We took a group from our church to Columbus, OH

for the Mennonite Church Convention. Speakers were great and the worship time with 5,000 other youth was really awesome. There were 19 of us in all, counting a couple not on this picture that were serving as volunteer staff with the children's classes and as "hotel bouncer" :) We did a lot of walking this 5 days, as our hotel was 7 blocks from the Arena and Convention Center. Several miles a day is not stretching it, but it was good for us.

Our small group meeting after one of the sessions.

We went into the city of Columbus for our Servant Project and painted a house for some elderly people. This was our rest time.... you will see that the color we painted this house was blue, as everybody was wearing the color blue by the time we were finished.

PIZZA TIME

We got to have time with Jason & Maria....that was a treat! They had just gotten back from a fishing trip to Canada with her family.

Me and my girl Olivia in the food court. What a treat to get time with 2 of my sisters!

Jeanette & Donna.... and the youngest on the right. Heh.

DUMPSTER-DIVING AT CONVENTION???

Y'all need to leave Delaware habits in DE...

They did dumpster-dive but for a purpose...!

Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) had a new event this year:

A TRASH FASHION SHOW...

We were instructed to come up with an outfit made out of trash or recycled materials.

Wow.... this one is way out of order... :)

but here is Jordan, John, Justin, Ricky, & DJ

hanging out in the convention hall

Our youth transformed Katie into the CVS Gladiator.

What wonderful creativity they had working together.

They did bring all the trash back to the hotel and wash it first, you will be glad to know.

Our finished model got to walk in the Saturday night fashion show.

They needed additional models, and Julianna and Olivia were on hand to volunteer, and were very very happy to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Julianna's dress was made out of chicken wire and ribbon, and old Christmas decorations.

Olivia's was made of newspaper.

Our three models after they did the runway thing, and it was all over. What fun!