This week, we did something different, something we’ve NEVER done before as Kairos! We went with our various home groups to different locations around Berkeley and Alameda. So…. we have a collaborative effort from four wonderful writers for this week’s post!

First up…. Claire’s home group, featuring Christine the Recapper!

Though cloudy days we braved this week, sunny – and drooling – smiles hovered over our home-made Mongolian BBQ at Claire’s place!

YUM. I'm still drooling from the scrumptiousness!

After some unfortunate run-ins with the power, trying our hand at some stir-fry cooking, and feasting to our fill, we quieted down to hear Susanna’s message on Mark 4:1-41. She told us about her hero of faith, Joni Eareckson Tada – a quadriplegic who learned how to live after her tragic accident through obeying God and lived heaven-bound everyday. God is always speaking to us, Susanna said, so we need to mold our path-like hearts to receive His words.

We ended the night as deliciously as we started it – by enjoying the delicate cuisine of the respectable connoisseurs of TeaWay.

Who are those crazy girls in the back, photo-bombing the picture anyway?!

Thanks Christine!

Next up…. Jonathan, recapping for Ben’s group!

Last Friday, some 18 of us guys met up at Ben Park’s home in Alameda. We feasted on a meal of delicious Mexican tortillas, had an engaging group discussion on the parable of the mustard seed and what the kingdom of God is like, and then we had Kenton’s challenge (eat 7 large scoops of ice-cream in 4 minutes). 6 guys participated, and only two finished, with the competition won by Ben, who narrowly edged out well-known big-eater Edison! That was then followed by a Nerf-gun counter-strike battle!

That's pretty intense

The Assault Team is ready sir! Except for Ben, who's checking out his gun...

Sniper team is ready to strike! Except for Ben, who's checking out his gun again...

We also bid farewell to our Challenge Master, who’s heading back to A2F. We’ll be praying for you, Kenton!

Next up, we have Emily, the Reporter on scene at Helen’s Home Group!
“Hey everyone, it’s Helen’s Life Group reporting from a cozy huddle in the midst of a dark and stormy Friday night! It was such a relief to escape from the rain, and starting off with a bowl of warm miso soup really hit the spot! Dinner was one of my favorite meals: make-your-own California rolls! And you thought you had to train as a sushi chef under a samurai for 15 years to reach our level of professionalism.

Some of us got really creative!

Afterwards, we shared some of the highs and lows of our life timeline, and we got to know each other better by swapping stories and describing different stages of life we’ve been through. Then Helen led us in a discussion covering the rest of Mark 4 which focused on the parables of the seeds (growing and mustard) and Jesus calming the storm. Personally I was blessed by the reminder that something so seemingly small and insignificant, like God’s Word, can have the potential to be life-giving.

And lastly, we were off to San Francisco where thankfully, the rain had stopped, and we scurried into Golden Island Cafe to enjoy some delicious Chinese desserts! I ordered coconut milk with sago and honeydew. Any personal favorites? I wish I could have tried more! All in all, it was another heartwarming night at Kairos, and I hope you’ll join us next time!”

Finally, we have Eric, making his debut as a Kairos blog writer!

Despite torrents of rain and blistering wind, nature was unable to stymie the good men of Kairos from doing battle. In another intense chapter at Kairos, these bands of brothers have tapped into their most feral passions and took arms. Blindfolded and bemused, these brave champions – in a test of courage and fortitude – relied on fraternal bonds to annihilate their enemies (who were also our brothers). Using state of the art modern technology, the brothers used Nerf Guns and dodge balls to raise terror. There was much havoc and chaos; however, the brothers learned to trust one another in spite of blaring confusion. Many came out disoriented from the battle scars of dodge ball, while few emerged victorious. Nevertheless, the brothers licked their wounds, afterwards, with endless platters of Chinese desserts and fried snacks.

Calvin and Ivan ogling at their plates of fried beasts in overwhelming astonishment.

During the heat of fierce contest, Will was directing James the locations of enemy combatants scattered across the ravaged basketball court.

It is clear that the battle had taken its toll on the group...

All in all, it was an awesome time of bonding and getting to know people better in a smaller group. Hope you can join us next time!