On Creating Connections: Peace Intern Week Three 

When I boarded my flight to Omaha, I chatted with my seatmate about my what brought me to Nebraska. She asked if I had been to Nebraska. I said no. She asked if I knew anyone in Nebraska. I said no. She asked if I had any connection to Nebraska. I said, not yet. 

Image Description: Allison is seated on the plane wearing a mask and turtle shell glasses. She is giving a thumbs up and has a lot of frizz. 

I arrived on Tori Evans’s doorstep and said more to her cat than I said to her. Tori and her sister Taylor were the fearless leaders of Kamp Kaleo’s junior and senior high school camp in Burwell, Nebraska. I carpooled with them to camp and listened to them chitchat about their past camp experiences. It’s strange how connected camp can feel, even when you’re states away from your home camp. I heard about stories and songs and how they’re different than where I grow up. 

On my first day, I was a bundle of nerves. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t have river shoes. It was a stressful day. I spent most of the day quietly observing everyone to make sure I wasn’t doing anything wrong. As Vespers came to a close, I took a deep breath and was ready to get back to my cabin. Maybe talk to my Peace Intern friends. Maybe cry a little bit. But first, we had to sing our goodnight song. MY goodnight song. 

I first started singing the goodnight song at Camp Barbee, the Northern Indiana camp. I attended Camp Barbee for one summer and the song eventually made its way to Bedford Camp and Conference Center, where I grew up attending. I sang it to my nephews when they were little and I sing it to myself when I can’t sleep. The lyrics go, “Lay down my dear brothers, lay down and take your rest. I’m gonna lay your head upon the savior’s breast. I love you. But Jesus loves you best. I bid you goodnight. Goodnight. Goodnight.” I was able to take a deep breath out for the first time since I arrived. Having that connection made Kaleo feel like a home. I was able to relax and enjoy the ride. 

Then camp tanking. 

Image Description: The photo shows a group of people in various colored life vests floating in a blue plastic trough along a river. Another similar trough can be seen in the distance. 

Before arriving in Nebraska, I had never heard of tanking. Tanking is like tubing or canoeing, in the way that you’re going down a river. But, you’re in a tank, or like a horse trough, with a bench built in. You hang out, the kids jump in the river, you relax. I vote we bring this to other states. Nebraska needs to learn to share! It gave me an opportunity to get to know some campers and see some of the Nebraska landscape. It was relaxing and overwhelming and such a great camp experience. I am so grateful for this experience. 

Image Description: Allison is sticking out her tongue wearing an orange life vest. She is standing in a blue plastic trough on a river. 

After tanking, I felt a lot less stressed. It was something I was anxious about beforehand, then when I did it, it felt like no big deal. I can ride down a river in a horse trough! I can fly to Nebraska and everything will be okay! I can create relationships with people I may never meet again! I am unstoppable!

It is easier to feel fearless when you have conquered some fears. It is easier to make new connections when you have established some. It is easier to feel at home when you know you have a safe place to land. Thank you, Kamp Kaleo for being a safe place to land. 


Image Description: Allison stands laughing, with whipped cream on a plate and on a trash bag that she wears as a top. Another counselor, Lizz can be seen wearing a great deal of whipped cream on her face. There are people around smiling.

 As the week came to a close, I felt like this community had changed me. I had listened to the campers and counselors tell me about their lives, their hopes, their dreams, and their futures. I was able to do my workshop with each of them, talking about how to have productive conversations when we disagree. I felt like a member of the Kamp Kaleo Community by the end of the week, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to move on. 

It is still a little bit overwhelming to think about the fact that I have a home right in the middle of Nebraska. Thank you so much to Kamp Kaleo for welcoming me into your little island. I will treasure my time there forever. 

Image Description: Allison is laying on the floor with a crowd surrounding her. Two campers, in doctor’s scrubs, pretend to be doing a procedure on her as the crowd eagerly watches. 

Image description: Allison stands in the left of the frame with a bow and arrow. A man stands in the right of frame watching her stance giving her advice. 

Image description: Allison smiles under the Kaleo Bell, holding the string to ring the bell in one hand and a coffee cup in the other. She smiles widely. 

Will you pray with me? 

Thank you God for creating home in unlikely places.
Thank you for new friends and old songs, for new journeys and old traditions.
Thank you for giving us all stories to tell and carry with us
and thank you for giving us gifts we get to share with the world.
Thank you for Kaleo, both the place and the people. 

In her holy name we pray. 

Amen. 

Finding My Way: Peace Intern Summer Week 2

Have you ever woken up in a bed that isn’t yours and felt entirely lost? It takes a moment to reorient yourself and find your bearing. I have slept in bunk beds, hotel mattresses, church floors, and in stranger’s cars just in the first two weeks of my peace intern program. I wake up and don’t know where I am, then I continue to be a bit disoriented.

And continue.

And continue.

Image description: The view from the mini-van on the way to Christmount. The image features a guard wall with trees and mountains in the background. It also includes a car mirror reflecting the landscape. The overall scene appears to be outdoors with a cloudy sky.

I talked some about place and identity in my last blog post. Place is a big part of who you are and how you engage with the world, and being displaced changes that. I have to admit that it’s difficult feeling so detached from my place. I feel a bit lost. It can be lonely to be the new kid in every room you walk in. But, this week, I was not alone. I had my fellow Peace Intern, Maggie B. Lewis and the wonderful Allisonville Youth and their adult leaders alongside me. So it was easier to feel connected. I am so grateful I got to dip my toe in before splashing into a new space with entirely new people. That will come next week.

Image Description: This photo shows the group in front of Allisonville. There are sixteen smiling people in front of the orange doors of Allisonville Church.

I arrived via min-van at Christmount, the National Conference Center for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) right before dinner. I held this feeling of displacement in my chest, but ate dinner hoping it would go away by morning. We laughed and chatted about what the Allisonville Youth had learned in Spanish class. We discussed the labels on the juice, which were slightly unhinged in the best way. Maggie and I got dropped off at our room and we began to settle in. I still felt lost as I drifted off to sleep.

Image Description: The photo shows a mostly empty container labelled “Blackberry Lemonade Ohhhh Yeah DFW Strong”

The next day we were given our first assignment. Maggie and I, along with some of the Allisonville Youth were assigned to work on a directional sign for the camp. We talked with Rev. Rob Morris about what he was looking for and where it would go and we got to work. Part of building a directional sign is making sure everything is pointing the right direction. We walked through camp making sure we were orienting ourselves correctly, giving our team a chance to understand our place at camp. This task helped me to find my way, both physically and emotionally.

