I finally have a Sunday at home. Yesterday morning I strapped on my backpack and hiked through the neighborhood to St. Tim’s. I couldn’t wait to leave civilization and get into the mountains for the Life Teen retreat. Candyce pulled me into the fourth Greyhound bus and the caravan left for Prescott.

I spent most of the ride up talking about cars with the guys on the bus. One kid had a few Street Truck magazines, and I lusted after all the chrome. Man, I like hot rods so much. My heart vrooms.

The retreat was called “Monster Retreat,” themed after the reality show “Monster Garage.” On the show, a team of builders remake a car into something larger than life. So this retreat would make each teen’s faith larger than life. The main hall was loaded with car stuff. Some guys welded together car parts into sculptures. They found an old VW bug in a dry riverbed a few weeks before. They; chopped it in half and polished it into furniture. It was tough.

I was only able to spend the afternoon at the retreat, but it was still wonderful. I see these teenagers all over the church, but it’s only at retreats like this do I really get to know them. I tell you, these retreats are POWERFUL. It’s just so amazing to see God work.

I came down last night so I could do a talk at Blessed Sacrament in Scottsdale, Arizona. They’ve been trying to get a good youth program for over fifteen years. It felt good to give the program a kick-start, even if it was just one talk.

I’m all alone at home and I miss Candyce. She’s still up on retreat with the teens.; I know she’s needed there and will make room for miracles. She does that.