Day on the Lake 2009

This past weekend, Jenna, Larry, Rob, Bradley, Sarah, Hunter and I were priviledged to volunteer at The Day on the Lake. Jill is part of the organization behind the Day on the Lake. Friday and Saturday, people with disabilities were invited to Bartlett Lake to waterski, jetski, canoe, fish and just ride on a boat. It was such a wonderful experience to see the smiles that were plastered from ear to ear on everyone! It was such an uplifting experience. It really helped the kids (and us too!) see how blessed they were and how much they (we) take for granted. It was exhausting but so much fun!!
The weather was great! Only a couple of sprinkles on Sat. Wonderful people! Warm hearts and loving souls! I spent Friday on the speed boat taking pictures of the skiiers! What a wonderful sight! Splashing water, smiles and the signals to go faster and faster! I don't think most of them could get enough! The teams were great too! Each ski boat had 2 jetski's and 2 perimeter boats plus the pontoon boat that brings the participants to the boat. On each of the jetski's there were 2 riders, these are who jump into the water to help steady the person on the ski, give the signal to go and help them aboard the pontoon boat once the ride is over. These were awesome people! There were 2 teams out with skiiers!

On Saturday I stayed on the dock an got pictures of the jet ski's. This way cool too! They would ride the jetski up on a dock so that it was stable. Then they would lift the participant onto the jetski. They would either be infront of the rider or if necessary a third person would ride on the back sandwiching the participant between them. I took pictures of one teenage girl who was grinning from ear to ear, not sure what she was happier about, the jetski ride or holding on to the jetski driver! Her Mom told me she requested this particular driver! TEENAGERS!! LOL. Rob and Bradley manned the fishing boat, Jenna helped at the registration and on the fishing boat, Larry did the water intake and he did some of the lifting participants onto the jetski's. I have to admit I was a bit jealous of all of them, they got to get to know most of the people there and heard their stories, I on the other hand was just a bystander. I was itching to put down my camera really do something useful! Until I was quietly reminded that the photographs I was taking were priceless!! Thanks Jill! I needed that one!

Here are just a few of the smiles!