Image description: In the foreground, an Allisonville Youth can be seen painting a directional sign that says “Allisonville”. In the background, Maggie can be seen opening a can of paint.

I realized that despite feeling lost and adrift, my work would help others find their way. It helped me to realize that you don’t have to know every step of your path to begin the journey. That my directional signs would help people in the present and future find their way around Christmount. That in trying to find my way, I had helped others do so as well.

Image description: Allison and Maggie stand smiling pointing and the directional sign they helped build. The directional sign includes locations like Allisonville, Guest House, Swimmin’ Hole, and Guastavino Ruins.

That knowledge helped me to take steps, even if I am scared, I am still able to move forward. After having some big feelings, saying goodbye to Maggie, it was time to take my next step forward and head with the Allisonville Youth Group to Charlotte.

Image Description: The sun setting, filling the sky with purples and pinks over the Charlotte skyline. Optimist Hall can be seen in the foreground, a large brick building.

There is a lot that can be said about the Allisonville Youth. They are passionate, they are competitive, they are driven. I was in awe of their ability to focus on their objective without fooling around, then as soon as it was time to fool around, they did so as much as possible. It was fantastic.

One of my favorite moments working with Allisonville was getting out of the car and hearing two of the high school boys say that they were going to be Good Samaritans. They were complimenting everyone, holding doors open, and being overly respectful at every opportunity. As a joke.

Image description: The Allisonville mission group stands in front of a church building. They are all smiling, wearing matching blue shirts.

Eventually, I asked them if they wanted to read the story of the Good Samaritan and they described it as a “fulfilling side quest”. They read the story and I couldn’t help but think about the journey happening in the story. It is so easy in the chaos of the day to day to ignore those harmed on the road in front of us, but we are commanded by God to not only love and cherish those close to us, but also those we are taught to hate. These boys were being silly, just joking about being kind. But they showed through their actions that they care deeply about those they know and those they will never get to meet. I am so glad to have walked alongside them in this journey and I hope to meet more young people like the Allisonville Youth.

Image Description: The group poses in front of the Christmount sign for a selfie taken by Allison. Above the Christmount sign it says “Camp Lakey Gap Autism Programs”. The group smiles and one youth is giving Rev. Josh Jackson bunny ears.

So, I don’t know exactly where this summer will take me. I don’t know the people I will meet or the jokes they will find funny, but I do know what my next step will be. All I need is to have faith in the step in front of me.

A big thank you to Rev. Josh Jackson, the Associate Minister of Faith Formation for Allisonville Christian Church, who planned the mission trip and was an admirable leader and friend. I can’t wait to run into him again at the Indiana Region’s CYF Conference at Camp Bedford this summer.

Will you pray with me?

Holy Creator,

Thank you for the journey you’ve brought me on. Thank you for the the bumps in the road and the storms that come and go, because they help to see the good moments more clearly. I am so grateful for the people you have placed on the path, the friends, the future friends, and the Good Samaritans. I am blessed to be in a beautiful place every day. I pray for the Hester family. I hope they are able to feel your love during this difficult time.

In your name we pray,

Amen.

Fireflies, Impermanence and Little Moments With God: CYF @ Tall Oaks

I began my first camp of the summer with equal parts apprehension and excitement.

I didn’t grow up attending church camps, so I didn’t have an idea of how they usually went. There was the added anxiety of teaching a workshop on peace and justice that I had only said out loud to myself as I paced around my room. Despite all of this, I felt ready to dive into the summer and to build whatever new connections came my way.

On the day before campers arrived, I was driven to Tall Oaks by Anna, the camp director. We got Cain’s for dinner on the way (my first Cain’s experience!) and after a quick tour of the beautiful campus, we had a chill evening hanging out with the counselors and the members of the Regional Youth Cabinet who had an integral role in the leadership at camp. Everyone was so kind and welcoming to me, as I was the only person who hadn’t been to Tall Oaks before, and didn’t even attend Disciples camps as a kid! I finally got to meet Lara Blackwood-Pickrel, who happened to attend camp with my parents when they were all growing up and was serving as the camp chaplain. I already felt at home because I had this connection. I chatted with her and her husband Chuck. Both of them quickly became people I knew I could trust, while being delightful and funny at the same time.

Each and every one of the other counselors were wonderful too, and it was clear to me how connected they all were, by past camp experiences and by their everyday experiences as friends, too. I roomed with Abbey, who was full of insight about camp and was able to ease some of my anxieties about the coming days. The amount of hospitality I received from everyone on the first day, and for the rest of camp, was a blessing!

Getting to know the campers at Tall Oaks was another incredible blessing. Being in their presence and witnessing the ways that they were living out the Gospel in their everyday lives was truly life-changing. I was particularly impacted by the campers in the small group I was assigned to. One of the conversations we had was about doubting one’s faith. A camper confessed to not knowing if they believed in God, having not had one of those “Big God Moments” that everyone talks about. This led to a discussion about the ways God is different for everyone—the way that God can exist as a gendered entity or more of a force of love and connection, and all the iterations in between.

We also talked about doubting and how it is an essential part of faith. Some people might tell you that if you do not have complete faith in God, you are not a real Christian. But in fact, doubt is something that we need in order to be in our continuing relationship with God. It allows us to have control of what we want to believe, and it also tells us that we can always change our beliefs. It is a tool used for new explorations of ourselves, rather than a hindrance that stops us from believing altogether. In each moment that we question God, we are bringing ourselves closer to our understanding of God. Seeing campers discuss this—even when they disagreed with each other on some points—was inspiring.

On the third night of camp, we walked to Inspiration Point, a place that I’d heard campers talking about all week. Anna and Lara had showed me the fireflies of Tall Oaks on my first night staying on campus, promising me that I would see many more at I.P. This was the first week of my life seeing fireflies, because we don’t really have them in Oregon where I’m from. As we got closer to I.P. on the third night, I began to see how many were lighting up the trees and the grass. They flickered on and off in dazzling gold, the sight of them backed by the gentle hum of cicadas. As I craned my neck, I saw the stars of the clearest sky I had seen in a while. We reached I.P., which consisted of a half circle of benches, a table for communion, and a sturdy cross standing in front of the oak trees. A fire was lit and we worshipped together. It was one of the most sacred services I had experienced in a while.

