Retreat 3, June 5 - 10, 2006

Our third retreat of the season was a sweet time of celebration, laughter and joy in Seaside!  The Lighthouse would like to thank the Seaside community for welcoming our twelve families and team of volunteers with open arms June 4 - 10th.  We are so grateful! 

The week began with a special Sunday church service at The Seaside Chapel, where so many were touched by the courage of Katie Dahn, who shared the story of her son Drake, and her family as they live through childhood cancer.  Melinda also shared her sweet story of how The Lighthouse got its start during the church service and it was easy to see from the crowd’s reaction how powerful both Katie’s and Melinda’s stories were.  What an awesome way to start the week!  

The retreat fun kicked off with a Mexican Fiesta and didn’t stop there.  From the mom’s luncheon at Seaside Pavilion, to the poolside luau where Melinda got dunked, the retreat was full of special memories.  Movie night under the stars was a night for the “kids to be kids” and the parents to sneak out and socialize a bit.  A concert by Todd Fields held under the twinkling lights of Ruskin Park, provided a time to recline, soak up the cool summer evening, and listen to some one-of-a-kind music for the families. 

The highlight of the week had to be the debut of some promising stars at the Lighthouse talent show!  Both Tiana and Alyssa brought tears to our eyes when they shared their songs of hope and Caroline made us giggle with all her funny jokes.  Drake got a little dangerous on the dance floor with his lawn mower and sprinkler boogie while the ladies of the Leonard family creatively shared their morning routine.  The athletic force of Cole and Riley as they hurled the football was unforgettable, but the ladies matched them step for step with the hoola-hoopin’ and jump roping! 

Our volunteers were amazing and poured their hearts out all week long in service.  Each volunteer was so grateful to know and love on these 12 Lighthouse families.  A poem, written by a volunteer (Carolyn Norton), sums up the week pretty in outstanding fashion.  To view her poem, click here. 

We concluded the week with our morning slide show.  One last chance to hugs on a neck and say See Ya Later!  Thanks to the families for joining us in Seaside and thanks to the volunteers, friends and Seaside partners that make The Lighthouse possible.