Retreat Planning from Afar

I curled up on my bed with a steamy mug of Earl Grey tea and opened my laptop to roberts email and the agenda for our retreat, then waited for them to call me. Summer planning is all about fall activities, especially our Open House for incoming students and the welcome event for our student workers, new and returning. This year will be more complex since we are repurposing a number of student workers after deciding to not staff the 24 hour lab in an attempt to live within our budget while still increasing salaries to stay up with the minimum wage increase.

Each retreat has an overall focus. Last time we focused on being transformed into the image of Christ, becoming someone more than we have been before. This time our focus is on customer service as ministry. Learning how to anticipate needs and look beyond the negative experiences to see where we can improve how we do business.

I am excited about the prospect of a "Midnight Mystery" event for freshmen and transfer after hours in the library. I think it will appeal to more students than we were able to attract last year. The frustrating part is that I want so much to be part of these events, but I cannot commit. I have no sense yet of how I will feel in September, or what treatment or tests I will have to do, so I can't volunteer. It's like having your hand tied to the chair and you can't raise it to be chosen to help.

I feel like a kid watching a sports event through the cracks in the fence. I know its not forever, so I try not to fuss. I just hope I can get back in the game soon!