When it was time to leave worship, I hung back as the campers headed to their cabins. I walked along the dark wooded path, craning my neck to look at the fireflies again. I found myself in tears as I watched them blinking on and off, moving with a joyful fervency that made me wonder if they were in worship too. I felt fully connected to the the Holy Spirit in this moment, and my tears were ones of gratitude and pure happiness.

The lifespan of an adult firefly is approximately sixty-one days. This gives them just long enough to reproduce. They use a language of light to communicate with each other, flashing constantly as soon as dusk arrives. As I walked further along the path, I thought about the impermanence of the fireflies. They live for such a fleeting period of time, yet bring overwhelming beauty to the world. It takes a kind of complete stillness to appreciate them. If only we could be so still for more of the time. If only we could come to a complete stop and find ourselves amidst those fleeting lights that life offers. I think these moments are where God is found most often.

We get to exist on this earth for much longer than the fireflies, but we are also impermanent. Another question one of my small group campers asked was: What do you think happens after we die? This is, of course, one of the most-asked questions of humanity in general, but it’s an especially weighted question for us people of faith. Some campers didn’t believe in heaven or hell, some campers believed in reincarnation, and others had no clue at all. The conclusion we came to was that even if there is nothing after death, we should try to live our lives trying to create as much heaven on earth as we can. This means reaching out to those less fortunate than us. This means having difficult conversations with those we don’t agree with. And it means taking in all the precious moments we have to be with each other and with God.

On the fourth day of camp, I taught my workshop on Palestine for the first time. I was nervous, partly because speaking in front a group always feels vulnerable and partly because I wasn’t sure what the response to the topic would be. I’ve had several difficult conversations with peers and classmates back home, and while I knew this would undoubtedly happen over my Peace Intern summer, I wasn’t sure how well-equipped I was to start off in this way. But the campers I talked to surprised with me with the wealth of knowledge they already had about the history of how Palestinians have been oppressed, and this is largely due to the amazing work that former Peace Intern Marci Mazza-Fredley did last year to bring awareness to them. We had an open conversation about how we can find hope and advocate for peace while living in a country that perpetuates violence. We ended with an art project I’m bringing to each camp this summer: each camper made a prayer flag for the people of Palestine. When I go home, I’m going to hang them all up in the highest place I can find, as a reminder of the hope and resistance that we must uphold in a world that tells us peace is impossible.

Seeing the ways each young person expressed how they wanted to pray for Palestine made my chest swell with emotion, just as it had when I witnessed the fireflies. Each flag placed in front of me represented another one of those little moments where God was present. I looked at the small group of campers gathered around me. I was in awe of their wisdom, compassion, and creativity. If the whole world could be like these youth, I have no doubt that the world would come to peace much sooner. It’s been nearly a week since I left Tall Oaks, but I think I’ll be holding a piece of it in my heart forever. The community and creation at camp encouraged me to slow down, to look and listen for God on literal walks and on the metaphorical walk of my life.

Dear reader, I encourage you to go out into the world to be a light. I promise that whoever needs that light will find it, and that you will find the light you need, too. May it be so.

This Week's Airports

I have decided that throughout my travels, I will be rating each airport I go to on the classic 1-10 scale, with pictures included in each review. 

Starting off strong, we have the Eugene Airport, which I always fly out of to begin a trip. This is a solid airport. I believe there are less than 10 gates, and it takes under 5 minutes to get through security. I always buy Gardetto’s snack mix and candy from the store near the A gates. It gives me a sense of routine that I feel is key for any travel. The only bad thing about this airport is that it can get boring if you have to spend more than an hour waiting for a flight. 9/10. 

The view of the sunrise from a window in the Eugene Airport. I love early flights, because I get to see beautiful sunrises each time! 

Next up is the Denver International Airport. Friends, I have nothing to say that sums this airport up better than “Boooo.” This is mainly because I got stuck there for several hours when coming back from Japan recently, and let me tell you, there is nothing fun to do here and not enough good food options. Also, the bathrooms are strange and it is hard to find the sinks. On the upside, I got to eat a banger of a sandwich from Einstein Bros. Bagels. This caused me to reminisce about the time when Einstein Bros. existed in my town back in the day, so for that I give this airport points for that. But it’s still a 4.5/10. 

Doesn’t this sandwich look great? 

Next we have the Indianapolis International Airport! I quite liked this airport; it made a great impression considering it was my first time there when I touched down at the beginning of Training Week. It felt quiet despite some of the typical people-traffic I encountered, and it was easy to find Brian and the other Peace Interns as I was making my way out. I had to go through security on my way back home, but it was a reasonably sized line for how populated Indy is, and my stress levels were low. Also, there were many spots to sit while waiting at the gate, so that was nice. I rate this airport an 8/10. It is a top contender…maybe it’ll make it into my top three by the end of the summer. 

I didn’t actually take any photos in the Indy airport, so I guess I’m a fake fan. But here’s me about to fly out, and as you can tell by the thumbs up, I’m in a good mood. 

Finally, I stopped at the LAS airport in Las Vegas. It was glaringly obvious that I was in Las Vegas, because there were slot machines EVERYWHERE. I didn’t know whether to be appalled or charmed. Some might say that this airport had a sense of whimsy, all the way down to the bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos that I found in a toilet right after landing. Others might say that it takes way too long to get to the C gates and that hey, maybe there should be a train or a shuttle or something! However, I had plenty of time to buy a snack and sit down by the gate, which had a rainbow sign on it for Pride Month. I watched a man play on the slot machines to keep myself entertained, and I must say I was fascinated. This airport ranks higher than Denver, if you can believe it. 6.5/10. 

I’m not sure “fabulous” is the right word, but okay. 

I mean, what??!?!?

Stay tuned for the next round of airport reviews!

Training Week Reflections

Hi everyone!

My name is Ella Gordon (any pronouns) and I’m so excited to spend this summer as a Peace Intern and to share my experiences with you all! 

Me on the head of Funky Bones by New Fields in Indy (I have always wanted to go!!)

I am from Corvallis, Oregon, so you can imagine how exciting it was for me to travel to a state I had never been to before, in an area of the country that I was quite unfamiliar with! My first impression of Indiana was that it had many trees (like Oregon), humidity (not like Oregon), and a very cool church with a rainbow pride float  outside the guest house where I stayed with the other interns. I felt right at home after being welcomed by DPF Mission Director Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, Rev. (and Former Peace Intern!) Sarah Zuniga, and my fellow interns Maggie and Allison. I was so excited to attend the services at Allisonville Christian Church and spend a week learning from all of the amazing Disciples people we were going to talk to. 

