Who's Going

Believe it or not, by this time tomorrow, our group from Redeemer will have already been on the road for 2 hours!

Since you'll be seeing their names on this blog for the next 10 days, it's time for some introductions! Here's our terrific ten heading to the Big Easy.

Jack Albert - 12th grade, Marquette. This is Jack's 2nd NYG. It would be easy to simply describe Jack by his height (6'4"), but he's got a lot more to offer. Worked as a Junior Counselor at Camp Luther earlier this summer, is wicked smart, loves Conan the Barbarian and will be attending Valparaiso University in the fall.

Aurora Bostwick - 10th grade, Marquette. Aurora was legally contracted to come on this trip, since she makes Phil laugh. When she's not playing soccer, giving little kids skiing lessons, hanging out with friends or riding around town on the back of cars, she's trying to figure out how to beat one-legged tennis players.

Ryan Brown - 12th grade, Marquette. The elder Brown sibling attending the Gathering might appear to be simply a tall, laid back kind of guy. But give him a mic and watch him transform into a rock legend as the lead singer of The Brink. Ryan will be attending Northern Michigan in the fall.

Angela Brown - 9th grade, Marquette. The younger Brown sibling is not only one of the sweetest girls you'll meet, but is a three sport superstar, playing volleyball, skiing (I suppose you don't really play skiing...Ang ski's competitively for Marquette high) and softball. True story about Angela, I once talked to her after catching both games of a double-header in softball, and she was still nice to me.

Russell Kuczwara - 12th grade, Marquette. Russell completes the "Jack/Ryan/Russell" trifecta, but he's no third leg. Athletic, active and smart, Russell often would walk to church for Sunday School, uphill both ways, for 7 miles in the snow. Due to this tremendous dedication, he serves as the Senior Weather Correspondent for Redeemer Youth Ministry. Russell will be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in the fall. Go Blue!

Rashael Salbert - 12th grade, Negaunee. Heading to the Gathering for the 2nd time, Rashael is truthfully one of busiest kids I know. Not only is she busy with band, figure skating and softball, she also somehow found the time to work at a veterinary clinic and a department store this year. I'm not sure if we'll be able to keep Rashael busy enough at the Gathering. Attending Northern Michigan in the fall!

Chelsea Salbert - 10th grade, Negaunee. Rashael's younger sister, Chelsea keeps busy hanging out with her closest friends, taking ridiculous facebook pictures, going to the beach as much as possible and cheerleading in the fall. Chels also is supremely talented at designing grad party invitations and climbing Sugarloaf. Chelsea also thinks that Negaunee high school is the best high school in America. Oh wait...

Whitney Stilwell - 9th grade, Marquette. Ms. Stilwell is another one of our athletically inclined young ladies attending the Gathering. One of the best skiers in Marquette (seriously), she also stars at volleyball and soccer. Is there anything this girl can't do?

CHAPERONS -
Jacki Thomas, er, Jacki Parmer - The recently wed Miss Thomas is now Mrs. Parmer, officially. Jacki has recently completed the LPN program at Northern Michigan and is living in Marquette with her husband Drew. Contrary to Drew's belief, Jacki is not simply Phil's +1, but rather the other chaperon attending the youth gathering. As a nurse, Jacki is also legally contracted to deal with any blood, bug bites, vomit or any other gross stuff that will cause Phil to faint. Jacki will also be helping to update this blog during the course of our week. Jacki is also our Senior Photography Correspondent.

Phil Morris - Funny, intelligent, tall, handsome, able to bench press close to 300lbs and speak 6 languages, Phil is the fearless leader of this group. Actually, that's not correct. Phil is afraid of many things, including: wild animals, bugs, spiders, black dogs, heights, drowning, swimming long distances, thunderstorms, scary movies and the dark. Also, Phil is not a fan of when people on blogs refer to themselves in the third person.

Well...that's our group! Looking forward to a great time!