Mackinac Island

     Hi, y'all.  I'm going to challenge you once more to read this blog post backwards!  (Actually, I forgot to upload the pictures in reverse order, so I accidentally got the story going backwards- again).  Regardless, today I'm sharing one of my family's recent adventures... to Mackinac island.  We went with our African directors who currently live in South Carolina.  They are like a third set of grandparents too me!  We enjoyed wonderful weather and quality time together.  And we even got a special treat: staying at the Grand Hotel.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with this hotel, its an old hotel that is famous for having the longest porch in the Western Hemisphere.  So, enjoy the pictures... from bottom to top. :)

The docks

What fun siblings!

Bike riding was by far one of my favorite parts of the weekend.  It is unbelievably scenic as you ride around.  Imagine waves lapping against the shore on one side as wind rustles through the pine trees on your other side.

"No hands"

Classic Luka on a bike ride.  He always finds some way to goof off and make others laugh.

"Shadows"

A picture of Arch Rock.

Sometimes, when everything else gets dark, something really stands out, like the sunshine in this picture.  Listen to those people in your life who tell you that you're strong, creative, joyful, funny, or whatever word describes you!

"Travel"

I always seem to get one picture in the bunch that reminds me of us MKs (missionary kids).  This is that one for this post!  We might stop along the side of the road for a time, but we always move onward soon after.  I want to point out that there's two bikes here.  You're not alone, MKs.  There are others who are also made up of everywhere.

We even got to go to a butterfly house!

Lots of bikes.

Street leading into downtown.

"Watching, waiting"

I resonate with the feeling of this picture and its name a lot.  During struggles, life often seems frozen in a way.  You wait, you watch, you learn, you listen, you do.  And still you look out the window.

Side note, this is taken from the top floor of the Grand.

Beautiful flowers!

Walking around the next day.

All ready to go.

"Reflection Affect"

I love how this photo contains one background seen from several different angles, making it look complex and dimensional.  Although those who see the world differently than us often seem scary, they can bring a lot of insight into a 2-D background, so to speak.  You don't have to accept everything; you should test what you hear against your own values.  However, in protecting ourselves we often forget the openness which gives us balance.  Be open to different points of view.  You never know how they might add depth to your world.

More mirrors! 

"This Big"

It's hard to get the entire Grand Hotel in one picture because it stretches out so far.  It makes me think of what a friend told me about our life stories.  We have a dominant story- the things happening to us which takes most of our time and attention.  Often we become so caught up in this dominant story that we forget about the other stories happening in our lives- secondary stories.  Despite their name, secondary stories are equally as important, but we have to choose to see them.  

Shaarda Men

Sisters

"The Sparkle of Joy"

"Happily Alone"

Ironically enough, I'm not walking down the porch alone.  Grace is with me... behind the camera.  On hard days, don't forget your camera man- or men.  They're always there to get a shot of you- to listen, care, and talk.  

Getting dressed up for dinner is a special occasion for our family when we go to the Grand Hotel.  (We've been there now twice in our lives)

"On the Porch"

The Grand Hotel's porch is lined the entire way with geraniums on one side and white rocking chairs on the other!

"Pose"

Lots of mirrors in the Grand Hotel.  I took a picture in front of nearly every one.

Dress code (ladies must wear dresses and men suit coats after 6 o'clock p.m.)

"Drama"

In front of the Grand Hotel.  On Mackinac island, there are no cars.  So, we walked up to the hotel.  Such a beautiful, scenic place because of all foot traffic, bikes and carriages in the streets.

This guy's a bit noisy sometimes :)

In the ferry on the way to Mackinac Island.

Before going to the island, we stopped in McBain, the town where my dad's parents live.  The Ostendorfs slept overnight at a friend's cabin.  I couldn't resist taking this picture when we stopped to drop the Ostendorfs off for the night!   

First. I must thank our directors, the Ostendorfs, for coming along with us and making this trip special.