By Guest Blogger: Erica Madden
Welcome to Emerald Isle!

Day one of retreat week comes with so many emotions. Anxious excitement is evident in the faces of the VolunSTARS as check-in time for the new Little Pink families draws near. The VolunSTARS regularly walk out the door or peer out the window, looking for a new car to pull up. The VolunSTARS have been preparing for this moment … this arrival … this first meeting for days, weeks, months. It is almost like a blind date! Waiting patiently (or impatiently!) for the doorbell to ring, that first shared smile, that hope of instant connection, and most importantly, the promise of an opportunity to “do life” together.
As the VolunSTARS wait (or pace!), the Little Pink families are posting updates on the group Facebook page as they get closer to smelling the ocean air. Some are stuck in traffic (hey, I-95, I see you!). Some have landed in a new city, leg one of the journey complete, and are climbing in a rental car to finish the trip. Still others have crossed the bridge into Emerald Isle and are requesting lunch recommendations in their vacation destination! They are beginning to share bits and pieces of their personalities with people they have yet to meet.
Nervousness. Excitement. Exhaustion. Eagerness. Worry. Hope.
Finally (FINALLY!) the moment arrives! All of the families are in Emerald Isle. They are settled (well, as much as a room full of children ages 1-14 can be settled!) at Emerald Isle Baptist Church, full of every emotion under the sun. A welcome, some introductions, a blessing, a taco dinner and desserts to last all week (or month!) prepared by the special ladies at EIBC. And who can forget the mountains of beach gear and gifts organized especially for every Little Pink family member.

 
Laughter. Stories. Sharing. Contentment.
The active kiddos and the VolunSTARS retreat to the playground and the challenges begin. Corn hole tournaments and swings. Football passes and slides. Jackpot and Frisbee. (The VolunSTARS will sleep well tonight!) The adults gather in a (quiet!) circle and explore the schedule of activities on tap for this week they’ve been selected to attend. With each day, each activity revealed, there are murmurs of excitement, amazement, gratefulness.

Every person gathered at Emerald Isle Baptist Church made a choice. To step into the unknown. To travel to a new place. To take a break in the midst of busyness. To serve and love unconditionally…
To walk by FAITH.
Here’s to taking the leap and joining us for an amazing week together. Let’s leave our footprints side by side in the sand.