This is my favorite installation in the guest house. I’m especially fond of the Among Us crewmate bearing a chalice symbol. 

What I didn’t expect was that I would test positive for Covid the second night of being in the guest house. I was devastated–I was just getting to know everyone, and now I would have to be isolated in one of the guest house rooms, attending our workshops on Zoom. Luckily, I couldn’t have asked for a better week to have Covid, because everybody was incredibly accommodating. We pivoted most of our meetings to being on Zoom, so I was really only ever a room away from Brian and the interns! Not only that, but I was able to take in a bounty of information and wisdom from the people we talked to each day. I learned about organizations within our church that I wanted to learn more about and that I had never even heard of. 

At least while I was sick, I got to be in the same room as these beautiful tiles.

I also learned that several people happened to know my dad, Rev. Matt Gordon. I felt a little bit famous, I can’t lie. It made me think about how simultaneously big and small the Disciples church is. It’s a beautiful thing that even though I hadn’t met several of these people, they were one or two degrees of separation from me or someone else I knew within the church. I joked with Maggie and Allison that we could draw a “Disciples Family Tree” and probably find more connections than we expected. This might become my next project…

I watched the church livestream while I had Covid so I could still feel like I was there! 

About halfway through the week, I finally tested negative for Covid! I was overjoyed to get to be in the same room as everyone (they all stayed COVID free the whole week)! I was able to sit on the couch during our training sessions instead of in my little room—it was amazing. In the evening, we  met up with other Allisonville staff (and Allison’s sister!) to have dinner and look at art in the city, and I felt an instant sense of loving community and connection. Back at the guest house, I had a late night with the interns, who were quickly beginning to feel like some of my best friends. 

The three Peace Interns embracing.

The interns and our Peace Intern Chaplain Rev. Sarah Zuniga being silly by the river.

Friday was one of my favorite days. We met with people who work for Global Ministries, and it was the first day we had IN-PERSON guests in the guest house!! Beth Guy and Fiyori Kidane came to talk to us about the opportunities that are available through this organization. I already have some interest in becoming a Global Mission intern after I graduate, so it was great to learn about what the process of becoming one is like. 

Hanging out in the Guest House with Beth and Fiyori.

On Saturday, I got to be a part of the Indy Pride Parade with Allison, Sarah and several members of Allisonville Christian Church. We walked in front of that float that I mentioned earlier and waved to the crowds gathering in the street. It was the most euphoric I had felt in a while, being surrounded by fellow queer people and allies and expressing myself in my fullest, most authentic state. We encountered very few homophobic protesters, but when we did, we sang loud enough to drown out any hateful words they tried to direct our way. I felt the immense love of God’s presence as our voices rose above the crowd and we continued to participate in pride festivities throughout the day. As the signs Sarah made say: queerness is divine!

 Me with a beautiful sign from Sarah, about to walk in the parade! 

Allison and I in the Indy Pride Parade!

On the very last day of being in Indy, I got to see Maggie and Allison off as they went to their very first camp placement. It was bittersweet—I’m excited for them and all they will encounter this summer, but I’m going to miss them very much. I know that when we reconvene, we will have many stories to share! I’m in my remote week now finishing up finals, but on Sunday I’m flying to Kansas City for my very first camp of the summer, Tall Oaks. I’ll update you all about my time there, so stay tuned! I feel blessed and honored to be a Peace Intern! 

Allison, Maggie and I in the sanctuary at our host congregation Allisonville Christian Church. 

Get to Know Maggie B. Lewis

Hey y’all! I’m so excited to get to share this amazing summer experience with you!

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Maggie B Lewis (she/her) and I’m from a small town in southern Indiana called Bedford (home of the infamous Camp Bedford and Conference Center)! After graduating high school, I headed all the way to New Orleans where I currently attend Loyola University New Orleans. I am a rising senior majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Catholic Studies, with plans of attending a Disciples seminary after graduating. I have the best job on campus as a Campus Ambassador, giving tours to prospective students and sharing my major school spirit with anyone who will listen!

Camp has been one of my favorite summer activities since middle school and I’ve always felt the sacredness when on camp grounds. My absolute favorite part of going to camp each year was getting to meet the Peace Intern we would be getting to work with that year. Each time, I could look at the camp staff and know that I could at least be comfortable with the Peace Intern because their whole job was to be mentors for campers. While I now understand that there’s a bit more to the job description than that, I cannot wait to show up to camps and make campers feel comforted by my presence. More than that, I cannot wait to share the Good News of God’s love that I know to be true. 

My home church, Bedford First Christian Church, has shown me that love every day of my life. It is because of the love and open arms of that congregation that I am the person I am today. They have given me unconditional love, just as our Creator does. My hometown also is the place where many of my favorite memories take place, mainly because of my wonderful friends and family there who continue to give me the best support a girl could ever ask for. None of this summer would be possible without the aid of my loved ones, I’m eternally grateful for their astounding and wonderous love. All of these people are great examples of Christ’s love and I cannot wait to share that same compassion with everyone I meet this summer! 

Last week was our DPF training week and I was able to see that wondrous work within our national church. My cohort of Peace Interns was lucky enough to meet with numerous denominational leaders, and we were fed amazing spiritual information! More than that, we were so lucky to create a strong group of folks who are excited to share the information we were given with our home churches and all of the camps we will be at this summer. 

Speaking of my amazing cohort, Allison and Ella are two of my newest favorite people. The bond we created over a week will last a lifetime (even if half of the week was getting to know each other through Zoom)! The moments that we didn’t spend laughing at inside jokes made within the first few days were spent eating wonderful snacks provided by Allisonville Christian Church or exploring Indianapolis with our lovely Peace intern Chaplain, Sarah Zuniga. I believe this summer will only bring us closer together, even though we won’t be back together physically until the beginning of August for our closing retreat!

One of my favorite facts to share this summer is that my connection to the Disciples Peace Intern Program runs deep. My first Peace Intern experience with Rev. Sarah Zuniga left a lasting impression on me as a freshman in high school. When I came home from camp and shared this amazing experience with my home church’s minister at the time, I learned that this was not a new program for him. Turns out, my minister and now great mentor, Rev. Bruce Ervin, was the very first Peace Intern!

