The Synod Snow Retreat in Flagstaff was a very rewarding experience.  I got to meet many new people and learn even more about the people I already new.  I also had a chance to learn more about my faith, and have a fun-filled day of snowboarding.  I mean, what more could you want?

     When we first arrived on Friday night we were greeted by the college student leaders and they brought us over to a table to make nametags.  Then, when all of the groups arrived, we gathered in the sanctuary and played a "mingle game."  We all had to walk around singing, "mingle, mingle, mingle!" Then, when they stopped us we had to quickly find a group of five people you didn't already know and sit in a circle.  We had to go around and tell something about yourself and when you finished you had to start the process all over again.  Following that activity we broke off into small groups.  You had to choose from a Bible study, creating a skit, singing songs, and making bracelets.  This was just another way to meet people and talk about your faith.

     The best day was Saturday – that was when all the fun happened (well at least for me anyway.)  Most of our group (about thirty) went to Snowbowl to spend the day snowboarding or skiing.  It was so beautiful outside!  The weather was perfect; it wasn't too cold or too warm.  The slopes also had tons of snow on them, which was a plus because if you fell it didn't hurt.  Believe me, I know!  Later that night, a band came and did skits and sang many cool church songs that we already knew and had actions too, so it was fun to dance and sing along with them. Following their performance, we had a short memorial service for a student who was killed last year when the van he was riding in slipped on a patch of ice and rolled down the hill.  It was a very moving moment because two boys came up and sang a song they wrote in honor of him for his family.

     Finally, on Sunday we went down to the church on the campus of NAU and ate breakfast then attended our final church service.  I really enjoyed the church service because they had three students come up and give testimonies that related to the scriptures that we read.  They were very interesting because the story they told was very personal to them so it made it even more meaningful.  After the service we loaded the vans and headed home.

     Overall the weekend was a blast!  Not only did I have fun in the snow, but it was very enriching as well.  I came back with new friends and a stronger relationship to God.