The CE Convention 2010 - as it was my first time at the Convention, I wasn’t quite sure just what to expect. Just another weekend away? Well, not exactly. The weekend was packed with activities, crazy dramas, God focused praise times and challenging teachings, not to mention plenty of time to make lots of new friends.

Friday night started with getting unpacked followed by a meal. We then headed to the church for a service when some YP members took part, which included uplifting worship and a drama. The night’s banter continued with a social and then some good CE dorm talk.

Saturday morning started early with breakfast, then we had a service and a youth seminar on relationships where we got to ask questions and express our own opinions. Later we headed out into the big city (or not) of Fivemiletown for a ‘Photo Frenzy’. Several groups of keen young people set loose on the small town to get some crazy group photos… in the rain. We had plenty of laughs and the craic was ‘mighty’, and if we learned nothing else that weekend, we could all tell you where to find the coolest cars and how to get a photo of a whole group hanging upside-down… including the girl on crutches (Andrea). We then headed back to the hall to dry off and get some quality muffins.

Later that evening, we had another inspiring service where Paul handed over his role of the Irish president to Gillian. After the service, the young people headed upstairs for a beetle drive before heading home.

Looking back, past making new friends and having a good time, I can definitely see that God's presence was evident at the weekend. During the praise and the talks, God was there. As we learned about Peter and John and the example they set, and our relationships with our friends, families, and with the opposite sex, God was definitely there- speaking to us. Just another weekend? Definitely not.