We Are a Part of Something - Garezers 50

The final day of the Garezers 50th celebration dawned warm, sunny, and clear. As is tradition in Garezers on a Sunday morning, mom and I headed to the peaceful outdoor church overlooking the lake. After two incredibly busy, social, and generally noisy days, I must admit it was relaxing to sit down in a quiet spot, and see this view...

The church was as full as I've seen it, and the service was absolutely lovely and truly felt celebratory. The three main celebrants all have deep connections to Garezers. Archbishop Lauma Zušēvica of the Milwaukee congregation and Bishop Gunārs Lazdiņš of the Indianapolis congregation have been teaching and leading services here for quite a few years, and are held in high esteem by the campers. Bishop Anita Vārsberga Pāža of the Washington, D.C. congregation is, so-to-speak, the first child of Garezers--as her father, Bishop Vilis Vārsbergs was the person who found the camp (it had previously been a Girl Scouts' camp in case you've never heard the story!) and had the original idea to establish such a gathering place for Latvians.

Anita's sermon was perfect. She spoke of the human need to belong, and the fact that we all belong to and are a part of Garezers, and that without us Garezers would not exist. The modern way she illustrated our belonging this was by taking several selfies of herself with the congregation.

An ensemble from GVV enhanced the service with a song... 

After the service the line to exit was long and moved slowly, because most everyone wanted to greet all of the celebrants. Once I'd moved through the line, I enjoyed chatting with a few friends, then realized it was high time I returned to the arts and crafts market for a couple of purchases. I'd visited earlier in the weekend, but had unable to commit to anything at that point.

The market featured a variety of vendors and products, including Liena Kaugars and the beautiful folk costumes she crafts....

Nikki Tupesis of NikJ Designs with bags, pouches, and fabric buckets, many with Latvian-themed patterns...

Ligita with her distinct beaded jewelry....

and Andris Rūtiņš of Balticsmith, who not only crafts wonderful jewelry, but was also helping young silversmiths create their very own pendants...

The creative process in progress...

Sisters proudly show off their creations. Photo: Andris Rūtiņš

There were at least a half-dozen other vendors, selling everything from t-shirts to etched glass to leather bags. After purchasing a few small items, I headed to the weekend's last event, Taste of Garezers, for lunch, with the bittersweet realization that this grand weekend was almost over.

(Special thanks to Andris as well as an old friend who is the mother of those two adorable kids for permission to use that photograph!)