This connection fueled a fire in my heart to continue such an amazing legacy started by Bruce and continued through wonderful folks like Sarah. Now, I get to be a part of history as a member of the 50th Peace Intern cohort! I cannot wait to share all of my favorite moments and memories of this summer with you all.

As Jerry Garcia once sang, I love you but Jesus loves you best!

With Peace and Love, 
Maggie B

Bonus Peace Intern Blog: Indy Pride Dog Review!

I’ve heard (from reliable sources) that this year’s cohort of Peace Interns has been the first that is able to go to Pride in Indianapolis. This was such a fun experience, celebrating all of God’s creatures no matter how they walk through life. I was full of boundless joy, running through the streets of Indianapolis handing out candy to the young people of the city, and the young at heart. I couldn’t help but notice how much joy was in the community. 

There was joy as we marched through the streets. There was joy as onlookers enjoyed the parade. There was joy as new people connected through the love of the LGBTQ+ community. There was joy as old friends were able to connect throughout the festival. 

Overall, it was a joy filled and joy fueled day. 

I couldn’t help but notice the joy of some of God’s best creatures, dogs. Dogs are always so happy to be here and I was so excited to talk with them, and their owners during the event. Here are some, not all, of the dogs I was able to meet. 

Image shows a small fluffy dog wearing a Mario costume, including a red hat with an M. A man, presumably his owner, holds the dog wearing a matching hat, as well as a red flower behind his ear and a Pride flag as a cape. 

This is the dog that started it all. I saw him and his owner and thought they were both so cute. I decided to rank dogs because of them, and how could he not get a great score??

For each dog, I will give 3 measures of success. 

  1. Imaginary names. I am going to give every dog an imaginary name, because I don’t know their given name. 

  2. Outfit score. Every dog will get a score on their outfit. 

  3. Overall cuteness score. A score measuring how cute I think they are. If you disagree, feel free to say something in the comments. 

Dog #1 Mariotini

For Mariotini (who we see above) here is his score:

Name: Mariotini 8/10. Very cute, very clever. 

Outfit: 10/10. The coordination? Unmatched. Except by his owner. 

Cuteness: 9/10. Incredibly cute. 

This is going to be a difficult challenge. 

A dark brown dog, wearing a pride bandana, walks on a leash. Two people in black outfits accompany the dog. 

Dog #2 Persephone

Imaginary name: Persephone 10/10, great literary reference. 

Outfit score: 6/10. Kinda basic. 

Cuteness score: 9/10. I know this picture doesn’t do her justice, but she was doing some really cool tricks, which is cute to me. She’s a working girl. 

Two black dogs in fuzzy rainbow booties and unicorns watch the parade as two people hold their leashes. The dogs are very similar and wear matching outfits. 

Dogs 3 and 4: Glitter and Sparkles

They will be judged as a team. 

Imaginary names: 8/10. Very on brand. 

Outfit: 9/10. So coordinated and they’re very good sports. 

Cuteness: 7/10. They’re very cute. Just, are they cute enough? 

A black, tan, and white dog is on a leash. The dog has a rainbow patterned bandana and their tongue out. 

Dog #5 Grout

Imaginary name: Grout. 5/10. Did I come up with it? Yes. Do I think it needs some workshopping? Also yes. 

Outfit: 4/10. Again, kinda basic. They seem to have just thrown on a bandana and gone about their day. 

Cuteness: 400/10. I have a soft spot for a big dog that slobbers a lot. Grout fits that bill perfectly. Great job Grout. 

And with that, Grout shoots into the lead. 

A red husky with blue eyes stands on a leash wearing a Service Dog vest and rainbow bandana. The dog’s ears are painted rainbow. The legs of the people traveling with the dog can be seen in frame. 

Dog #6 Alfalfa

Imaginary name: Alfalfa. 9/10. Very sweet. Very accurate. 

Outfit: 9/10. Alfalfa means business. This is a working dog, and I respect it. Could be a LITTLE more colorful. Come on, this is pride. 

Cuteness: 12/10. How could you not love this face????

A husky with blue eyes is laying on the ground next to festival goers. The dog is wearing a heart covered bandana, a pink and blue vest, and a rainbow lei. 

Dog #7 Addie

Imaginary name: ADDIE!!
After spending hours at the festival chasing down dogs, I finally got a dog’s name 20/10 for Addie, who is actually named Addie. 

Outfit: 9/10. Love the lei. Very tropical paradise. 

Cuteness: Addie was very cute, but sitting next to a pile of her own fur. And for that she gets a 6/10. 

A small terrier stands among the festival wearing an oversized bandana. Festival goers can be seen in the background, with a person wearing rainbow socks holding the dog’s pink leash. 

Dog #8 Scrappy Doo

Imaginary name: Scrappy Doo. This reminds me of the energy of Scrappy Doo. 4/10. 

Outfit: Again, pretty basic, but I appreciate how large the bandana is compared to his small body. 7/10. 

Cuteness: 30/10. Scrappy Doo’s vibe seems fun and chaotic, in the best way. 

A small dog, a black and tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel stands on a road wearing a blue Service Dog vest. The vest has a yellow leash attached, and people’s legs can be seen in the background. 

Dog #9 Charles

Imaginary name: Charles! My partner had a dog similar to this one when he was younger, and we pretend that all dogs of this breed have the same name. So, this is Charles. 10/10 name. 

Outfit: Another working dog? Okay corporate ladder!! Very small pride bows, so 9/10. 

Cuteness: 100/10. So cute. Great smile. Great ears. Very Lady from Lady and the Tramp. 

A white a tan dog lays casually covered in rainbow paint. The metal base of an umbrella is to the left of the dog and the owners can be seen to the right of the dog. 

Dog #10 Terrance

Imaginary name: Terrance. 10/10. Very business professional. 

Outfit: 6/10 although Terrance went without “clothes”, the rainbow paint is very cool and works well with Terrance’s blue eyes. 

Cuteness: 10/10. I love how Terrance is sitting like a cinnamon roll. Terrance was so polite. Love. 

A small black and white dog with heterochromia looks nervous at the camera. The dog is wearing a blue shirt with a design on it. The legs of people walking the dog can be seen in the background. 

Dog #11 Steven

Imaginary name: Steven. Steven has business to attend to. 8/10. 

Outfit: Steven moved too much for me to make out what was on the shirt. It was probably pride related, 8/10. 

