Following the winter break it was time to begin a new season of retreats. We started our journey on the evening of Friday the 13th of November in Mount Dale. Father Adam Babinski SDS, who was our spiritual leader, welcomed us in this beautiful location on the top of the Perth Hills.
Due to our dependence on modern technology and the remoteness of the meeting place, some people experienced how easy it is to be lost on the way. Finally, later on in the evening, the six attending families, including sixteen children, reached the place. Shortly after we set up the camp.
The early morning sun woke us up and provided the opportunity to enjoy the amazing view from the lookout on the slope of the mountain. After a short breakfast and a morning chat everybody was ready for a hike which consisted of 12 kilometres, mostly walking down the hill. Father Adam started the event with an introductory reflection about the Christian life as a journey to which we all are called by Christ. He spoke to us about a sense of life which is our personal experience of God in the person of Jesus.
The first part of the walk went quickly and easily. It took us only one hour to hike 2.5 kilometres and reach our first destination - a cosy chalet. Feeling optimistic and energetic we did not expect that it would prove to be by far the easiest part of the trip. After a 30 minute break we decided to move forward. Unfortunately for us, the temperature that day reached 38 Celsius degrees, making the walk more challenging. What’s more, the shade of Eucalyptus forest did not provide sufficient shade to cool us down and protect our precious bodies from the scorching sun. The trek proved a difficult task for some, with most of us gaining an appreciation for how important is to drink plenty of water.
Having said that, we were very brave and all the kids showed to be the real champions. We almost made it as we covered 9 of the 12 kilometres. After a short rest, Father Adam had a brilliant idea to reenergise us with cool drinks and plenty of ice cream. The adults were more demanding and after a short discussion we decided to move to a different location. Ada’s and Simon’s place and their swimming pool were so inviting. Now we all could experience what Paradise on Earth means! Father Adam provided plenty of nourishment for our souls with a series of beautiful talks.
The next day on Sunday, the family table was transformed into an altar and we had a beautiful mass, a mass very much like that of the first Christians. Overall everyone enjoyed the event and most of us were grateful for the experience. We hope that these Reflection Days strengthened our spiritual life and helped us to gain a better understanding of the principles of our faith.