On Sunday, August 7, 2017, Virginia Rainbow held our first statewide fun event. We visited The Brock Environmental Center, girls in attendance from Manassas were: Gigi, Katie, Dalanie, Zoey W, Joella, Sami, Isabella, Alyssa, and myself. We started with an introduction where we met our guides and then we each got a partner and had to introduce them to the whole group. After that we split into groups and each group had to answer questions or think of questions about The Center, after everyone had their answers each group presented what they had learned. Some cool things about The Center are that they have compost toilets, they recycle rainwater as drinking water, and that a lot of the materials used as floors came from a school. Next, we went to an area at the edge of the water where we saw some snails and a baby turtle. After that we played a game where a “bay saver” had to try to catch everyone. After that, we went seining, which is catching fish, crabs, and jellyfish. We caught same very cool jellyfish and some pretty big blue crabs. Finally, we ate lunch and headed home. It was a fun day!

In Rainbow Love and Service,
Zoe N

On Friday, August 11th, I went to New Jersey’s Grand Assembly. I went with Isabella, Mom Louisa, and my mom. We drove all day to get up to New Jersey, made a quick stop at our hotel to change into formals and get ready, and then drove another hour and a half to get to the Grand Assembly.

When we got there, we went to the Grand Officers Banquet first. Isabella and I were seated with the Grand Officers. They were all so nice and friendly, and they helped us feel a lot better about not knowing anyone. At the end of the Banquet, the Grand Worthy Advisor, Jenna Brink, was presented with some end-of-term gifts, including a homemade quilt and some scrapbooks about her year in office.

After our meal, we attended the opening session. Important guests were introduced, speeches were given, and I was allowed to speak about Olivia’s year as GWA of Virginia. The Grand Representatives also had a costume contest like we’re going to have this year. They each dressed up as a representation of their state, and some of them were really creative and impressive. I watched for the Grand Representative to Virginia, who was dressed as Harry Potter to go with Rachal Murray’s theme from last year.

To close the Session, they announced the Grand positions for the next year. Lydia Anderson-Dearborn was appointed as my counterpart, and Amy Wilkie was appointed as Grand Worthy Advisor. Lastly, they performed the Book of Memories ceremony, which was beautiful as always.

I really enjoyed New Jersey’s Grand Assembly, and I wish I could have stayed for the whole thing. I’m also looking forward to corresponding with Lydia for the next year and learning as much about New Jersey Rainbow as possible.

In Rainbow Love & Service,
Kate

On August 5, 2017 Batu, Zoe, Zoey, Joella, Katie, Sami, Dalanie, Gigi, and I went to the Norfolk Assembly Installation of Officers. I got to ride down with Vanessa, Zoe, Zoey, Batu, and Joella. Mom Paula drove us. I always like riding down with Mom Paula because it’s always entertaining to see Vanessa annoy Mom Paula 😊. The car ride down was very fun and entertaining. Fun tip, don’t fall asleep in the car! They will take pictures of you while you sleep! I was ecstatic when I saw how pretty the Chesapeake Bay is. I was also excited to go under a tile tunnel because it felt like I was in Japan.

We finally arrived at the Norfolk Masonic Temple around 1:45 pm and saw Pia get installed as Worthy Advisor. It was a very beautiful Installation and Pia wore the most gorgeous cream-colored dress. Pia’s theme is, “Life is a Journey Enjoy the Detours”. Her symbols is the compass, colors are blue, green, orange, and yellow, her mascot is the Kola bear (Penny), her service project is Pin Ministry, her charity project is for Hope for Life and Supreme 2018.

After the Installation, everyone went downstairs and ate some cake pops and spaghetti. While we were eating and socializing we saw the two newest Girls of the Assembly eat baby food as it is a tradition at Norfolk. Then Batu, Vanessa, and I rode home with Mom Paula. Overall it was a very fun trip and I hope to go to more installations in the future.

In Rainbow Love and Service,
M’Balu

On August 5, 2017, there was a sleepover at Norfolk’s Lodge. It was fun and playful. We setup blankets and pillows upstairs in their assembly room. The girls from our Assembly were, Dalanie, Zoey W, Katie, Sami, Gigi, Zoe N, and myself. The moms present were, Mom Robin and my mom, Mom Ange. Most of the girls were in a corner of the room and were playing games. Rachel, our Past Grand Worthy Advisor, got us some McDonalds, and I snarled down two burgers…. I was really hungry! We went out to a park nearby and played tag. There was a man dressed as a panda. Everyone got a kick out of that. After that, we went home and resumed our games. I named a salt packet Peppar (Swedish for pepper). My mom came around 10:00 PM with snacks and Capri Suns. She also got some apple juice, which Dalanie, Zoey W., and I gulped down (mostly Dalanie and I). Oh! And I also got pictures of everyone sleeping except Dalanie, My mom, Zoe, and me. Overall, I had an amazing time, and I wish I could go again!

In Rainbow Love and Service,
Joella