This morning started out with a cloud of haze due to the smoke of surrounding fires. Lucky we have not yet been evacuated! Fingers crossed everyone!
After breakfast the group moved outside for yet another leg of the amazing race which was an exciting game of tunnel balloon.
Amazing Race Results : Day 3
There has been little movement in the top 3 sinse round 2, Fortitude now taking a clear lead of the pack. Day 3 saw significant improvement of Self-Control closely followed by Understanding and Peace. In last place trails Wisdom, many people expected much more from Wisdom this year. I'm certain Wisdom will come back stronger than ever in 2008. It is still anyones game leading into tomorrows final challenge. It will be interesting to see whether there is still a little bit of room for Kindness and Understanding to make a final challenge for the cup tomorrow afternoon.
Afterwards we moved into the meeting room for Morning Prayer, which was reflective and spiritual as everyone renewed their baptism.
Petrina then entertained and enlightened the group with her talk on “Channelling the Power”, which was our theme for the day. Brendan Vaughan took this message a little too literally by harnessing the power of the plumbers crack (see picture below for those game enough!). An inspiring story called “Ryan’s Well” left everyone in awe (and tears) of such an amazing little boy.
After lunch with enough hotdogs to feed an army we headed off into the workshops for more discussion on uses (and misuses) of power in world
After everybody took the chance to go swimming/canoeing and relaxing indoors as the heat set in we headed back into our joined groups to prepare our skits. Groups were asked to create a super hero would bring a biblical story into a modern setting. In true Oblate Youth Encounter form they were all excellent. Most notable came from group ‘WIZACE’ (Groups ‘Wisdom’ and ‘Peace’ combined) with their super hero ‘Body Odour Man’ ( a.k.a. Kyle). WIZACE took out the cup in 1st place and were rewarded with a packet of Minties. There was much rejoicing.
After dinner the group headed out to the volley ball court for the start of our reconciliation liturgy. Reflecting on the adulteress condemned to be stoned, we came to understand our own sins and those that which we wish to cling to, but we need to let go of; just as those who would stone her.
As always the reconciliation liturgy created a moving and reflective atmosphere. This included a contribution from Fr. Chava who emphasised in his American twang the need to focus in our relationship with God not just dismissively on the now but “right now right now!” providing more than ample spiritual energy.
Fini is now on our backs to go to a meeting so we best leave with this quote we received in an email today from Fr. George at Eaglevale in keeping with the theme of the week and the climate here “where there is smoke, there is fire!”… No SES sirens can be heard yet..
Thanks for your emails of support!! They are very much appreciated!