Cuteness: Steven wanted out of there, but had a very sweet face. 9/10. You’ll get there soon. 

A golden retriever in a blue and pink paisley bandana stands in the grass. A person can be seen to the dog’s left, and a yellow floral leash is visible. 

Dog #12 Delilah

Imaginary Name: Delilah. Doesn’t this dog look like a Delilah? 14/10. 

Outfit: Original colors, not original fit. 7/10. 

Cuteness: 25/10. Such a cute and friendly dog. 

A small chihuahua can be seen wearing a white outfit in a pink dog stroller. A food truck, with people lined up, can be seen in the background. 

Dog # 13 Chrysanthemum

Imaginary Name: Chrysanthemum. Big name for little dog. 12/10. 

Outfit: If you include the dog stroller, this is a 30/10. Such a large contraption for such a little dog. Love love love. 

Cuteness: This dog is so small? I can’t understand. 300/10. 

Technically, a person could go through and tally up all of the scores I gave the dogs. But, the goal was to celebrate the joy that dogs bring to our community. In the same way, Pride is an opportunity to celebrate the people we cherish and the ways in which people love each other. Joy and love are such brilliant gifts given to us by God, so I celebrate all of God’s creations. 

Will you pray with me? 

Dear Creator, 

You have made us each in your image. We are people full of joy and celebration, but also loss and tragedy. Through it all, you carry each of us. Let us celebrate the joy of Pride each and every day and take every opportunity to celebrate the love we are bestowed by our Creator. 

In their name we pray, 

Amen. 

On Being Seen: Peace Intern Summer Week One

Unapologetic selfhood has been the way in which I walk through this world for as long as I can remember. I loved to scream-sing show tunes in the car with my family and loudly proclaim opinions all throughout my childhood. I have never been one to make myself smaller or more palatable. I am me. 

Allison appears focused, in a pink tank top and high bun as she spreads marshmallow fluff on her arm. Someone can be seen on the right side of the frame in a tie-dye T-shirt and messy bun. 

If you have stumbled upon this blog post, you might be wondering who this quirky, eccentric but down-to-earth character is. My name is Allison Nash. I was born in New Albany, Indiana, raised in Shelbyville, Indiana, and moved to St. Louis, Missouri after graduating from Earlham College. I studied English and Education and now teach at a school in St. Louis. 

Photo shows Allison (second from right) alongside three of her Earlham classmates, Elijah Sadler, Thomas Jordan, and Daniela Joseph. They are all wearing caps and gowns, with various cords and stoles for school achievements. 

If you notice, I just listed a lot of places and not a lot of self. Selfhood and Place was the main area of exploration for my Junior Research Seminar in undergrad. Place can be an important part of identity. Rev. Alan Dicken from Week of Compassion has asked, “Where do you call home?” Home for me is St. Louis. Or home for me is Shelbyville. Or home for me is Camp Bedford. Do you see how using place as a way to define identity can be complicated? I hope to explore this more when I head to Camp Bedford later this summer. 

I grapple a great deal with who I am. I was really forced to consider this during the first week of my Peace Intern Summer. During my week filled with wonderful and engaging presentations, I was asked to introduce myself, and each presenter was prompted to give us an additional question to answer. 

Some, like Rev. Lori Tapia from Obra Hispana, asked about something everyday, like our favorite ice cream flavors. Mine is either Ben and Jerry’s The Tonight Dough or Mint Chip. 

Some asked questions about our Peace Intern summers and our motivations. Chris Dorsey from Disciples Home Missions asked about what drew us to the Peace Internship. My draw to the Peace Internship comes from several sources, but mainly the generous, kind-hearted, and courageous Peace Interns that have come before me, like Rev. Sarah Zuniga and Grace Dearhamer. 

And some have asked about how we see the world, like Fiyori Kidane from Global Missions, who asked where we saw our paths leading us. I told her I like where I’m at. I enjoy teaching and learning from students. I like the cultural diversity of St. Louis. I told Fiyori I don’t know where I’m going next but I’m enjoying the moment I am in. 

The moment I am in is so spectacular. 

Allison stands in the center of the photo, with Tom Jordan to her left and Ashton Awbrey to the right. They stand outside the Greyhound bus station, a grey brick building. 

I arrived in Indianapolis at the Greyhound bus station and have spent most of my time in the guest house at Allisonville Christian Church. The members and staff of Allisonville have been so incredibly kind; I will be forever grateful for all that they have done. 

A table full of snacks gifted to the Peace Interns by Allisonville Christian Church. Tons of snacks are shown including popcorn, Oreos, and Nutri Grain bars. 

We spent the week talking to some of the coolest members of the Disciples Community, learning from Jim Higginbotham about Healthy Boundaries, and Rev. Dr. Nelia Beth Scovill about ethics. 

When we weren’t talking to thoughtful and curious leaders of our community, we were spending time learning and laughing together as a Peace Intern team. 

Allison, in overalls, Ella, in a grey T-shirt, and Maggie, in a navy T-shirt stand at the pulpit at Allisonville Christian Church. They are all laughing. Rainbow ribbons form the shape of a cross behind them. 

It has been a joy getting to know the other Peace Interns. Maggie is funny and thoughtful, goofy and curious. Ella is smart and creative, hilarious and kind. I have been so blessed to spend the past week in their company learning with and through them. Hopefully, you will grow to love them through their blog posts. 

Allison, Ella, and Maggie smile as they look out the doorway of a wooden, topsy-turvy house. The house has several windows at weird angles. 

So, I don’t know who I am. But I do know that knowing someone involves seeing them and caring for them. I am so excited to get to meet so many people this summer, to know them and love them. And I hope that in the process, you can get to know me, too. 

Rev. Josh Jackson, Rev. Sarah Zuniga, Rev. Joyce Coalson, and Rev. Beau Underwood all lay hands on Maggie and Allison. Maggie and Allison stand in front of the rainbow ribbon cross wearing masks and heads turned down in prayer. 

Rev. Sarah Zuniga, Ella Gordon, and Allison Nash smile for a photo in front of the Allisonville Christian Church Pride float. They wear colorful outfits. Behind Sarah, a paper crown can be seen behind Sarah, and behind Allison there is a large wooden rainbow heart. 

Will you pray with me? 

Dear Creator, 

Thank you for the kindness of strangers. Thank you for the laughter of new friends and the joy of reconnecting with old friends. Thank you for bringing new stewards of your goodness into my life and in the lives of those around me. May we go forth into the world with your generosity and gentleness. 

