Zeba 2015: Day Two

Zeba 2015: Saturday ice cream picture

More pictures later after church!

Zeba 2015: Day One - We are here!

10:00 PM

After a marvelous Mexican dinner stop in Marquette where we were greeted by Rev. Doug and Karla Paterson, we arrived at the Ford Center in Alberta around 8pm. Youth and counselors settled in, our HQ here for the next 6 days. Spirits are high with great anticipation for the week ahead. Tomorrow it's church in L'Anse and planning for Vacation Bible Camp. More pictures to come!

Guatemala 2015: A long travel day

We're here, all safe and sound with no adventures on our long travel day.  It's 10:23pm and most of us were up before 3:00am this morning to make the flight.  The kids are tired, but in good spirits.  

Lots of pictures taken on the way. Look for some to be posted soon.

Tomorrow is Sunday, so we're going to church in Chichicastenango.  

Zeba 2015: Day One #2 - Halfway there

2:30 PM

We met at 8am at FUMC Greenwood, many eyes a bit blurry from 8th grade graduation and other events the night before. Our extraordinary Trip Leader Wendy Everett and our counselors loaded up the vans and away we went. Some vans had sleepers and readers, others played riddle games and cards to pass the time during our morning of "no technology."  We regathered at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge for a picnic lunch and ice cream at the General Store. Refueled, we now cross the bridge and head into the wilderness of the Left Hand. Halfway to Zeba!

Zeba 2015: Day 1 #2 - Halfway There

We met at 8am at FUMC Greenwood, many eyes a bit blurry from 8th grade graduation and other events the night before. Our extraordinary trip Leader Wendy Everett and our counselors loaded up the bans and away we went.

Zeba 2015: Day One #1 - Michigan Hands

7:00 AM

When we southeastern Michigan residents are asked about our state by someone who lives elsewhere, we lift our right hand, palm up, and point with our left index finger to the location in question. But as we know, that right-hand map is only part of the Michigan story. Take a look at the "handy map" here. When it comes to representing the wilderness of the U.P., things get a little tricker. You need BOTH HANDS for the map! Our week-long trip to Zeba winds us up into the left hand, past Marquette, nestled into the "harbor" of the thumb.

I thought this was a marvelous metaphor for our Zeba Mission, a place where all of us - counselors and youth - can put both of our hands, and collectively, MANY hands, to work. We will hug, cheer, sing, act, play games, do crafts, give piggy back rides, teach, cry, roast marshmallows, climb waterfalls, and lift each other. We can't do these things single-handedly. It's a privilege and a joy to use both hands to know God, love Others, and serve the World.

If you look closely, you'll note that Zeba is located at the beginning of the the lifeline of the left hand. Where the lifeline begins! WOW!