This past weekend was the annual Athletes in Action Winter Retreat for the Southern California Region. AIA groups from schools all around So Cal and beyond came down to Vista for a weekend of teaching, worship, and fellowship. It was great to take time to get away from the normal rhythm of life, connect with other people, and re-connect with God.
This was my 5th year coming to the retreat so I am somewhat of a veteran. This year's retreat was by far the best one I have been to! We had a great turnout, the teaching was phenomenal, and there was a great energy. Everyone was being open and real and it set the tone for the rest of the retreat.
On Saturday morning we had some time to get out and connect with God, read the Word, pray, journal, and reflect on the the retreat. The retreat center is at an old ranch and the grounds are beautiful. It would be a great place to do a photoshoot...maybe engagement session or something. I'd love to come back for that someday! I walked around and took some pictures of the athletes as they had their quiet times (felt like a bit of a stalker with my zoom lens but oh well).
In the afternoon we had some free time and of course as athletes we spent it playing football, basketball, soccer, kickball, and a few of us went for a run.
Saturday night, we had the privilege of hearing Celestine Ezinkwo, an up and coming Hip-Hop artist, perform some of his songs. The concert turned into a dance party and the evening was a blast! The music was great and so was the energy. After the concert we had an open mike time and then more dance party (yeah electric slide!).
Here is a picture of Celestine and his wife, Tara. They got married last year and make a great couple! It was fun to see them interacting.
Finally, I would like to give a big thanks to Keri for helping me out with leading Worship at the retreat. It was so awesome to have her there and a huge help to me! Thanks Keri, you rock!
