Belly Laughs

This morning started with our daily 8 a.m. meeting. Now, did I say before that these people have thought of every detail? Right down to the coffee! We have "Skip's Coffee Bar" upon entry to the meeting. I'm on board with that!

Thanks Skip! You are my morning hero!

From the meeting, we went to our first Chapel of the week. It truly is a beautiful and worshipful setting. Pictures don't do it justice (guess you'll just have to come down and try it out for yourself!)

The theme of the week for our messages is Ready, Set, Action.

After morning worship, it was time for our H20 groups. While parents attend "Kindred Journeys" the kids go to the activity group of their choice (chosen prior to arrival). I am helping with the "Bluebirds." They are the 5 and unders and there are 10 of them all together, the youngest is 8 weeks. They are cute, fun and active! We take them to the pool and we play and play. I am sooooo glad the pool is warm!  One in particular was having a few issues with my rules so I made him the "Sheriff" of the pool. Once he was in charge, he was on board! I really had fun and hopefully wore their little hineys out for their parents so they could have a good nap in the afternoon.

I'm getting to know my family a little better. Brayden's momma is suffering with a pinched nerve and her mom has come with her to help her out. He has a two year old brother who was in my Bluebird group this a.m. She really has her hands full and I hope that she is getting a chance to get some rest. Brayden had a great time fishing this morning. I was talking to him later on and was telling him about the "Sheriff." Well, he thought that was just the funniest thing and let out a big ole belly laugh...which in turn just made me laugh too. He's not the only one with a belly laugh. I hear it all over and it's just the happiest sound. I can't get enough of it.

Lunch was followed by "free time" for the families. The volunteers are encouraged to spend the time interacting with the families. Most of them were at the pool so that's where I spent my afternoon. I spent the time getting to know a few of the other families and a few of the other volunteers...the Blue Skies family.

 About 4:30, I headed into the condo for some cool down and rest, because soon it was time to get ready for Hoola by the Poola! I didn't take my camera to that because, well, it was a little wet down there but here are Salli and I, in costume and ready to go.

Another delicious dinner and then the games began. I chose to cheer rather than play but honestly, the best entertainment was Melinda and 3 small children, in the pool with water soakers. They would call people over and soak them...every time followed by the biggest belly laughs you could imagine. I took my turn and then sat back and belly laughed with them. Belly laughs are the best. Can't wait to hear some more tomorrow!

Day 1 - The Familes are Here!

First of all, Happy Father's Day! Here at Blue Skies, Father's Day started with a pancake breakfast. My condomate, Allison Gruehn, was up WAY before me as she was on the pancake cooking crew. I heard it was delicious (it's possible I may have missed it and ate my oatmeal instead). My sweet roommate, Salli Beasley, demonstrated her gift of encouragement with this sweet surprise on my bed this morning.

Thanks Salli. I have a lot to learn from you!

We started the day with our morning meeting. Our directors have been great about giving us the information we need without making me feel overwhelmed. Thanks for that guys!

From there, we went to the "green room" (because it's painted green!) to learn where to get our supplies for "turn down" each night. This room is where we go to get things we need for our rooms, our H2O groups, etc. This is only SOME of the supplies. The rest of the stuff is in the resource room.

After setting up our guest families rooms, it was time for lunch. Most days we will eat here at the condo with our guest families but today we were free to leave and do our own thing. After a quick stop for a picture, we had a delicious seafood lunch at the marina.

Once we got back it was time to wait for our families...and wait...and wait. Check in time was between 3 and 4 but my family didn't arrive until after 5. It was worth the wait. My little buddy is PRECIOUS! He has been sick more of his life than he has been well but he is happy, full of smiles and plays the best air guitar you have ever heard! Melinda personally takes every child on a golf cart ride when they get there, honking the horn and celebrating their arrival. Here is a picture of my fella! (whoops. Caught him with his eyes closed.) As luck would have it, he also has a broken leg. That's just not fair!

While we waited there were numerous activities including a huge jumpy house. It was HOT outside but the kids had fun anyway.

After my family got here I spent some time helping them unload and getting settled. Then it was time for our welcome party. It was all about celebrating your team spirit. The overwhelming majority were dressed in Auburn gear (War Eagle!), I was the only one sporting the GT apparel and Salli was repping Samford.

Everything around here is a party and meals are no exception. The tables are decorated beautifully and let me tell you, the food is ridiculously good AND abundant. The menu tonight was marinated grilled flank steak, salad, mac and cheese, rolls, baked potatoes, green beans and this amazing ice cream type pie. Yum!

After dinner we went down to the beach to watch the sunset and to release lanterns...only we couldn't release lanterns because the wind was blowing the wrong direction (which would have set the resort on fire). So instead, blue balloons were released. The sunset was gorgeous tonight!

