This weekend was quite the adventure. Friday night, My oldest niece and I headed out for an area campsite for a weekend event that promised to be a fun-filled, faith-expanding, challenging time. As this was the first of what is sure to be an annual event, the numbers might not have been overwhelming but a great deal more than the 0 that had signed up only a week ago. I will let my fellow tangenteer go into greater detail (time permitting… which seems to be little) about the fabulous time since it was a joint venture began by L & C. I will post some personal thoughts. I will say that I was extraordinarily proud of all of the efforts put forth by our esteemed President, the mentors, the hideous game makers (one of whom scared the Wooly Sheep out of Shelby), and most importantly, the young adults who braved the cool, damp beginning of Autumn.
As for my part, on Wednesday I was was asked to develop yet another crazy, over-the-top character to serve as game announcer. No problem there, right? The only thing I was given was a name “Leviticus Onineosix”. We’ll stick with Leviticus. But I think our president/co-event creator knows me a little too well. I hope my character was OTT enough. Most of the kids did ask if I was really insane. Trust me, the script called for “crazy, over the top.” For some reason, a prop cigar added much to the mystique. I wonder what impact the rainbow clown wig would have added (apart from getting wet and ruined).
Night one saw the tributes sorted into districts followed shortly by the beginning of the activities. The individual districts with the assistance of their mentor had a series of tasks to complete based upon provided scriptures. Unfortunately, Leviticus had to leave for the night as his portrayer had to work the next morning. Before leaving, I was asked to assure Shelby that the EEEEvil Game Maker was only a character and was not going to hurt her. Luther took off his mask and introduced himself to her (aside from the rest of the participants).
Day two (or after 2PM) was a lot of fun. One of the highlights, for me, was the talent show around the bonfire. It was so neat seeing EVERYONE at least tell those gathered what they were good at (if not demonstrate). Throughout the day, many of the tributes asked me to sing?! How did they know what one of my favorite things to do would be? I did not tell them. So I told them… during the talent show. So…. what to sing that would be appropriate… one of my favorite songs that I have never practiced nor performed.. “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Later that evening, after the groups made their way back to their individual areas, I was asked to sing again. WOW!
Sunday morning after eating breakfast (I stayed overnight and slept in the car), Shelby and I had to leave before everything was wrapped up. As I was congratulating the group of young ladies and gentlemen, I was asked to give an encore. I know that false modesty is frowned upon but I was absolutely humbled to think that a crowd of 12-17 year olds would want to hear me sing and ask it? I have never, EVER appreciated the fact that my voice is an ABSOLUTELY GOD-GIVEN TALENT (with some assistance by some pretty remarkable people) until this weekend. I have always known it as such but to put it on display in the quiet atmosphere was awesome!
Another personal highlight was Shelby, herself. I hope she is as proud of herself as I was watching her develop her own faith further. I was told that she had earned her district some treasure Friday night. Not only that but she was awarded a special prize for being “The Most Mature” tribute. WAY TO GO, KIDDO! I was actually very impressed with all of the effort put forth. There were some stumbles along the way, but they all performed well in their quest to become closer to God.
Sunday afternoon was also my own church’s annual festival. The family was going to eat around 1 so Shelby and I had to leave early so we could each shower and put some dry clothes on. I also took my yearly turn in the kitchen helping clean and put away dishes. This was a little more hectic as there have been new refrigerators in place, causing some of the dishes to be relocated. I also sat and played BINGO with Alex (help us all… hopefully, he will be able to participate in next year’s Famine Games). Hopefully, Elizabeth will be able to join next year as well. Apparently, he did not know about the corner cluster win in the game. If I had not caught it, my nephew would not have won his $5.00 reward. I did get a free game out of the deal.
Once again, congratulations to everyone who participated in the Famine Games. And… “May God Be Ever In Your Favor.”
No one signed up until the last minute? Wow. So with a name like Leviticus, did you tell them that you were the Law as far as the games went? 😀
If this happens again, I will have to make a point of taking the time off to do it. As I had told C, there is a need for leaders Saturday nights so I couldn’t take off at the last minute, but whatever I am doing next year I can plan for it if I am still invited and the need is there.
I think that our President was pretty much the Law although I did see the significance of Leviticus. I’m sure that your participation would be much appreciated in future Famine Games! Sorry you could’ve make the inaugural 😉
Oops… Couldn’t make the inaugural.
It was AMAZING!! I was going to do a write-up on it, but I don’t think I’ll have the time. No matter, yours was fun to read and summarized nicely. I couldn’t put into words the feelings, experiences and memories I have from the weekend of the way the Holy Spirit moved me, those I love, and those I just got to meet and know better. We could use any help that will be given to us for next year, so we would of course love to see everyone there who could make it! Might move it up a few weeks though? 🙂
I wouldn’t know why in the wirld you would want to move it up a few weeks… I was thinking a winter games 😉 LOL