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Retreat again!



You may remember I told of my first adventures on retreat here in South Africa, well we have just been on another retreat same place but with Erin my wife! first time ever. https://www.idwalaretreat.co.za/

It has been quite challenging here at MA for a while so some perspective was needed not so much retreat as in pull back, but charge forward into Gods presence for a concentrated time, we found a window (God given) to travel in the province.
 So once again we travelled to Belfast a little more aware of what and who I was going to, the advice we were given "it will be cold". What God whispers into your life on a retreat is not usually for public consumption, but I would like to share the structure and rhythm.

 We were hosted by Heidi and Hermann who own and run the center. Their lives and the rhythm of prayer are base around The Society of St Francis and they are both Anglicans. The day began with Eucharist at 7:30, midday prayer at 12 and evening prayer together at 6, a helpful rhythm to base our week around. We both took advantage of the offer to talk and pray with Heidi and Hermann during the week, together and independently.  One piece of advice I was given by someone wiser than myself ‘do not take too much reading material’, its all about the silence and listening to God, I was pleased I heeded the advice. Hermann took us on some wonderful and informative walks during the afternoons.

Being away did not chase the challenges way but we were both able to see, hear and experience Gods perspective on us in the challenges. Erin and I were able to talk and listen to each other, valuing our distinctive experiences and feelings.
We were and are both very grateful for our time at IDwala and the care and love we received.   
Location: Portion 4 Groenvlei Bus 128, 1100, South Africa

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