 

 

Each night we will end with a short time of worship and thanks for the day. Tomorrow we start at 8:00. So happy to be here and so blessed to be able to be a part of such a great ministry. Thank you again for all of your support and prayers. 

And So it Begins...

I'm here!!! Where is here anyway? At Windmark Beach in Port Saint Joe Florida (between Panama City and Apachicola Bay). I drove with 3 other women which was great. Good conversation makes a trip go quickly! Thanks to Garan for doing ALL the driving! Amazingly, we got everything in the car for 4 women and lots of Blue Skies supplies.

Once we arrived you could just see and feel the excitement. Those who have served before were glad to see familiar faces. There are volunteer kids everywhere, on their bikes, running around. They are going to be an important part of this week. Do you really think the kids who are here want to hang out with me? Not likely. But those kids are going to connect in a big way with each other.

After unpacking, we made a quick trip to the Piggly Wiggly for essentials. Once we returned, the meetings began.

 

 

We started with a long game of introductions. I had the pleasure of interviewing and being interviewed by Claire and Libby. Favorite question was tell us something about yourself that people wouldn't know. That launched into a long discussion of my very large Mr. Potato Head collection. Ask me about it sometime.

 

 



Claire and Libby are rising 8th graders. Cute girls! Enjoyed meeting them. There are so many people here. I hope I can remember a few of their names. These will help!

 

 

Next was dinner and then really down to business. I learned about my H20 Group which is the Bluebirds. For 3 mornings while the parents are at Kindred Journeys, I will be co-leading the group caring for the 5 and unders. We have around 8 kids, one is a 9 week old baby. I think we will have to draw straws to see who gets to hold the baby! Next, I learned about the family I will be hosting. It is a single mom with a six year old boy who has a brain tumor. He has a 2 year old brother (who will be one of my Blue Birds!). Now I know WHO to be praying for after all this time. CANNOT WAIT TO MEET THEM!!!

A quick walk down to the beach and it's time to think about getting to bed so I am rested for tomorrow. Until then, Blue Skies!

It's About to Get Real!

In less than 48 hours I will be in Port Saint Joe, Florida for my first Blue Skies Retreat. I am a lot excited and a little nervous...but mostly excited. I attended our final meeting this past Sunday and let me tell you, the directors and the people who have been organizing and planning this retreat for months have done an extraordinary job. Their attention to detail is beyond impressive. So many people have put in hours too many to count out of a love for these guest families that they haven't even met yet. They truly have a servants heart.

My house is clean, my clothes are washed and my theme night outfits are ready. I have 100 chocolate bars ready to be made into smores (can't promise there will be 100 when we get there. Pray there isn't a chocolate emergency along the way!) and so much other "stuff" I fear my ride down there will look at it and tell me to drive myself. It could happen.

Apparently, the most important final preparation is the Blue Skies Pedicure. That has been quite the topic of discussion on Facebook over the past few days. Who knew? The choices in the shades of blue polish were almost overwhelming. Here is my final result;

 

 

As I listened on Sunday to all that is coming up, I again started to question my ability and preparedness for the upcoming week. I am reminded in Hebrews that God has called me and he will equip me. I know and I believe that...here's what the Bible has to say about it:

 

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13: 20-21

 

Next time you hear from me I will be on the retreat. Until then, nothing but Blue Skies Ahead! Thanks for following along!

 

 

My Faith Journey

Last night I was "stalking" some of the photos from the retreat that finished up this morning. A few in particular reminded me that not only is Blue Skies about fun and games but it is about spiritually strengthening the families, our guests. A time of worship is held several of the mornings.

Communion is served on the last day.

I can't think of too many more beautiful settings than this to worship our Creator.

 

 

Reflecting on these pictures reminded me of my own faith story. I typed it up several years ago and I'd like to share it. Pardon my "cut and paste." 

 

There was a time in my life when I did not know the Lord and felt no pull to get to know Him. I was not raised in a religious home, much less a Christian home. I grew up in the 70’s when it was all about “ME.” And that was modeled well for me in my home. I got through college, graduated and could go wherever I wanted because nursing jobs were a dime a dozen. I had spent a couple summers in Atlanta and loved working at the Children’s Hospital, plus there was this boy. For the first 4 years of my “adult” life, I lived for me, doing as I pleased and doing what was best for me. But you can’t live in the bible belt for long and you can’t work in a pediatric ICU for long without meeting and witnessing people of faith. My full time work was to take care of critically ill and sometimes dying babies and children. The families became like family to me and many of those families were strongly anchored in their faith. The differences in these people and how they handled the tragedies they were facing could not go unnoticed…it intrigued me.  Well I remained in Atlanta but the boy was a thing of the past and I wasn’t getting any younger. A friend from work invited me to attend her singles Sunday school class with her…she said it was really fun and they were doing a study on a book called The Road Less Travelled. So I went to Sunday School. I felt uncomfortable and like I had a sign around my neck saying, “I really don’t belong here.” But there was a nudging from within that kept me going back. I began to make friends. I bought a bible. I started reading the bible. What a blessing these people were to me. And the biggest blessing of all, I met my husband. I wish I could tell you that I had a dot on my life line where my conversion took place and from that point on my salvation was certain; but I can’t. But what I do know in hindsight was that God had a plan for me from the very beginning. That intrigue, that nudging that I felt amongst those families of faith was the Holy Spirit at work in me. I’m pretty sure God knew I would not be an easy sell, but he just kept putting me in situations that allowed me to witness his strength and glory. That all happened almost 30 years ago and I have been on a continual faith journey ever since.

