Guest Blogger: Erica Madden
It’s already Thursday! Why do weeks at the beach always seem to go so much faster than those at the office?!
Thursday in Emerald Isle means a relaxing morning of fishing off the Bogue Inlet Pier, lunch with the awesome folks at Bethlehem United Methodist, and a chance to allow creativity to run wild with a painting project, courtesy of Diana Patten and her lovely assistant, Meredith Kuny. Then the VolunSTARS enjoy an evening of kids, bowling and pizza at Mac Daddy’s while the survivors and a guest enjoy a QUIET dinner together at Jackie’s American Grill. (Note to families: If you haven’t picked up your children yet, you are late!)
Thursday is also the day I realize how much we have all gotten to know one another … the makings of a new extended family … a Little Pink family.
I’ve learned about hometowns. I’ve heard stories about first dates and how mom and dad first became husband and wife. I’ve learned parenting highlights and challenges, especially during a cancer battle. I’ve been privy to information about current hobbies and hopes and dreams of what is to come.
I’ve learned Nate, one of the teenagers on our retreat, has an ear for music, and I was blessed to hear him sing and play guitar (Listen here!).
I know Josh is good at basketball. I know Matthew never met a stranger and can hold a conversation with anyone!
I know Alexis wants to go be a surgeon and attend an Ivy League college. I know Kirsten loves roller coasters but prefers the big drops to being upside down.
Little Pink retreats mean a lot of fun activities, a lot of laughs, plenty of comfort … but they also mean growing together and building lasting relationships that will live much longer than this retreat week.
Thank you for sharing your journeys and your lives with us.