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Camp Sunshine Mourns Loss of Mark Huizenga

Mark Robert Huizenga, 49
The Holland Sentinel 10/02/2011, Page A05

Holland - Mark Robert Huizenga, 49, son of Lee and Betty Huizenga of Waukazoo Drive, went to live with Jesus in Heaven on December 8, 2011.

Mark, who was born with Down Syndrome, brought joy and love to all he met. Mostly, he loved Jesus and talked about Him to his family and others with great joy and longing.

In addition to his parents, Mark is survived by one brother, Douglas Lee and Meg Brands Huizenga of Holland; sisters, Lisa Huizenga Hogan and Joseph Hogan of Zurich, Switzerland and Lorilee Huizenga Beltman and Charles Beltman of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Carly and Lee Huizenga, Tyler, Jason and Nicholas Hogan, and Marcus, Joel and Gerrit Beltman; aunts and uncles, Konrad and Marilyn Marcus, David and Connie Marcus, David and Joanna Huizenga, Doris and Dale Postma, Neil Huizenga and Faith Huizenga Van Laar.

Visitation was Friday, December 16, in the Chapel of Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland, MI.

A celebration of Mark's life was held in the main auditorium of the church (entrance C) on Saturday, December 17, with Rev. Bill Boersma and Rev. Gary Matthews of Christ Memorial Church, and Dr. Paul Hontz of Central Wesleyan Church officiating. Burial was in Lakewood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland and Holland Deacons Conference. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. An online condolence registry is available at langelandsterenberg.com.

2011 Pictures Now Online

The 2011 Photo Galleries are now online. Go to the Multimedia Page and click Camp Sunshine Session 1 & 2 2011

Sunshine 2011 Goes Green

by Mimi/Miriam Bush

I am a Camp Sunshine EarthKeeper! along with the 160 campers, 300+ counselors, CITs, "Floaters", Board members, staff, and innumerable volunteers who helped make this summer's Sunshine "Go Green". We sang about "Good Garbage" that smells bad to our nose, about "This Pretty Planet" and how to "R-E-C-Y-C-L-E", because "Someone's Gonna Use it After You". We paid attention to what we threw away and what we could reuse. We planted. We picked up our balloon-bits after our water balloon extravaganza. We saw the beauty of our earth in sunsets, blueberry fields, fishing ponds, and in the beauty in one another as we danced and played and shared our talents.

More than a trendy environmental movement, "Going Green" meshed with Camp Sunshine's mission toward inclusion. At Camp Sunshine we experienced being part of the whole of creation and the world in which we live. We belong to one another, to the earth, and to God. We are included in God's loving intent for all the earth and all who are in it to be well and whole and touched by grace. Earthkeepers have the privilege of keeping the earth and all that is in it in the way of God's loving intent.

At Camp this summer we were visited by 3 wise teachers who taught us about "Going Green". Old Turtle taught us about the beauty of the earth and all its creatures. Old Turtle encouraged us to see God's holy imprint in all things; even bugs and worms and rocks are an important gifts of God's creation and teach us about God. Old Turtle said we are to be messengers from God to the earth, and a prayer from earth back to God. We asked: What message from God have we been to one another? What kind of prayer have we been in behalf of the earth?

Chief Seattle, from the great Northwest visited reminding us that we do not own the earth but that "The earth is Lord's and the fullness within it". He taught us that we belong to God and we belong to the earth and are to be keepers, servants, and God's caretakers for the earth.

St. Francis of Assisi brought us the Bible's creation story. He reminded us that God says each part of creation is "good" and "very good", including us. Francis reminded us that God's first instruction given to people was to take care of the earth. That's our God-given job. It also means taking care of one another as we give and receive and learn and grow and serve together.

Sunshine EarthKeepers, are keepers of the beauty that can be seen in our world and in each others eyes. Sunshine EarthKeepers know they belong to God along with all the wonders of creation. Sunshine EarthKeepers remember they are called "very good" because God loves what has been created in each one. Sunshine EarthKeepers will remember to take care of each other and this beautiful earth we share and love.

EarthKeepers all, until we meet again, know you are loved.

a few Wisdom Resources for Sunshine EarthKeepers:

Old Turtle, by Douglas Wood - a book of wisdom found in the children's book section (also some video versions on Youtube)

Chief Seattle's famous speech can be found online or in Susan Jeffer's illustrated book entitled, Brother Eagle, Sister Sky

The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss

Sights and Sounds of Camp Sunshine

Check out the "Sights and Sounds of Camp Sunshine" video which will give you a guided tour of the property where Camp Sunshine meets each summer. For those of you that have not been out to Camp before it will help prepair you for your experience. Enjoy!

Sights and Sounds of Camp Sunshine Video (Windows Media Format)

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