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The Echo
Taylor University, Upland, IN
Friday, April 26, 2024
The Echo

Retreat stories

By Sarah Davis | Echo

Wing retreat season may be ending, but the sweet memories from these floors are here to stay. Check out these stories and reflections from PAs around campus.

3rd Center Olson

"This year we were graciously invited to Columbus, Indiana to one of our freshmen, Cierra Eder's house. We spent one of our days on Lake Monroe: boating, lounging, tubing and swimming. It was a beautiful time of relaxation and laughter, all of us were content to finally be together in the same space. In the evenings, 30 of us piled into the house and spent time consuming ridiculous amounts of food, sharing in sweet moments of worship and communion and laughing every moment in between. Cierra's dad (our host) told me that he had never seen a group of college women love each other and care for each other as well as we do. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by women who exude such authentic joy and love towards one another so naturally and honestly."

-Hannah Sisson, Junior

2nd Breuninger

"Our retreat was incredibly well-attended: we had 43 of our 50 women join us! I was so encouraged by the support and contributions of our upperclassmen. Some people led worship, others organized big/lil sis and still others helped with food. We spent two days at a beautiful lake house, jet skiing, tubing and swimming. I think everyone made a real effort to make the freshmen and newcomers feel welcomed. It was a joy to be a part of."

-Nicole Arpin, Junior

3rd East Wengatz

"We went to Brock Buchers' home in Cicero, Indiana and it was such a great time of fellowship and relaxation. We played a five-hour Risk game, played various sports tournaments, and had times of worship, prayer, solitude and storytelling/testimonies. All around it was a great way to spend a weekend with some of the best guys I know."

-Tyler Amann, Junior

3rd West Wengatz

"In the words of our stud freshman, Drew Lasley, 'all the hanging out gave me an opportunity to know the guys on a much deeper level in an unobstructed environment.' While that's especially true for our freshman, the retreat gave all of Third West a chance to reconnect after suffering through a summer of separation from each other. Sam and Joe Schuette graciously allowed us to take over their space and leave the true mark of our wing-living life for the glory of God and the joy of Third West."

- Garrett Shanks, Senior

3rd Breuninger

"Friday evening we piled into cars bound for Monticello, Indiana, where we were welcomed into the Crabb family's home. It was a great time for us to unwind from our week by sitting around the campfire, roasting s'mores and worshipping and enjoying one another's company. Shout out to the Crabb family for their generosity and hospitality in hosting our crew!"

-Brooklin Young, Junior

2nd Samuel Morris

"Honestly, as a PA my role in the Sammy II floor retreat was a small one. The best things about our retreat weren't the sketchy laser tag joints we booked ahead of time, watching Hot Rod, playing card games or even the ceremonial burning of couches in a massive bonfire. The most memorable parts of our floor retreat were the personal ones. It was creating a place where the guys could be open about their lives in ways that just cannot happen in everyday life on the floor. When we all gathered outside that night by the bonfire, and shared stories of the most tragic, amazing and life changing events that we have experienced, I think that something changed. We had guys open up their hearts without holding back. And right afterwards, our brothers got up and prayed the most heartfelt prayers you've ever heard, for men that they barely know apart from these stories. Those moments and those stories were the most memorable part of our floor retreat. I think that God was with us in every aspect of our retreat, and (He) will continue to play a big part on our floor this year. I could not be more proud of or blessed by the men I share this floor with."

-Adam Wright, Junior