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Retreat





One of the events on my life back in the UK was to go on a regular retreat and I am aware that those people are holding me in their daily prayers. Retreat is something I have just been able to make part of my life here in South Africa. Not knowing where to go was a bit of a challenge for me. I asked  Cecil, the local Methodist minister, and he gave me some contacts to explore. I made arrangements for a two night stay (I did not want too long, as they might be a bit too religious.)

Never Alone 
My journey was to take me to Belfast. Not the Irish original one, but the one about 144 km away halfway between us and Johannesburg, through some lovely countryside. The town takes its name from Irishman Richard Charles O’Reilly and his farm called Belfast (we Irish get everywhere.)


I eventually found the farm at the end of a very long dirt road but it was worth the drive. It's called the iDwala Retreat Center www.iDwalaretreat.co.za run by Heidi and Hermann who are professed members of the Society of St Francis

My Accommodation 
 It was very refreshing to join with them in the Franciscan rhythm of prayer for the day. I was also invited to share meals and conversation and all this added to my spiritual enrichment. It was a great joy to walk in the hills with Hermann who knows so much of its history and geography

Retreat Center 
 I was able to do much praying and reading. I am reading for two things at the moment, for my final essay on my diploma on Christian Spirituality, looking at the differences and similarities between Aquinas and Eckhart! and a book my friend gave me.


I hope my time at iDwala is the first of a new pattern in this nearly new country. So in your prayers please remember those who give themselves to this ministry, those who come alongside people like me and you in our journey with this amazing God.









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