There were 22 of us; young adults from church, longtime friends, and new acquittances, blessed by a weekend full of MOMENTS shared together.
Some moments:
People gradually appearing in the common room in the mornings, slowly waking up to the beautiful rising sun.
Huddling around the fire after returning from an early walk in the morning frost and mist.
The cry of "who wants a coffee!" from the pantry.
Standing in a circle, laughing and jumping up and down, trying to get warm and dry after an icy dip in the Ringarooma River.
Rolling into the driveway covered in mud and blood, laughing and telling stories from an afternoon on the trails.
The collection of wet socks and shoes and towels draped around the deck, testifying to a day well spent.
Watching as way too many guys try to figure out how to set up an iPhone for a group selfie with everyone laughing and yelling out the way it should be done.
Pilates on the deck, overlooking the lawn and river flowing past.
Loud voices rounding up the runners of the group to do a lap around the Briseis lake together.
Passing the guitar around as we sing our favourite worship songs, warmed by the roaring fireplace, and backed by the gentle sound of rain on the roof.
"It's safe to say many memories were made, friendships deepened and fun had on our weekend at the Dales!"