Senior High Mo-Ranch Retreat

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The weather has cooled off, midterm season has started, and the need for a time to unplug and recharge has seemed increasingly more important. So this past weekend, our Senior High youth traveled to Mo-Ranch in Hunt, Texas for our first annual fall retreat. We used this time to connect with each other, grow in community and personal faith, and even cook all of our meals together in the kitchen of Log Lodge. We ate s'mores, were outside almost every hour, and finished our Saturday at Chapel on the Hill - an iconic part of Mo-Ranch that is a beautiful reminder of the vastness of God’s Creation. 

Rev. Sarah Are offered two keynote sessions during the weekend that centered on the story of the book of Esther. Her story is unique and requires risk, courage, and immense vulnerability. Our youth were challenged to think about what it means to show up “for such a time as this”. Based on what they learned from Esther’s story, they reflected on their own stories and identities in order that they might show up for themselves and show up for each other. Here are parts of the personal manifestos created by the Senior High youth of Preston Hollow - 

I am honest.

I am eager to learn.

I am goofy.

I am kind.

I am inclusive.

I am creative.

I am determined.

I am true to myself.

I am perfectly imperfect.

 

I think a hug can turn your day around.

I think a good cup of coffee…

inspiration (and chocolate!)

random act of kindness

a jam sesh

A compliment

a smile

watching the sunrise

I think that taking a step back can turn your day around.

 

I believe that we should lift each other up, instead of competing.

I believe that God created us to love one another.

I believe that I am loved.

I believe in giving the microphone.

I believe in running to God when it gets dark out.

I believe in the power of friendship.

I believe that we were made to love each other.

I believe that kindness goes a long way.

I believe that being yourself is the best thing you can be.

I believe in encouraging others.

I believe in coffee shop conversations.

I believe that actions speak louder than words.

I believe we were made for such a time as this.

 

I am committed to building a world that is open and welcoming to everyone.

I am committed to building a world that does not give up on one another.

I am committed to building a world that is daring.

I am committed to building a world that accepts change.

I am committed to building a world that loves deeply.

I am committed to building a world that is present.

I am committed to building a world that accepts one another.

I am committed to building a world that love everyone, no matter their looks or flaws.

I am committed to building a world that shows up.

I am committed to never stop growing.

However, until that day, I promise to bring joy to others.

I promise to do my best.

I promise to keep showing up.

I promise to live with compassion and empathy.

I promise to work hard.

I promise to love deeply.  

Amen.