 

This morning as I was reflecting on this it occurred to me that my preparation for Blue Skies began 30 years ago in that ICU. I think that I am supposed to be using this week to give back (pay it forward) to those families who witnessed to me so many years ago and didn't even know the seeds they were planting. I am a Christian. I am not perfect and I have a long ways to go in my journey. I pray that God will give me the words and the wisdom to be a witness to these families next week and that all that I do will bring honor and glory to Him and to Him alone.

 

 



It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Blue Skies!

The signs are everywhere that our week at Blue Skies is almost here! For example...

We can now see the weather forecast for the time we will be there!

Secondly, the emails are coming more regularly with more and more details of our week. Since my last posting I have learned the following:

• I will be helping with the "Bluebirds."  Three mornings during our week, the parents will participate in Kindred Spirits (led by my good friend Salli!). During that time, the children sign up for all kinds of fun activities. I will be working with the 5y.o. and under age category. They don't sign up. They just come! We'll have pool time, movies and all kinds of fun toys.
• I will be on cooking dinner duty on Thursday. I have no idea what we'll be cooking. Now, this is right up my alley cuz those who know me know I really do love to cook. I hear the food is great!
• I have a much clearer picture of what our spa day for the mom's will look like. I met with the kind soul who agreed to co-lead this with me. Neither of us has been to Blue Skies but thanks to some solid help from our director, we THINK we have a handle on the event. The guest mom's and teenage daughters will be sent an invitation the evening before and will be given a "spa basket." Here's the start of what they will look like.
   

 

The baskets will be filled with a scrubbie, nail brush, bath salts, a journal and other fun things.

 

We have some snacks figured out too. There will be fruit infused water, sweet tea, a yogurt parfait bar, salty munchies and "flip flop cookies" made from these:

 

Mom's will be treated to pedicures and manicures, cold wet minty towels, spritzing bottles, magazines, and plenty of fellowship. Spa music has been downloaded and will be playing as well.

 

Another sign that the time is getting close is that my poor daughters room is being taken over by Blue Skies "stuff." (Sorry Molly!)

 

 

 

In that pile of stuff is 100 Hershey's bars and all the graham crackers and marshmallows needed for smores. I have to keep them locked in there so I forget they're around!

 

 

 

If you look closely, in the corner is a hawaiian lei for Hoola by the Poola night.

 

I am feeling incredibly blessed to be able to volunteer with this organization. Thanks again to ALL who have supported me both financially and with your prayers. My intent is to blog each night about the days activities. I hope you'll follow along! We leave in one short week!

 

 



 

 

Will I have What it Takes?

Today, and probably as I write this, a week begins for 12 familes in Port St. Joe, Florida. It's the second week of six for Blue Skies retreats this year. Around 100 volunteers arrived yesterday to complete the preparation and training process. I'm hoping they update their facebook page with lots of pictures so I can follow along as they journey through their time together.

 

My time will be here in just two short weeks! As I settle into my summer "routine" (that's really an oxymoron!) I think of my summer in terms of BBS (Before Blue Skies) and ABS (you can probably figure that one out on your own.) BBS is filled with preparation. I  think I'm pretty ready. I even found my Hawaiian shirt and Western outfit...thanks Katie White for the Pirate costume! But am I really ready? Do you ever sign up for something and then as it gets closer wonder if you are "adequate", enough for the job?

I've been around this Earth long enough to know that events and occasions like this take a lot of work behind the scenes in order for things to run smoothly. I am so thankful for the directors and all the people who have been putting in countless hours for many months to make this week special for our guest families. I sincerely pray that I will quickly find a "niche" in this process so that I too can contribute...many hands make light work, right?

That being said, I've agreed to help coordinate the spa day for the guest moms. This is one of those areas where I am feeling pretty inadequate. I've never even been to a spa and I've never been to Blue Skies. Does getting a pedicure count??? I am really going to need some major equipping to be done here so that we can make this a great and relaxing afternoon for our guests. Trust and faith, right? I'm open to any ideas and suggestions any of you may have!

Over the next two weeks, I will remind myself that God equips us to that which he calls us. I believe I'm supposed to be involved in this ministry, therefore, I WILL have what it takes.