North Dakota 2019: Sunday eve

We made it! Another beautiful, smooth day of driving (with more Harry Potter!). We arrived at Spirit Lake Ministry Center just in time to unpack the bus and join Pastor Mike, Libby, and their wonderful congregation for evening worship and dinner. After the tasty meal, we had our orientation session and are getting organized for our work groups tomorrow. Painting and roofing await!

Zeba 2019: Sunday photos

Zeba 2019: Sunday prep

We had a lovely church service in L'Anse and lunch with the
congregation before heading to the Zeba campground to get a lay of the
land and set up for our camp fun on Monday.
We'll spend a couple of rainy hours back at the Ford Center organizing
our drama, music, crafts and games.
We're off to a great start!

North Dakota 2019: Made it to Eau Claire

We've arrived in Eau Claire Wisconsin for our overnight stay. It was a long but easy drive thanks to our great driver Jamie. Two Harry Potter movies, lots of snoozes and conversation kept us going. A fun dinner at a local joint with great home cooking was the perfect ending. We'll hit the road early in the morning!

Zeba 2019: Saturday

Zeba 2019: Saturday

Zeba 2019: Saturday

We're here!
We arrived safe and sound and earlier than expected, partly thanks to
a beautiful and easy day of driving. We were joined for dinner by a
surprise guest, a welcome and familiar face in Doug Paterson!

Our early arrival allowed us some extra free time to get our wiggles
out and enjoy the warm sunshine, which none of us Michiganders have
felt too much lately.

We also spent the day learning a few things about each other.
We learned that Rachel would like to travel to Norway, one of the
happiest places on earth. We learned that there are complicated issues
regarding the tariffs on Chinese goods, thanks to some of the eighth
grade boys. We learned that the no phone policy at the bridge is no
joke. We learned it is Nathan's birthday and sang to him over a candle
in a candy bar. We 'I spied' some things, most of them outside the car
and most of them green.
Most of all, we enjoyed some fellowship together and are excited for
what the week will bring as we connect with one another and in the
community around us.
More to come tomorrow!

North Dakota 2019: Anticipation

Carrie Throm

Sent from my iPadFriday evening, 6/21
Within 8 hours, 42 senior high youth and counselors will be gathering at Green Wood to being the trek to Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota. It's a night of packing and preparation - where are those work gloves, what games can keep me busy on the long bus ride, is the laundry done, etc. Thanks to the expert packing lists and communications from Melanie and Wendy, much of that mystery evaporates. But there's still mystery about what will the trip be like, how might lives change, how might I and others be affected by our time together helping others. Open hearts and minds. Off we go - after I find that left-handed glove and get some shuteye.....