The main focus of the retreat was Holy Week. The Welcome Home team walked us through Holy Week and the main focus of each day as we prepare for the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. They related each day to the work they do everyday at the Welcome Home and the struggles that they have to overcome each and every day.

Even though I was finishing my final semester in University when the retreat was happening, I felt as if the retreat was something I needed to attend as part of my Lenten journey. After the retreat I was incredibly grateful that I had made time to go. Having been to the Welcome Home for the SERVE program I was able to relate quite well and take a lot from the retreat. We each have constant struggles in our lives, but we must continually remind ourselves that if we take a little time to keep Christ in our lives everything will work out.

The retreat taught me a lot about some of the traditions of Holy Week, which is important to know to have a full understanding of the Passion and Resurrection. Healing and forgiveness were two themes that were discussed and reflected upon and are points in our lives that play an important part in Holy Week. A powerful part of the retreat was when the Welcome Home team led us through the feet washing tradition. The cleansing was the final part of the retreat, which led us into Holy Week. As always, the retreat was followed by fellowship, which is always an important part of maintaining a relationship with your church family.