Monday, July 12, 2010

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Layover in Cleveland, then on to San Francisco.
One of many late nights traveling.
Sugar Pine Christian Camp, Guest house.
Kellie's activity day, making string bracelets. Lots of fun! Drew cut his short. Max wanted his thicker. The group received comments on how well behaved they were.


Kellie leading us in prayer in the airport, using the Hour by Hour prayer books. The kids were wonderful about reading!


Tuesday, July 13, 2010 Kellie’s Prayer/Activity Day Theme: Seeking God in the Journey


3:15 am Wake up!

4:00 am Grand Rapids Airport Morning prayer

6:00 am Departure CO2904 GRR -- CLE 6:00-6:52 am CO555 CLE -- SFO

9:10 - 11:19 am Lunch on the plane

12:00 pm Pick up vehicles (noon prayer upon arrival)

1:00 -4:30 Drive to Oakhurst -(207 miles) Get Groceries, then on to Sugar Pine Christian Camp. (Dinner along the way)

7:00 pm Evening Gathering (prayer/reflection)

7:30 pm Personal Time

9:00 pm Lights Out (midnight Michigan time) Daily Questions:

Well, we didn't manage lights out by 9:00pm. We didn't arrive to Sugar Pine until closer to 10:30 pm, California time!! We were all very exhausted. Some of the kids had never flown before, and did very well. Some frustrations along the way, but we made it safely. We were short one bed at our guest house, but we managed to get some sleep, ready for hiking in the morning. We prayed in airports, and restaurants, receiving compliments from other travelers about how well behaved our group of teens was. It made me proud to be one of their leaders!!


Travel can be challenging and, at times, frustrating. What have been the challenging and frustrating times for you today?

• Long day! Awake for 23 hours.
• Stressful sitting in a crowed area for 5 hours.
• Feeling like we weren’t getting anywhere.
• Drive took twice as long as it should have.
• Meals and time zone messed up.
• Getting really sick of bananas and muffins.

Notice acts of kindness throughout today’s travel. Have you been the recipient of an act of kindness today? Have you offered another act of kindness?

• Waving to random people.
• The cashier let Max use the bathroom even though it was for employees only.
• Rescuing knife and leatherman out of Max’s carry on bag.
• Flight attendant was cheerful and helpful. (especially giving more sugar to Dani!)
• Chris had a cup of coffee waiting for Linda
• Passenger held our binder while we were loading our luggage on the overhead compartment
• Good comments about our group from different people
• Picking up suitcases without being asked
• Stephanie assisted a French lady find salt in the store

Where do you think God has been evident on this journey?

• There was a "sign" when we saw the shampoo and soap label had "San Francisco" on them, in the Grand Rapids hotel.
• In the view of the mountains and the lakes from the plane.
• He was with us because we all stayed safe and we didn’t breakdown.

Highlights of the day

• Laying in bed
• Stretching out our legs
• Hannah running out into an orchard picture (at the Grand Rapids Airport, mural)
• Finally not being sick (air, car sick!)

Quote of the day

• “Do we need our bags?” (Max leaving his bag at the counter!)
• “I really like your eyeballs.”
• “You are delaying the departure of this train.” (Barb's backpack was sticking out the door)
• “Is there really a floating mall in the sky?” (sky mall catalog!)
• “Does the Marauders Map really work?”

Our “aha” moments

• Attempting to bring a knife on the plane. (He forgot he had it in there!)
• Max having his unicorn hunting license (No clue!)
• Go get in doesn’t mean go back into the hotel, it means get in the taxi. (Katie went back in the hotel instead of going to the taxi!)

COLUMBA’S ROCK

Delightful it is to stand on the peak of a rock, in the bosom of the isle,

gazing on the face of the sea.

I hear the heaving waves chanting a tune to God in heaven;

I see their glittering surf.

I see the golden beaches, the sands sparkling;

I hear the joyous shrieks of the swooping gulls.

I hear the waves breaking, crashing on the rocks, like thunder in heaven.

I see the mighty whales.

I watch the ebb and flow of the ocean tide; it holds my secret,

my mournful flight from Eire.

Contrition fills my heart as I hear the sea; it chants my sins,

sins too numerous to confess.

Let me bless Almighty God, whose power extends over sea and land,

Whose angels watch over all.

Let me study sacred books to calm my soul;

I pray for peace, kneeling at heaven’s gates.

Let me do my daily work, gathering seaweed, catching fish,

giving food to the poor.

Let me say my daily prayers, sometimes chanting, sometimes quiet,

always thanking God.

Delightful it is to live on a peaceful isle, in a quiet cell,

serving the King of Kings.

SAINT COLUMBA’S PRAYER

Kindle in our hearts, Oh God.

The flame of love that never ceases,

That it may burn in us, giving light to others.

May we shine forever in your temple,

Set on fire with your eternal light,

Even your Son Jesus Christ,

Our Savior and Redeemer.

Amen