Robert and Marissa Attend EFY in Kirtland, OH

For several months now, Marissa and Robert have been looking forward to their trip to EFY (Especially For Youth).  EFY is a church sponsored retreat with a special theme each year.  Jessica and Devon did it 3 years ago, Marissa did it last year, and this is the first year Robert could do it.  You have to be 14 to attend.

Jessica and Devon did EFY when we were out in Provo, UT - so special, and it gave each of them a chance to tour the BYU campus.
Last year Marissa did EFY with her friend Meg in Bowling Green, KY and probably would have done the same except that the dates are during our Family Reunion ... so ... Meg's mom and I decided to go our of our comfort zone and send the kids (Robert and Marissa), (Meg and Ben) to EFY in Kirtland, OH.  It was more expensive and 6 hours away, but we both felt it would be worth it.  Betsy volunteered to drive both ways - she would stay there and visit with her grandma in Toledo.

Finally the week came - after a long pioneer trek the kids came back on Saturday, unpacked pioneer stuff, had one day home to recoup and repack (Betsy did loads and loads of laundry - trying to get all the dirt out of the pioneer clothes) before loading up and heading out again.

We had six altogether going to the Kirtland EFY - Robert, Marissa, Ben, Meg, Brandon and Ben & Meg's cousin Adam.  We had Brandon spend the night on Sunday night so we could be all ready to go Monday at 4:30 am.  We picked up Meg, Ben and Adam at the O'Brien's because Adam didn't get into Louisville until 12:00 am.

Betsy took them up interstate 71 the whole way.  We made it with time to stop and pick up lunch at Subway.  Robert and Marissa both had Pizza subs.  Then we made it to Hiram University where the kids would be sleeping and spending most of their time.  It is located in Hiram, OH.  They all got checked into their dorms - no problems.  Robert roomed with Brandon and Marissa roomed with Meg.  They were across from each other so it was a little fun being able to see each other out the windows.  There was one HUGE down fall - the rooms didn't DIDN'T have air conditioning.  UGH!!!  We brought fans - but they just didn't seem to do enough.  Luckily they wouldn't be in their rooms that much.

Roomies:  Marissa and Meg

Right after registration!  So excited to be here!

Roomies:  Robert and Brandon

Meg and Marissa in their room

Brandon and Robert in their room

Marissa 16, Robert 14 at EFY

EFY activities started at 1:15 pm so Betsy left them in the care of the EFY staff and headed out.  She spent that day touring Kirtland (about 20 minutes away) including the Kirtland Temple, Witney store, and preserved town, as well as the Morley Farm.  The kids would be going to the same places over the next week.

Kirtland Temple

Betsy at the Kirtland Temple

Betsy with a sister missionary
it made her think of Jessica

N.K. Witney Store

Morley Farm

Path to house in the back

...

On Saturday at 7 am, Betsy was there at Hiram University to pick them up.  Up until today the weather had been super hot and humid - today - right then - it was raining - of course.  Betsy went and collected their luggage so they could have time to say good bye to their new friends.  They all said they had a great time.  Everyone could tell Robert and Marissa were siblings.  Marissa said it was a super spiritual experience and that she boar her testimony (which she doesn't like to do).  Robert also said it was a very spiritual experience and that he was so glad he went.  They both had a great time.  Marissa and Meg said it was better than Bowling Green.  The drive home was traitorous.  The rain was heavy and relentless.  Betsy had to drive under the speed limit at times so the van wouldn't hydroplane.  Just outside Columbus the rain stopped and it was a nice drive the rest of the way.  We stopped at the outlet mall for lunch and shopping (fun).  Everyone got along so well.  It was a great time.

I'm so glad they each could have an opportunity to get closer to their Heavenly Father and feel the love of the Savior through this experience.