In her holy name we pray, 

Amen.

Peace Intern Training Week 2024

Every year the Peace Intern Summer begins with Training Week. From June 1-8 our 2024 Peace Interns Ella, Allison, and Maggie will be home based out of the Guest House at Allisonville Christian Church where they will be meeting with denominational leaders, learning about Disciples Justice Ministry partners, and getting equipped for their summer as ambassadors for peace and justice.

Training Week is as much about building skills and resources as it is about building relationships. DPF is so thankful for all of the ministry partners and justice advocates who will help prepare the Peace Interns for their summer!

We thank General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens, DHM President Rev. Chris Dorsey, Obra Hispana National Pastor Rev. Lori Tapia, NAPAD Executive Pastor Rev. Chung Seung Kim, and National Convocation Administrative Secretary Rev. Dr. Delesslyn Kinnebrew. 

We also thank our Healthy Boundaries Trainer Rev. Dr. Jim Higginbotham, Workshop Development Trainer Rev. Sarah Zuniga, Small Group Facilitation Trainer Prof. Michael Dirksen, Spectrum Ethics Training from Rev. Dr. Nelia Beth Scovill, and Justice Bible Study Leader Rev. Stephen Yarbrough. The Peace Interns will also have Peace Prayer Practices Training and Spiritual Self-Care Training led by our Mission Director Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray.

Additionally we thank our justice ministry presenters: Rev. Steve Blinder from AllianceQ, Rev. Carol Devine and Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri from Green Chalice,  Rev. Matt Rosine from the Christian Church Foundation, Rev. Alan Dicken from Week of Compassion, Rev. Dr. Laurie Pound Feille from Disciples Public Presence, Rev. Jeff and Janet Wright from the Disciples Palestine Israel Network, Rev. Monique Crain Spells from Disciples Home Missions, Rev. Kelli Driscoll Crews from Disciples for Choice, Bethany Guy from Global Ministries, Rev. Hector Hernandez and Rev Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto from NBA, Fiyori Kidane from Disciples Overseas Ministries, Rev. Allison Lanza from Be The Neighbor, Brad Lyons from Chalice Media Group, 2023 DPF Peace Intern Marci Mazza-Fredley, Rev. Alex Ruth from Disciples Men, and Rev. Dr. Alexis Tardy from the DPF Executive Committee.

Plus, a HUGE thank you to Allisonville Christian Church who will once again open up the Guest House for the Peace Interns. Thank you to the Allisonville’s Senior Pastor Rev. Beau Underwood, Associate Pastor Rev. Josh Jackson, Associate Pastor Rev. Sarah Zuniga, and Director of Administration Isaac Ackerman for the prayerful support during Training Week and all of the logistical support leading up to Training Week!

Meet the 2024 DPF Peace Interns!

With Training Week right around the corner we wanted to update the Blog by introducing this year’s amazing group of Peace Interns!

Maggie B Lewis (she/her)

Maggie is a Junior at Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana with a Major in Philosophy and a Minor in Catholic Studies. Upon graduation Maggie plans on going to seminary with the long term vocational goal of serving in congregational ministry.

Maggie grew up attending First Christian Church in Bedford, Indiana where her longtime pastor was the Rev. Bruce Ervin, the very first DPF Peace Intern nearly 50-years ago! 

In a reference letter for Maggie, Rev. Ervin wrote, “Maggie’s convictions regarding peace and justice are grounded in the scriptures. She understands the inclusivity of God’s love as being that which embraces all people. This is clearly expressed in both her words and her actions.”

Fun Fact: As a kid Maggie earned a youth Screen Actors Guild card for appearing in the show “Most Terrifying Places in America!” 

Ella Gordon (any pronouns)

Ella Gordon is a junior at the University of Oregon majoring in English. They grew up in the Pacific Northwest and First Christian Church Corvallis is Ella’s home congregation.

Ella comes to the Peace Intern program with strong teaching and mentorship experience having spent the past two summers on staff at Oregon State University’s KidSpirit Summer Day Camp teaching art as well as social/emotional skills to children and youth. Ella writes, “My commitment to peacemaking is one that asks me every day to consider how I can change someone’s life.” 

As a Higher Education & Leadership Ministries Scholar, Ella’s Peace Intern Summer experience will begin with the HELM Trip to Japan!

Fun Fact: Ella is a gifted musician who plays guitar, violin and clarinet!

Allison Nash (she/her)

Allison was born and raised in Indiana, grew up going to church camp at Bedford Camp and Conference Center, and now lives in St. Louis, Missouri where she attends Union Avenue Christian Church. 

She is an alumni of Earlham College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Allison works as an Elementary School Librarian and Generalist Teacher at the St. Louis Language Immersion School. 

In her application Allison noted that Peace Interns were regularly on staff at her home church camp growing up. Describing her goals for the summer she wrote, “I would love to have a positive impact on campers in the same way that Peace Interns have positively impacted me.”

Fun Fact: Allison loves to travel and her first overseas trip by herself was to Japan at age 14!

Peace Intern Closing Retreat AND General Assembly

Wow!! I cannot believe the summer is already over! I had an amazing closing week with Grace, Kaylie, Sarah and Brian. While in Indianapolis before General Assembly, we discussed each of our summers and the camps we attended.

It was so amazing to hear about the other intern’s camp experiences and talk about the similarities in all of the amazing camps we attended. We also took some time to wind down and simply hang out with one another before a jam-packed four days in Kentucky!

We went and saw the Barbie movie (and yes, we all wore pink!!) We went back to TopGolf (and yes, we all improved our golfing skills!!) And, we tried a bunch of new coffee places together while answering Brian’s famous fishbowl questions about our summer experiences. At the closing retreat, the question of “what season of life are you in?” came upon me again, but in a different fashion: what era are in you? (And yes, this is in reference to the Eras tour!) But, after a summer of thinking about it, I am in a season of change, but I am also in my comeback era. This comeback era has taught me so much about how I want to see myself in the world around me. I’ve taken risks this summer, tried new things, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and I am proud of the Marci I embraced along the way. 

After a couple of days back in Indianapolis, we packed up and headed to Louisville, Kentucky for General Assembly! Where the theme was: Kindom of God: Within us and Among us. This was my first General Assembly, and what better way to go about a general assembly than experiencing it with your mama?! One of the fish bowl questions that Brian asked us was, “who are you most excited to see at General Assembly?” My answer was: my mom and Dr. Rev. William Barber.

