This is the
final blog from my weekend in Hastings! Sunday was an incredibly tough morning
as I started preparing for my last day with the amazing Terwey family, my
wonderful director, and the lovely town of Hastings. Going from having numerous
events every day where I got to meet amazing people and make a difference by
being a positive role model for not only those girls I am around every day, but
for girls throughout the entire community, I couldn’t fathom leaving them and
going back to the busy hectic life of a baton twirling, pageant girl, college
student.
Despite
my troubles preparing to leave Hastings, I packed up my stuff and met Trevor
and Abby Terwey to look through photos so we could pick out a headshot. I
couldn’t thank the Terwey family enough because I was so appreciative of their
hard work for the events, their support of me, and their talent as
photographers. They were some of the kindest people I met in Hastings and I am
honored to call them my friends!
Finally
it was time to head over to my last event for the weekend – the cardboard boat
races. I agreed to meet Susan a bit early so that I could meet her fellow church
members and some children. Everyone was so sweet but the kids were especially
shy. I attempted to pull some of these girls out of their shell and managed to
do well with most of them! It was great meeting them!
The
cardboard boat races were amazing! When I first heard I would be attending
cardboard boat races I figured people would make small to medium sized
cardboard boats, set them in the water, and race them. In reality, people built
life-size boats, got in them, and rowed them around the lake! There was such a
wide variety of themes on the boats ranging from rock and roll and kool-aid all
the way to the Olympics and sharks. Some of these took weeks upon weeks to
build and one was even in the final stages of construction when I arrived that
morning! I was fortunate enough to see some of these boats float all the way
around the lake and one little boy who had trouble rowing but who stuck with it
and remained undeterred in his attempt to finish the race! These kids were wonderful! I
also got to see one of the boats sink and let me tell you – I stuck my foot in the water when I arrived at the lake and the water was
exceptionally cold!
Kool-Aid Boat!
Unfortunately this is the boat I saw sink!
One of the race winners!
Olympic Boat!
Finishing at the last minute!
This particular boat has won the Kool-Aid Cup 3 times!
This little girl approached me and asked "Can I be a princess like you one day?"
Racing
:)
While
walking around and talking to many of the spectators I met a young man from California.
As we talked he said he was extremely impressed with me. A little taken aback I
thanked him and asked why he said that. He told me that
he felt like it would be a bit like family reunions – he imagined I would be happy
to see everyone when we got there but that I would be tired of everyone by the
third day. He expressed amazement and gratitude that I was still walking
around, talking to everyone at the events, and thoroughly enjoying myself and
getting to know everyone. And that is really what it comes down to – I felt in
no way impressive for these things. I love meeting new people, I love being a
positive role model, and I truly did enjoy my time in Hastings more than I
could ever describe! For me the weekend was not a job, but rather a huge
opportunity and blessing in my life. I cannot possibly thank everyone enough
for the part they played in my weekend!
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