A weekend in Santa Cruz (not to be confused with Santa Claus)

Apologies for not having written so long. Things have been VERY busy, and will continue to be so for some time ...

... Last weekend, however, was one for rest: about 50 graduate (ie Master's or PhD) Christian students from around Stanford gathered together for the yearly fellowship retreat, nestled in gorgeous Santa Cruz (about 1 hours' drive away from campus).

Santa Cruz boast lots of excellent, tall trees, just like out of some kind of American family drama series ... (though not Desparate Housewives I guess!)



... As well as some magnificent beaches and cliffs. We basically spent the afternoon walking all around from here ...



... to here ...



Of course, like any other great church camp, there were lots and lots of snacks (here was our supply for the car ride!) ...



Those annoying get-to-know-you games such as "Old McDonald" and "Musical fact chairs" played in a big circle ... (shudder)



... And some other great tings: good talks, discussion groups, ping pong - and toasting marshmallows under a gorgeous starry Californian night ...



It was great fun! Now, back to work ...

Blessings
john