Sunset Beach Trip
Recently, we had the opportunity to go to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, with some of the faculty and a few singles from the local congregations. After several weeks of acclimating to the Living Education – Charlotte program, it was a welcome break to spend time at one of God’s incredible parts of Creation.
In the morning, we loaded ourselves and the food into three cars and began the three-hour drive. Rain came down for a while, but we hoped for the best. By the time we arrived several hours later, the rain had stopped, and the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds. It was perfect beach weather.
As we set up the tents, we put on sunscreen, hoping it would protect us from the sun directly overhead. Then some students lay down under the canopy to nap or sit and talk, while others raced to the water right away. As the afternoon went on and appetites grew, students and faculty took breaks to fellowship over the delicious lunch that had been brought. Sounds of thunder crackled in the distance, and it again seemed like it might rain. Fortunately, the rain held off, and the beach day continued.
A volleyball net had been set up, and students and faculty alike played games for much of the afternoon. Some people threw a frisbee around, and many students ended up building sandcastles or half-burying their fellow students in the sand. And of course, there were nearly always people in the water, relaxing and wading or diving straight through the waves.
Finally, at 4 pm, the takedown began. Tents were bundled up, the food was put away, the volleyball net taken down, and all the various belongings collected. And then the group left the beach, leaving behind an empty space but carrying countless memories with them. We ended the experience a little tired and sunburnt, but more importantly, grateful for the chance to take a break, enjoy God’s Creation, and spend quality time together.
