My First Joni and Friends Retreat

I have been wanting to go to a Joni and Friends Family Retreat for years, as an STM, but haven't been able to for financial reasons.

But, this year, I finally get to go!!!! I am SO excited :D

The retreat is five days long, filled with worship, fun activities, and just a good time. I am really looking forward to it!!

This year's theme is One Way Ticket, which is based on the verse John 14:6 which says: "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

We are asked to come dressed as someone from the travel industry, or with an outfit from a favorite place we like to visit, from around the world.

After submitting the application to be an STM, I went through the process of filling out a background check online, my references were asked to fill out some questions about me, I had to do a phone interview so they could get to know me better, and to match me with a family that I will be serving during the retreat, and I had to raise the money needed to be able to go.

I am still in the process of raising money, but I have the means to reach my goal, so this won't take too long.

It took a while for this process to get going, and to be (almost) completed, but I am so happy it is done, and finalized, so I can go.

Even though I am very excited about this, I am also very nervous, as I am quite shy, and this is way out of my comfort zone. I want to do things out of my comfort zone, though, and do the things I really want to do, to have a more fulfilling life that I can be proud of.

To even submit an application for this retreat was a big step for me, as my shyness made me question if I could do it. But, I am glad I did, as the people I have talked to so far seem very nice, and understanding.

So, I am one very excited girl right now!! I can't wait for June to get here, so I can go to my first retreat!!