We Are Only Visitors

My adventures began this week at Woodland Hills Reunion in Saint Clair, Missouri. For three weeks I anxiously awaited to begin my summer as a Graceland Summer Rep. I was determined to recruit ALL the students. That's my job. Talk about Graceland. Pretty simple, seeing as I've been surrounded by GU paraphernalia, stories, and culture my entire life. 

Siri took me to a field, rather than this sign. 

However, my attitude quickly changed the moment I stepped out of my Graceland vehicle at Woodland Hills Reunion when I realized: WHO ARE ALL OF THESE PEOPLE??


It's easy to talk about Graceland when you sort of know people, but when you know absolutely no one....that's a little more difficult.

Priority number one quickly shifted to building relationships (Hope that's okay, Greg!).
And that-that was easy. It's amazing that almost anywhere can become like home when you are part of the Community of Christ Church.


I was blessed to spend the week with about fifty COC members spanning from Columbia to Saint Louis and feel especially fortunate to have spent time with probably some of the most rockin' Junior High/Senior High groups I've ever met (whom I miss very much!!).

Some of my girls. We were pros at 3 letter word Scrabble games

#inspired

I felt right at home leading campfires (my favorite was with Tina!) and co-teaching Senior High class with Allen. One of the literal and figurative high points was hiking to "Inspiration Point" with the Junior High (and later on my own...which I didn't know was not allowed until later...whoops).

We had a great night after Campfire Sunday playing GU games! A Special Shoutout to the Senior and Junior High for participating and friends Allen Williston, John Williams, and Pam Cress!

Tina calls this a "white girl selfie"-they all wore their GU shirts! I almost cried

                                     
I always felt included participating in worship, classes, campfire, and fellowship. Every night Ralph would tell "Little Eagle" stories with lessons from the "Great Spirit". The last night he reminded us all of something that I will carry with me the rest of my summer-We are only visitors. At campgrounds. On this earth. We are only visitors-so let's make the best of our time here! I (tearfully) left Woodland Hills with new friends and great memories. Thanks for a great reunion guys!