Ballyloughran ‘09
Some personal reflections on the weekend away
Planning is finished, the time’s come so soon
To head off to Kerry, it’s just after noon.
Think Gideon’s calling, I can’t hear a thing
The engine’s too loud, my head’s in a spin….
Phew, now we’ve arrived, with Jimmy behind,
He is new to the place - it’s so hard to find!
Next Ballybunion, to where they will stay
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.
Back at the place, signs up on the doors.
Bedding’s arrived for sleeping on floors.
Vin’s in the kitchen, he’s remarkably calm
- tho’ food’s coming late (where’s that Gilead’s balm).
Changes to rooms, must show folk the way.
Heard Tom is coming so – hip, hip hooray!
Fire procedures next, there’s no time for play
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.
Hear Stephen’s held up, rules need to be taught
(I’m starting to feel just a tiny bit fraught!).
No need to panic, Barry’s stood in the breach
and Dave’s here all set up and ready to teach.
His message is simple, he’s using the board
To show we must all give our lives to the Lord.
When could be better than do it today
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.
The throng are heading off to swim in the pool
Time to relax, I’m still keeping my cool.
Tea and biscuits arrive, even time for a chat
or should I be busy with this thing or that?
Thanks Avril and Dave, for the greatest of favours
for supervising all of our hyper teenagers.
At last all’s gone quiet, I’m tired and yawning.
What’s that? The alarm bell! It’s already morning.
Enjoyed the breakfast, now we’re going to pray
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.
Then into the hall for singing and praising
Our Lord Jesus Christ – He is truly amazing.
Dave’s teaching on love - what a great word!
His message is something we’re glad that we heard.
Chops and trifle for lunch, then the afternoon’s free
For crafts and the sports hall before we have tea.
We rush back upstairs to prepare for the gig -
Phil needs some help with his make-up and wig.
Dan passes amazed, even slightly afraid
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.
That’s our act over, now it’s on with the rest;
Riverdance is my favourite with pigtails and dress.
Thanks again George for being MC
(He and Stu - surely good enough for TV!)
Avril’s organising the late night of singing
Those who have stayed on are really swinging
It’s great to praise Him – what a noise we can make
(Hope we’re not keeping those upstairs awake!)
Tonight some real gifting has been on display
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.
The Sunday lesson, God wants our best love.
To Him be the glory, our Saviour above.
It’s lunchtime, I’m hearing that chicken is falling,
Chef’s shut the door, it seems that he’s stalling.
Don’t go in the kitchen if you can’t take the heat!
Ah, it’s fine, all is well, phew, (that pudding’s a treat).
Time to clean up, another year done
Now I look back and see it was truly such fun!
Thanks to all who helped in every way
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.
