By Guest Blogger, Volunstar Chris Medicus
All aboard! Today’s Little Pink adventures took us to Georgetown, where we boarded Capt. Rods boat and headed off to Shell Island. Capt. Rod shared stories of the history of Georgetown as we skimmed across the channel waters. There were Bald Eagles to be spotted,  an alligator sunning on the grassy bank, and seagulls diving for their lunch. But all that didn’t compare to the shouts of “I found one,” and “look at this one” that could be heard up and down the sunny shores of Shell Island.  Kids explored the clay beds discovering conch shell after conch shell. One couple ventured out into the waters looking for treasures and found some creatures still alive in their shells. Many others ventured way around the point and yet we could hear them shout out their discoveries. One woman was laughing and using her cane to find some cool shells to take back home as a remembrance of this boating adventure.

But the fun didn’t stop there, for Georgetown provided the perfect park for a picnic lunch. The Little Pink Volunstars served lunch at the picnic shelter while the children climbed and clambered all over the playground sliding boards and climbing wall. Children that didn’t know one another just a few short days ago, where now calling out each other’s names to come and play. They were swinging on swings, helping each other across monkey bars, and racing down sliding boards. As I looked around the park, I also saw the survivors bonding together and sharing their  journeys with one another. They too had established friendships and heartfelt connections that would extend far beyond this weeks retreat.

When it was time to go, some of the families were not quite ready to leave Georgetown. However, we assured them there was more to come.
Ocean Lakes general manager, Lance Thompson, along with his family and staff members provided a fantastic BBQ dinner at the rec center. They were gracious host and waited upon our families every needs. With bellies full and spirits high, we all headed over to the outdoor stage for a night of Karaoke singing. Betty had her equipment up and ready to get the party started. All of us “Let It Go” as we “God Blessed America” and “Survived” our way through the night. For we new the sun would come out “tomorrow” and “Somewhere over the Rainbow” dreams really do come true. The children were adorable to watch sing and dance up on the stage, but the fellowship among the entire Little Pink family was a blessing to all. So it was very appropriate to end our day and night by singing the song, “We are Family”, because that is what has happened over the past week. We have become family, a Little Pink Houses of Hope family.