Wabun was reserved as it has a covered area in case of bad weather. This was not necessary as the ministry member who was in charge of weather did their job perfectly. Approximately seventy-five people strolled through the flying flags of all nations to get a nametag and join other families. The fun was on!

While meeting new people and catching up with old friends the kids began playing with the balls. There were balls to throw, kick, hit, or do whatever with, and they did. Big kids, small kids, and very small were happy with their balls. Helium balloons scattered in groups through out the area had some children making them their ball of choice. One talented mom even blew up long balloons to create balloon animals. Some children wandered over to play with the parachute. Others wandered off to try their skills with a jump rope.

The fear of all hosts of potlucks is that everyone will bring the same thing, like a dessert. For this event, families had been asked to bring a dish representing his or her country of adoption. Watermelon must be the popular choice in all countries as there were too many to count. Later arrivals just returned theirs to their cars upon seeing the table full of watermelon. Despite the watermelon array, food was plentiful. There were ethnic entrées, plus SJA furnished grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, brats. No one went hungry. I do not think the children even missed the fact there were no gooey desserts.

Piñata time was a hit with all ages. It took a very long time to destroy the piñata, but the children did not seem to notice as they took turn after turn after turn. Some very interesting batting styles were observed as well as a certain amount of bewilderment and uncertainty by some of the younger batters. Eventually, candy covered the ground and scurrying children grabbing their share. All were happy.

The final act was water balloons. It was over all too soon, with laughing, giggling and WET children running about. This time, at least, the moisture was due to loving play with their friends, not another in a string of thunderstorms. The squeals of joy summed it all up: a perfect weather day, warm compassionate people, and beautiful children running about enjoying it all.

Bulletin: Do not miss next years picnic.

and

Nancy Lynch says, "Joy is being a wife, Mom of fourteen, eight with varying disabilities and living at home, Grandma of thirteen, and Great Grandma of three. Serenity is listening and watching the ocean, alone, at our home on Maui. Passion is friends, photography, reading, swimming and children." Nancy can be reached at nalynch@aol.com.

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