On Monday, January 27, 2020, the Friends of Bethany team, board members, event trainers and doctors, and the staff of the Makanalani Retreat Center in Kilauea, Hawaii, gathered to welcome the attendees of the very first Forge Retreat. The skies opened after weeks of rain to shine down the most beautiful and pristine weather for five glorious days that were filled with fellowship, adventures, canoeing, surfing, exercise, delicious food, bonding, a few noisy roosters, a drove of adorable mini-donkeys, and one highly entertaining (and competitive) evening of mini-golf.
“The Forge was great! At home I don’t know too many people that have amputated limbs,” shared one attendee. “It was great to see and meet other people that have the same difficulties as I do. The Forge helped me realize that nothing is impossible.”
Every day the locals commented on the blessing of the event saying that God was certainly bestowing the pristine weather as a gift to support the birthing of this new retreat. Heartfelt joy and compassion radiated through all we did and within each teams’ work, from the kitchen to the gym to the remarkable interns who manage the grounds of the Makanalani. Even the resident donkeys seemed to be feeling the mana!
“Since the retreat, I feel more connected to my true self,” shared one attendee who traveled from Switzerland to attend the retreat. “I can be more honest with myself and the people I love. And thanks to the amazing surfing session, I’ve got my love for sports back! Only the ONE can foresee how much good has and will come out of The Forge!!!”
Right away the mood was welcoming, warm and reverent. Formal handshakes and greetings soon turned into bright smiles, laughter, and even handstands as the group began forming and strengthening with the arrival of each new attendee until finally, they were assembled. Then the fun really began!
Beyond the physical workouts, surfing, forging of knives, and the general challenges of each new day away from home, the attendees and trainers delved into the soul work that inspired meaningful conversations, reflection and sharing. The supportive nature of the event provided a safe space for healing, learning and growth for the entire group.
“We created a tribe that is going to hold each other to our commitments, going to be there for one another when we stumble and fall, and also be there to celebrate with one another when we succeed,” shared Adam Dirks, Friends of Bethany Board Chairman and Forge Retreat Leader.
The goal was to create a once in a lifetime experience for the attendees of this retreat, and with God’s grace that is exactly what happened. No one could have expected that it would be as epic as it truly was. The last night was filled with conversation and lamenting that the time went by so quickly, only to be followed by our last morning together as we set off for one final adventure in Jurassic Park.
Driving out together into this vast land before time seemed to solidify the opening of a great opportunity within each of us. We were transformed. We had all come through fire and water and were reborn in hope, wonder and awe at God’s gifts.
Friends of Bethany is certain of its desire to reach and serve more amputees in this world, showing them that there is glorious life to be lived beyond adversity. And our attendees, trainers and staff took their radiance with them as they headed home to share the hope that resounds after such a blessed experience.
Want to see more of The Forge? Check out more photos and videos on social media!
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Make Incredible Things Happen
Help further our mission and programs that support young people living with limb difference or those who’ve experienced traumatic limb loss by making a tax-deductible donation.
Mahalo to Our Sponsors
Thank you to the following corporate sponsors who have already made direct contributions towards our upcoming retreat! We couldn’t do this without the support of:
- Certified Brands Group
- Cobian
- Dukes
- Fjallraven Kanken
- Mae Cargo Jewelry
- Pain Free Kauai
- Primal Kitchen
- Rank Up Academy
- RX Smart Gear
- San Diego Picnic
- YETI
- Feast on This
- Hakus and Love
- Health Ade
- Hoa Kai
- LinkSoul
- Love Handle
- Now Foods
- Point One Vision
- Rustico
- Blender Bombs
- Crossway
- Gnarly Nutrition
- Greenhouse Foods
- Greyston Bakery
- Kokua Suncare
- Mo’s Dough
- Nooty
- PalmDream
- Paper Sunday
- Surfwater
- Palmdream
- Ponyback
