Marense Reunion 2012
Once upon a time, there were a bunch of college grads who wanted to have an adventure. None of them knew each other, and they were from all over the United States, but somehow, they all ended up living in Burkina Faso, West Africa for two years in the prime of their life. It was hard. It was good. They were stretched, and they grew, and they bonded like only sleeping under the stars and "going to the hill" to poo, and drinking ground water can bond people.
Thirteen years later, these young ones have gone forth and multiplied. Many are married, and since most spouses had never been met, and eyes had never been laid on the plethora of children, it was time for a reunion.
A cabin in the hills of Tennessee was rented (well, two cabins to be precise). We drove and flew, again, from all over the United States to spend a blissful 48 hours together. It was loud, and crazy, and there was mini-golf in the basement.
There was African tea, stories of days long past, rice and sauce, homemade breakfasts, children laughing, meals shared, crafts, leaves thrown and long walks together, late nights talking until we were so tired... we're not as young as we used to be. God is good and gave us the joy of being together, all of us, for the first time. I'm thankful I was able to be a part of this, as one of the spouses who married into this awesome mess.
African tea...
Some of the one year olds.
Thirteen years later, these young ones have gone forth and multiplied. Many are married, and since most spouses had never been met, and eyes had never been laid on the plethora of children, it was time for a reunion.
A cabin in the hills of Tennessee was rented (well, two cabins to be precise). We drove and flew, again, from all over the United States to spend a blissful 48 hours together. It was loud, and crazy, and there was mini-golf in the basement.
There was African tea, stories of days long past, rice and sauce, homemade breakfasts, children laughing, meals shared, crafts, leaves thrown and long walks together, late nights talking until we were so tired... we're not as young as we used to be. God is good and gave us the joy of being together, all of us, for the first time. I'm thankful I was able to be a part of this, as one of the spouses who married into this awesome mess.
A few of the first borns
*Some* of the children
African tea...
Togetherness...
New friends....
African food....
Memories made.
Some of the one year olds. 
How blessed we are to have been together!
Love Love Love this! I've been thinking a lot about the reunion now that a year has passed. What good times. I miss you all! And now we have more new babies and some on the way ;-) Abby
ReplyDeleteMy kids talk about this trip often, the fun & friends they made... We've written letters & drawn pictures (still need to mail them - I'm the worst for follow through)
ReplyDeleteI am SO glad we made that happen & had the time to connect again!
Thank you Megan for bringing back the memories & writing up a wonderful summary. -Christine & Jay
How cool!!!! That's awesome :)
ReplyDelete