The Cast

Last time, it was only my family going on the trip. This year, it's a little more complicated. I thought I'd provide a list of the personas dramatis for your reading ease.

• Sarah Johnson--Our Intrepid Reporter, your eyes and ears on the front.
• Dad (né Kurt)--Our Fearless Leader and RV-driver.
• Mom (née MaryBeth)--Our manager, chef, and spiritual elder. Will not be driving the RV, except to inspire the rest of us to pray.
• Emily--my 14-year-old sister, tall, blond, and beautiful--all things that can only be an obstacle our ELCA assignment, manual labor.
• Justin--16-year-old aspiring pro wrestler and Shinedown fan.
• Jimmy--17-year-old Thurmont Thespian and family friend.
• Jesus-- the Messiah, Prince of Peace, the Christ, Son of God, Emmanuel, Savior, Lord of Heaven and Earth, etc.

The following aren't coming with us, but may be mentioned:

• Rachel--at eleven, too young to attend the Youth Gathering, but not too young to wish she was going. She is staying with Grandma Piggy and Elijah for the duration of our trip.
• Elijah--Sarah, Emily, and Rachel's awesome cousin who visits every summer from Florida.
• Jeanie--Justin's mom, possibly the coolest mom ever (after my mom, of course.)
• Sally--Jimmy's mom, currently challenging Jeanie for the title, aided by her excellent culinary skills.
• Pastor Craig--Oh, Pastor, my pastor. Yeah. Pretty much says it all.
• Dallas and Kelly--a married couple who run this awesome Bible study/youth group I go to called Young Life. Coincidentally, we're practically neighbors. I could run to their house without breaking a sweat (which I probably will do some Wednesday when I can't scrounge up a ride.)
• Grandma Piggy*--my maternal grandmother, founder of the Thurmont Thespians, currently trying to wrangle 50 children into performing a high-quality version of The Hobbit by July 16th. Sarah believes that said children would be more aptly suited to a musical version of Lord of the Flies, and Grandma Piggy is in far more need of your prayers than anyone attending the conference.

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*If you don't know, don't ask.