Photos- Day 12

MAMA BEAR FAMILY REUNIONS

This was our first year starting "Mama Bear" Family Reunions. Really, any woman who has children can be called a "Mama Bear". With that thought in mind, we gathered our cubs together to spend time. Family reunions are about reconnecting families, enjoying great food, sharing experiences, laughter, fun and making memories together. This was a trip, we will soon not forget. We are hoping in the years to come, other family members will join us.

WEDNESDAY - July 11, 2018

Farewell Campfire Ceremony

We were unable to have our campfire, due to the Caribbean heat. So we enjoyed it in an air conditioned room with a fire on the flat screen television.

This will be the time, to say your goodbyes. It will be a time to express love and appreciation for one another. Take some time, to think about what you want to say to each person present. It will be a time of gift giving, and singing some final songs together. There will not be a dry eye present, so bring tissue. I am asking that each person bring a small memento to hand out to each person (a key chain, a card, a bottle opener, a pair of earrings, anything small and inexpensive to share with each other). For kids, it can be something as simple as coloring a picture for each person. (Parents, please have your children do the coloring at home before you come, there will not be time for coloring during this trip - due to the many activities planned).

DINNER - Hawaiian Ham & Pineapple Skewers, Pineapple Coconut Cole Slaw, Campfire Chicken & Potato Foil Packets. Each person is going to cook their own skewers campfire side.
DESSERT - Campfire Ceremony Cake
ACTIVITIES - As everyone is eating dessert, we are going to go around the campfire and ask each person to relate what was the highlight of the trip for them. In addition, we are asking each person to relate how the reunion especially touched their heart, and what special memories you will be taking home. It is also a time to express love and appreciation for those around you. As you finish your endearing expressions, now will be the time to share any gifts you have brought from home. Don't be afraid to cry, before the evening is over (we will all be crying).

FAREWELL CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS

The "Farewell Ceremony" is a necessary part of any family reunion. It can be emotional, and best to say your good-byes the night before everyone leaves, than to do it at an airport in a hurry. "Gift Giving" is a part of the Farewell Ceremony, it means you give something to each person present, something small, insignificant and relatively inexpensive. It's the gesture we focus on, not the value of the gift.

This ceremony was emotional, it was one of the highlights of the entire trip - the ceremony brought meaning and purpose as to why were had all chosen to come together. I still fondly remember the girls saying, "If it wasn't for your being born Olivia......we would not be here."

"Mama Bear Caren Gift Giving" HIGHLIGHTS