as one larger family. A highlight for many was family talent night, when we came together to sing and laugh and tell jokes and celebrate the wonderful creativity represented in our diverse group. This year we were lead first by the beautiful harmony and creative musical talents of Clea Rose, followed by the comedy stylings of the Semigran Family. Next came wonderful jokes by Grace and John Patton, poetry offered by Skyler and Kristen Patton, and then a solo poetic debut by John. For those of you who did not know John was a poet, look out.
Following were an assortment of jokes from Johnny and Christian Frye, a beautiful duet by Norm and Susan, and then a lovely song by Norm to his bride. James and his mom Regina offered a sweet song, as did Maria Del Carmen and her daughter Angeles. Angela Parkes made a loving contribution as did the hula dancing Shaina and her mom Sheri. The festivities also included the second annual Family Retreat poem written by assistant Don Bukovich and sung by Don and his one true love Merlene. After a few other contributions, the talent part of the evening was brought to a close with a spontaneous offering by our Australian visitor, Roberta, of a beautifully rendered Irish folk song, an explosion of joy from assistant Amy Devereaux, and a final “spikes in the road” joke or three from our younger members.
All in all the Family Retreat was a blessing of love, laughter, community, creative expression, rest and healing. As one parent shared with us near the end, she wished that everyone could know the joy of spending a weekend of peace and loving with the support provided by the land, the grace of the Traveler, the assisting team, and the other families present. So to all those who have never attended, or who are thinking of returning, you are extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to join us at the next Family Retreat. Please do come and join in the loving, and the fun. May God Bless Us and Keep Us All Until Then. Baruch Bashan.
Click here for the article & photos from the IIWP Blessings Brunch with John Morton.
Click here for the article & photos from the Ministers & Initiates Meetings at Conference 2002.
Click here for the article & photos from the Coming Home Workshop.
Click here for the article & photos from the IIWP Donors Seminar.
Click here for the article & photos from the PTS Masters & Doctoral Graduation.
Click here for the article & photos from the Soul Initiation Workshop.
We’d like to hear from you! Are you following the coverage of MSIA’s Conference of Coming Home through the NDH website? Click here to write your feedback to us. We’d like to know if you are participating in Conference through the NDH website coverage.
