H.O.P.E: Don't rain on my parade

We started the morning off on time (I even woke up to my alarm...yay!). Breakfast was great. We all woke up to the smiling face of Chris Winchell who joined us in the middle of the night (he had graduation yesterday). We packed the cars relatively efficiently and everyone was excited for Mass in the Badlands. When we had about 4 bags left to find room for, it started raining. Big raindrops. Then they got bigger. And then it started to lightening. And then it hailed.

Needless to say, our plans for Mass in the Badlands was foiled thanks Mother Nature. So, we continued our drive through the Badlands and on toward Wall Drug. (Mom, I got you a bumper sticker...I really hope dad has this on his list for and anniversary trip. You'd LOVE the free water and 5 cent coffee. ;) )

OH MY GOSH! DADS! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

We were able to have Mass at Wall Drug in a tiny, but beautiful chapel. Fr. Chad is so great. Do you know what intinction is? It is the administration of the sacrament of Communion by dipping bread in wine and giving both together to the communicant. We did that today. It was really cool and especially awesome to see all of the kids so willing to try something new. Praise the Lord!

After Wall Drug we completed our trip to Pine Ridge. People caught up on their sleep (except the drivers). The scenery is just incredible.

We were greeted by Karrah Messar (former SMGer) and the Next Step Staff and quickly got acquainted with the AMAZING accommodations. Seriously. This is incredible!

The rest of the night included the following:

Frisbee

Soccer

Jungle gyms

Jumping off of swings

Eating burgers

Praise and Worship

Figured out small groups

Parish time

Snackage

and very soon...bed!

We also gained our final chaperone - Joe Jurasko! :) We are now totally complete at a whopping 43 people! It's awesome!

The theme for the week is "The Journey." We will be thinking about, praying about, learning about and trying to make some sense of our personal journey. Please keep us in your prayers - that the Lord will show us where he needs us to be and that he will give us the grace to know and trust his plan for our lives.

Thanks for reading! You can look forward to a Daily Creepy Ashley Pic and the Jennie McCormick Pic of the Day! (This is a picture that Jennie took...)