The car ride there was very long and tiring. We left right after I came home from school. We got to the hotel around 10:00 pm. It was late, but there were lots of clowns in the Clown Room. There was a lot of food and drinks too! I enjoyed the cookies and snacks for dessert. The door had a wreath made out of balloons. It was cool and easy to find when walking down the hall. Our room was right around the corner so we were close to it.

Saturday morning we had to get up early, eat and go to the place where the circus was being held. It was funny because all the clowns came down to the lobby in their outfits and Mom and I were already waiting for them. The ladies at the desk laughed at them.

The circus was very fun! I got to see the show three times! The clowns were very funny and I spent a lot of time with the clowns. My Dad was a clown for the first time at this event. My Dad at first looked very funny, so I laughed so hard because he looked funny. One of the clowns taught me how to make a tulip out of a balloon. I showed him how to make a few things out of beads as a trade.  The clowns were even part of the show with the Chicago Boyz. The Chicago Boyz used a trampoline to jump over a group of clowns for each show and my Dad was one of the clowns that they jumped over.

There was a motorcycle trick at the end of the first performance, but one of the riders got hurt badly and was taken to the hospital. I was so sad because I saw him and I could not do anything to help. I felt sad that his little son was there watching as he was being helped. The cannon was blocking most of the area where the accident happened so not a lot of people watching saw the accident. As soon as the performers saw he was hurt, they got everyone out of there. The lights were off until everyone left.  I hope he gets better, my prayers for him and his family.

I met lots of people during the shows also. I tried to help a little girl sitting in front of us for one show when her butterfly light broke. The circus wouldn’t exchange her light, but I was able to help fix it so she could at least have the butterfly. Her Mom was happy and so was she.

It was a long weekend when all was said and done, but I now can say I saw my first Circus, road a camel and an elephant. I also got to swing on a practice swing for up in the air, but it was lower to the ground. I also got the chance to meet the Chicago Boyz in person and get their autographs. I got to see so many clowns and get their autographs as well. I am glad I got to spend the weekend at such an event.

I look forward to more Shriner’s Circus adventures with the Klowns from Kena! Roanoke see you next year for sure, if at all possible!

Sincerely,

Samantha
Ashburn Assembly #11

Who would have thought that a trip to Virginia Beach with my parents would end up with a Rainbow ending? The day before we were to leave a Rescue Conference I attended with my parents in Virginia Beach, my Dad saw on the Rainbow website there’s a billboard about Rainbow Girls, Job’s Daughters, and DeMolay sponsored by the Masonic Organizations we represent. There are four billboards for the youth organizations in the Norfolk area that were paid for by a Mason. They invited all of us in the area to stop by at noon on September 29th, and get a picture all together under one of the signs.

Although we were early, it was fun to wait and watch Phantom of the Opera on our laptop. All of a sudden lots of cars, trucks and vans showed up. They were full of Job’s Daughters from Bethel 42 and two DeMolay. We all had fun greeting each other and I gave them my card because I was the only Rainbow Girl that was able to come. I really wanted to climb up and sit on the platform in front of the sign, but mom said no. One of the girls had actually come to the MCHQWA Ball September 21, at Kena in Fairfax. My Dad recognized her and she was happy he remembered her. It was fun to see more of our Masonic Family around our State.

In Rainbow Love and Spirit,
Samantha, Sister of Faith
Ashburn Assembly No. 11

We headed out about 10:30 for Richmond all eight of us in Mom Erin’s car. We got there just in time to get seated. It was different to see the Worthy Advisors, Kathy and Ilana switch off, but it was the first time I have been to a Grand Visitation. They both did a great job and so did the other Sisters.

The Lodge was very pretty and seemed larger than most to me. There were lots of places to sit. Which was a good thing because there were lots of people. It was also Darby’s colors she chose as Worthy Advisor. It was fun to see all of our friends again and be able to celebrate with an Initiation of new Girls, as well as the first skit I have ever seen done by Rainbow Girls. It was pretty neat. I am sure the ones turning the lights on and off got a finger work out.

The food was wonderful also. The cake was awesome! It had candy inside of it! I am not sure how someone did that, but I think all of us were happy to find the surprise.

In Rainbow Love and Service,
Samantha, Sister of Faith
Ashburn Assembly No. 11