KATHIE BARNETT'S CAMP STORY:
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Favorite Memory from Sumatanga – Wow, that is so difficult!! I guess if I had to pick just one, it would be the day Bobby (my husband who died in 2005) and I took our granddaughter Lexi to the dedication of Hannah’s park. I believe the year would be Easter 1995. Attached are pictures of the park on that day and today. If I could pick two, it would be the picture of my parents in Eva Walker. I was leading the Emmaus Walk during my parents anniversary. Of course, they were working the walk. We had a beautiful anniversary party for them in Eva Walker on Saturday afternoon.
My Sumatanga Story – I was in fifth grade for my first visit. We moved to Huntsville at the start of my fifth grade year and I went to Sumatanga during the summer between fifth and sixth grade. I looked at the old pool last week and can’t believe I actually swam in that water!! My memories of that pool are slightly different from the water I saw last week. Many years passed and then from 1990 forward it seems there are just too many to count! Sunday School retreats with 5th graders in my Sunday School class, choir retreats, Emmaus Walks, and more. My first hike to the cross and the chapel, who could ever forget? Hiking up the mountain and trying to figure out why half of the water tower was red. Upon closer inspection finding it absolutely covered in red lady bugs! How I wish I had taken a picture!
About me – I was raised in the Methodist Church. We were not “forced” to attend church, it was just what our family did. If the church doors were open, we were there. I have one brother, that also loves Sumatanga, Charles Gattis Jr. Sumatanga was also a very special place for my parents who worked many of the early Emmaus walks. I worked for PPG Industries for over forty years, retiring June 30, 2020 as the Aerospace Learning and Development Manager. I currently attend Trinity UMC in Huntsville. I enjoy singing in the choir, attending Sunday School, and working on various committees.