This is a picture of probably the coolest bunch of teens I know... except for you, of course. I took this picture at the annual New Year Retreat with the Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. We went way up north to the winter wonderland that is Morley, Michigan. It's also known as the 'tow truck driver's dream.' Lots of snow, lots of hills and deep ditches. The retreat was incredible. Plenty of card games to play, plenty of hills for sledding, plenty of food to eat, and plenty of free time to hang with teens. I think I heard more high school drama stories and who-likes-who stories than I've ever heard in my entire life. And it was wonderful. The teens were SUPER warm and friendly. In fact, I can't wait to spend time with these guys again. Here are my top four experiences from the retreat... First, the people. Talk about incredible! Second, probably the facilities. The chapel was a hand-built log cabin, made of logs harvested right on site. The bathrooms were clean and smelled (don't know how) like christmas. And the lodge with fireplace was such a great place to sit around. Third has to be the separate adult dormitory. Sleeping in a room with teens is something that you have to prepare yourself for a little more than I did this time. Fourth is the food. There was a steady stream of food that just kept getting better and better... I think our cooks were ex-military kitchen staff. And fifth is absolutely the chapel services. The youth pastor, Steve Pilarsh, let the services take on life of their own. He challenged the teens with very good, very powerful, very teen-friendly biblical insight, then I'd just lead them through worship. The teens latched on and didn't let go. The experience was a lot better than what I'd planned for or hoped. And yet, I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised. God tends to show up when we call Him out. All that to say this... I went up north this weekend with a bunch of teens, hoping to make some new friends and play a few games, maybe sing a few songs. And I came back having met with God. Thanks, MMBC teens! You guys are totally my favorite. (Except for you, because everybody knows that You're my favorite!!!) :)

18.365 For Christmas/birthday I didn't receive a handy DSLR, but I did get a neat waterproof Olympus point 'n shoot. Christmas traditions for the Terry's are playing 42 (it's a domino game no one's ever heard of), cooking all day, and doing random spontaneous things. After eating, my family minus my eldest brother plus my boyfriend went to the theatre where Austin works and watched True Grit. I loved it. 12/25/10