A weekend with my neighbors

This is my first year on this retreat, and when I arrived thursday
night, I didn't know what to expect, which was a good thing, because
I couldn't have anticipated the amazing souls that I have encountered
here. There are so many people on so many different journeys. And
what has struck me the most here is this: all throughout life we put
labels on people, consciously or unconsciously--boy or girl, gay or
straight, american or foreign, whatever--but here I can't do that.
Here is a place where I have most clearly experienced loving my
neighbor as myself. Not getting to put people in categories is
frustrating, but its the same frustration that I feel when I try to
categorize myself. So what I'm left with is Individuals. I'm left
with the raw Me and You. And it is so refreshing to come to people
like that. Naked and not ashamed. Granted, none of us can fully do
that, but this weekend has been a nice lean in that direction. The
people and experiences here are a true testament to loving and
respecting and sharing real time with my Neighbors, and I have been
privileged to meet everyone here.

so thanks all, for your stories and your presence and your ministry
both here this weekend and wherever you go.