Poodledoc, Jr. enjoyed his retreat. He made some new friends and seemed very contented, although a bit tired. It sounds like they didn't do anything particularly Quakerly. Well, they did a service project. They watched a movie about an Iraqi family and how the US occupation effects them. So it's ok with me that they didn't do anything particularly Quakerly.
When I stopped by last night, I managed to be a "fly on the wall" for a few minutes and I watched him moving about the room, creating things with his hands and connecting with others, making new friends. So watching that, I feel that Spirit was there in the room as the kids were bustling about, making cake, making candles, making friends. This looked and felt very spiritual to me. All this creating and connecting. And a retreat from his "regular world". A place to build some trust with other kids coming from a Quaker place in terms of some shared values. And shared hope, I think, too.
We talked some about it in the car on the way home and he really enjoyed his new (and old) friends. He wants to go to the next NYM Quaker retreat in the spring in the Twin Cities. To see his friends. I pray that God continues to guide him on his journeys.
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3 comments:
Sounds wonderful.
All the making things with hands reminded me of the Waldorf school my daughter attended in elementary school. It was great--they did a lot of making and doing. Very healthy.
Hi Poodle,
I happened over here while waiting for my very late dinner to heat up.
I really admire the way in which you offer the experience to your son, and then let him have his own experience of the experience. I am not Gertrude Stein.
The retreat sounds so cool. Do the Quakerites do stuff like that for adults?
My parents, may they rest in peace, were adamant atheists. However, in their old age they expressed regret about not having offered us the opportunity to belong to some kind of spiritual community.
Anyway, keep up the great fathering. It's a job of huge importance.
Yes, Crayons, adult Quakerites do stuff like that although we're not allowed to make candles and play with fire.
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