Since Tim kind of captured the overview, I think I'll skip that part and dive in for just a few words about my experiences on Saturday. I went into the day without having much in my head as far as expectations. I was looking forward to a day of good conversation and the opportunity to meet new people. Both of these were met and I feel that the bonds built up by our conversations will help strengthen us as we try and figure out this whole mess of a life of faith that we attempt to lead. I really appreciated being able to hear a bit about everyone's journey and how they have come to where they are at. It is really exciting to hear someone share their own story in an open manner among people that they can feel safe around. This, I feel, is one of the best things that the Emergent community has going for it, the ability to remain open and nonjudmental about the people whose path it crosses.

I was able to partake in the conversation about how not to talk of God. We kind of began with that and meandered back and forth through several different issues. At the end of our time together, I was left feeling nicely comforted in the knowledge that, while we had significant sharing and openness, we did not reach any solid conclusions. The opportunity to dialogue without leaving the gray areas showers me with comfort.

Lunch was a fun time of sharing songs as well as our drinks with the friendly bees. I still laugh at the nosedives they made into our drinks. Hopefully it was all worth it to them!

The time of solitude was much needed for me. I often attempt to finds moments of peace in my life but they are usually corrupted by the world at hand. My time on the bank of the Guadalupe, staring at cows keeping cool in the river's water helped calm me some and open me up to our rather unorthodox communion that I feel only strengthened the bonds between those of us tied up in this conversation. All in all, the day left me feeling fulfilled and ready for more time spent together, whether in conversation, silence, laughter, or more attempts at unorthodoxy that seems to capture the communal essence of an actual eucharist.