The whole GA experience was like no other- especially coming off of a jam packed summer as a Disciples Peace Intern. I met past interns, got to see those from the camps I had just come from, and met some amazing individuals who work within the greater church. 

I had some amazing opportunities at this General Assembly and I still cannot believe all that I was involved in!! I got the chance to speak at the pro mic in favor of the Palestine resolution presented. This resolution means so much to me, considering I just got back from Palestine and have been learning so much about the history of Palestine and Palestinian culture. And to be able to speak to other Disciples about why supporting this resolution is so important, was amazing. The resolution passed too!! This was not the only historic resolution I voted in support of either! We also passed a resolution denouncing Chrisitian Nationalism, and another resolution in stand against the continuous legislature that is harmful and deadly for our transgender siblings. In the final days of GA, I also had the opportunity to sign on in support of an emergency resolution that calls for the end of “cop city” in Atlanta, Georgia and acknowledges the dangers that the climate catastrophe brings for people of color and indigenous communities. 

While all of my days started early, and ended late, I had the most amazing experience at GA and every second was cherished. One of the things I looked forward to most everyday was the worship services. The worship services were packed with amazing speakers and soul touching music. So many amazing lessons were taught from the pulpit and spoken in the form of prayers. One night, the worship leaders called for those who feel moved, to find one of the regional ministers standing along the wall and ask them to pray over you. My mom and I went up to Tennessee Regional Minister Cristal Williams for a prayer, and she said everything I needed to hear. I knew as soon as she started praying for us, that God was speaking through her. That is a moment I will never forget! 

Not only did I get that amazing message from Cristal, but I also got to hear Dr. Rev. William Barber preach in person!!! To hear Dr. Barber preaching only 4 rows in front of me was absolutely life changing. He is such an inspiration to me, and the message he preached will live on in my heart and mind for the rest of my life! Remember Disciples: we are called to be a challenge to the challenges of this life, this world, and this culture. I can’t wait for the next GA!! Hope to see y’all in Memphis, Tennessee! 

And lastly, thank you to everyone who sent me cards, packages, and prayers throughout the summer. Your support has meant so much to me and I am so lucky to have had an amazing opportunity. Your kind words and generous gifts are loved and greatly appreciated!! I am so blessed for the experience DPF has provided me with. I cannot wait to see who become interns as the years continue!

My Week at Camp Crystal

Camp Crystal is a beautiful Disciples of Christ camp on the lakefront of Crystal lake in Michigan! I got the opportunity to spend two weeks at this amazing campground, and I loved every minute of it! When I first got to Michigan, I met Amanda who drove me to the campsite, which was about 2.5 hours away. So we had a bunch of time to get to know one another, and we are such good friends now! During the drive, we also saw wild horses running in a field, and that was so beautiful to see along the way! 

There is something that has to be said about live music being played at church camps- it truly feeds your soul. However, at camp Crystal, they have worship in a large dome shaped outdoor building where it amplifies the voices of everyone even more- the feeling I felt listening to some of those songs during worship… indescribable and enchanting. One of the nights, one of the fellow counselors, Adam, sang “come as you are '' while playing the piano for the night’s special music. I did not realize how much that song would affect me until I heard him sing a message I full heartedly believe God spoke through Adam’s talents. Each night had a different individual preaching to us, and they really spoke to me. One of them was given by Carol; and she told us that you will never look in the face of someone who is insignificant in the eyes of our creator. This message was so important, especially in a summer where our General Assembly theme is “The Kindom of God.” She preached that there are no nobodies in God’s kingdom… in God’s Kindom.

Like at Kamp Kaleo, Camp Crystal also does a float trip- and I got to do it twice! I have preached a sermon on inner and outer peace a couple times when I get to do pulpit supply. In this sermon I talk about how inner peace is found by everyone differently. I say all of this because I truly found some inner peace just floating down a river surrounded by God’s creation and feeling the water’s surface on my fingertips.

Something that is unique to camp Crystal is that they have an adventure course right on site!! They had a whole afternoon carved out for the campers and counselors to push themselves, and work on communication through various obstacle courses, including a rock wall!! One of the afternoon’s activities was also going to a popular tourist attraction in Michigan: sleeping bear sand dunes. This was a really good workout, but an even better view!!! Climbing those mountainous sand dunes is a great time and place to clear your head and really count your blessings. Once I got to the top of those mountains of sand, I immediately forgot the muscle aches I got while fighting to make my way to the top, because I was so amazed by the views before me. That night, some of the counselors “snuck” our cabins out to stargaze on the beach in the middle of the night. Just like on the top of that sand dune, while laying on the beach staring up at hundreds of stars, I was once again overwhelmed with the miraculous sight of God’s creation. 

Something else that is also unique to camp Crystal is the spectacular color war! You will see just how cool this is, once you get a look at how the photos came out! This is how Camp Crystal takes their camp photo every summer, and what a fun experience!! There is a water balloon fight, a shaving cream war, and then a color explosion, followed by swimming in the lake!  While I am sad I did not get to go to the last camp that was initially planned for me, I am so lucky to have spent a second week here. I got to kayak on the lake during sunset, go shopping at local souvenir stores, take a much needed nap on the jumping platform while also tanning for a while, and connect to God’s creation while floating in the lake.

 As Camp Crystal was the last camp I visited this summer, I had a lot of time during my last week of camps to reflect on my summer before the closing week with the other interns. Something that really stood out to me was how I have learned how to walk places without rushing. I thought about this: how often do I really walk somewhere and take the time to absorb all that is around me? How often do I walk places simply rushing with the goal of just getting to the designated location? Why haven’t I found peace in simply walking slowly to wherever I need to get, and really take my time in all that God has blessed me with? I think walking along the beach in Michigan really helped me take that reflection to heart and I can't wait to continue that practice this upcoming semester at school!

Snack update!! 

  • Popcorn I tried at Stormcloud Brewing and Restaurant: honey sriracha, zesty ranch, and truffle oil/parmesan cheese! I loved the honey sriracha popcorn so much that I went back a second time the following week!! 

  • Camp snack:  I got to have some really tasty banana cream pie from a local bakery that two of the counselors picked up for me! It was super good! I also got to have breakfast pizza from a local pizza shop, and oh my goodness, best breakfast ever!!