Fun with the volunteers!


Getting to know each other


Going up!


A special guest


Feel the rush!


Ready for some fun


Nothing beats rafting with the whole family


Launching into the river


Being silly


Founders Deric and Kristen Milligan


Retreat Blog
June 2010 Retreat Update 1 PDF print email

June 24: Everyone's Here!

We are very excited that our Inheritance of Hope "family" has grown tremendously in the past 24 hours with the arrival of some amazing families to the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark in Lake George, NY. We welcomed families from all over the United States including Washington State, Nebraska, South Carolina, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Rhode Island.  They were picked up from the airport, or drove to the Lodge, and were greeted by our wonderful volunteers who came from Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, North Carolina and Michigan to serve these families.  Despite early mornings and long travels, all the families arrived with huge smiles as they admired the beautiful lodge and checked out the Indoor Waterpark complete with three huge water slides, a lazy river, a wave rider, and a kiddie playzone.

We met for dinner and a time to get to know one another.  This was a priceless opportunity to share personal stories and learn more about each other. The children, ranging in age from 4-19, had some time away from their parents to interact with each other through activities and games. Some of their comments during this time were:

"Everybody has been so welcoming and accepting from the start...it's really great!" -- (Stephanie, age 18)

"This day has been LEGIT! I think God has a purpose for each of us being here." -- (Noah, age 15)

"The highlight of my day was making new friends and meeting new people." -- (Erika, age 12)

"I thought it was really cool seeing a sign at the airport with our family's name on it.  It felt good to have someone there and knowing they will be here for me." -- (Kaitlyn, age 19)

Laura and her family were unsure they would make it to this Legacy Retreat due to her failing health.  We are so thankful they made it! As Laura headed to bed for the night after her very long day she said "As hard as it was for me to get on the plane, it was so worth it already! I expected the Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat to be a beautiful experience but it has already far exceeded my expectations!"

This is only Day #1!!! Just wait for tomorrow.....

Next Update: Six Flags Fun

Volunteers preparing for the arrival of the families
 
June 2010 Retreat Update 2 PDF print email

June 25: Six Flags Great Escape!

Greetings from day 2 of the Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat!  We had an incredibly beautiful day here with highs in the low 80's and brilliant sunshine. Not only were the temperatures high, but all of us experienced great "highs" today, both literally and figuratively.

Russell and his son Noah along with Stephanie, Kaitlyn, Lisa M., Mitchell, and William all went bungee jumping on the Sky Coaster, plunging from a height of 175 feet.  For those who preferred a seat to a bungee cord there was the 192 foot drop of the Sasquatch.  The Comet, the Boomerang, and the Alpine Bobsled were also favorites.  Anne was very proud and thrilled to ride the Comet with her boys! For the younger crowd, Wiggles World was a hit.

After getting to know each other at last night's and this morning's group sessions, the community of support among participating families was evident, as many families chose to spend time together at Six Flags Great Escape Theme Park.  Raquel (age 15) said that she "is so happy to be here ... it feels like I have known all the friends I met here my whole lifetime." Her sentiments are shared by many of the family members and volunteers. When asked about their high for the day many of them mentioned the wonderful friendships they have formed.  Kurt said "it's so wonderful to see my daughter make so many new friends."

There is no question we are all excited to spend more time together tomorrow. Until then...

Next Update: Whitewater Rafting

Check back tomorrow to hear about our rafting adventure on the Sacandaga River.

Roller coaster maniacs
 
June 2010 Retreat Update 3 PDF print email

June 26: Whitewater Adventure!

Our third day together was packed with fun.  The big event was our much-anticipated whitewater rafting trip.  Some of us were a little nervous about being at the mercy of the Sacandaga River, but we boarded our rafts in groups of eight and shoved off.  Immediately we faced the Cliff Drop, which got our hearts racing! Then the pace slowed for a while, and some of the more adventurous among us jumped in for a cool swim.  They had to climb back in, though, so that we could face the Dragon Back rapids and reach the finish line together.  Even a light rain didn't dampen the joy of our rafting experience!

Rafting was definitely not the only excitement today.  In the kids' session this morning, they experienced a cutting-edge stress and anger releasing technique.  By the time everyone was finished, their many angers were broken to bits.

This evening provided an opportunity for parents to go on a date night while their kids enjoyed "Kids Night Out."  The kids and volunteers spent a few hours playing games, watching movies, and eating at the lodge's water park grill.  Many of them have formed wonderful friendships in their short time together, so time to play and eat on their own was a treat.  This also allowed their parents to have time alone and share a date together, courtesy of Inheritance of Hope.  It was a relaxing end to a fun-filled day.

"Inheritance of Hope is a newfound wealth of friendships and a legacy of one happy family." -- Laura

"I love it here and have made so many friends.  I never want to go home."  -- Cassidy, age 12

"This is like being on a cruise with an awesome kids camp."  -- Kaitlyn, age 19

Next Update: Wrapping Up

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day for this Legacy Retreat.  Leaving will be hard, but we still have much to look forward to before then.

Preparing for an adventure together
 
June 2010 Retreat Update 4 PDF print email
June 27: Leaving a Legacy

"Every Family Deserves a Legacy"®

Three days ago, we were all relative strangers, and now we are a family -- a family that has laughed together, cried together, played together, and learned together.  We have all been challenged to look at our lives and consider the legacy we want to leave behind.  Certainly that legacy involves a lot of fun and great memories, but it also involves some intentional planning and action.

Yesterday afternoon, parents had the opportunity to record a Legacy Video.  With the camera ready to roll, parents could show up and privately talk to the camera.  Parents also had the chance to chat privately with children's counselor Meg Hill. In addition, both parents were given a Legacy journal with some specific questions to answer to help them record some thoughts and messages to their children.  The reality that all of us will one day die should cause us all to consider the steps we can take to leave a lasting legacy for our families.

This morning, Inheritance of Hope co-founder Kristen Milligan shared her inspirational personal story at the closing service while the children shared a final session together.  Kristen challenged all the adults to "consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2).  Although this seems counterintuitive, she presented a beautiful picture of God's love in the midst of difficult circumstances.  All of the families were very touched and encouraged by Kristen's sharing, and that was clearly evident through the tissues that were passed around the room.

We were delighted to have board member Richard Birney and his wife Peg join us for our final night and closing service.  They were able to experience first-hand what they have worked hard to help establish.  There is no doubt the Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat impacts all who take part from the families to the volunteers and guests.

"I don't want to go home. I wish I could stay here forever." -- (Damon, age 5)

"The friendships I have made here will last a lifetime." -- (Lisa, volunteer)

"I want to keep in touch with everybody." -- (Noah, age 15)

As hard as it was to say goodbye, we know that the time spent together was invaluable as the families formed wonderful memories, and the parents established some Legacy resources for their children.

It has been a joy to hear your thoughts on these journal entries each day, and I would cherish your input for entries at future retreats.  For now...goodnight!

The whole family