The past four weeks have flown by so quickly for me that I’ll have to write a brief overview of each to keep you from boredom;)
About four Mondays ago, some of the summer staff crew headed out to Ingalls Lake for level 2 of back country training. The purpose was to give us a higher level of knowledge and readiness for taking students on multi-day trips into the back country. The leaders were along for the ride as each of us gained the opportunity to lead the crew through challenges and different types of terrain. We spent 3 days in the beautiful Ingalls area that had an amazing view of Mount Stuart and the Enchantments. The 4th day consisted of practicing river crossings with large groups. Throughout the week I was given some challenges that helped me grow as a leader and discover my style and personality in handling these back country situations. I had a chance to practice many skills like orienteering, group management, missing people, medical emergencies, and snow field crossings (some were genuine situations!).
The biggest lesson I learned from this trip was to lean on Christ for everything. I started the trip with a bad attitude when things didn’t go the way I desired, but I was constantly reminded by Him that it’s not about me; it’s about the people I have been given the responsibility to care for and love on. However, I can’t do it on my own strength (as I quickly found out). I learned that I don’t quickly rely on Jesus for the wisdom and strength I need to get through times like that.
“For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me.”
~Psalm 31:3
About three Mondays ago, a team of us peaced out from the ranch and made our way toward the Methow Valley. With Shane leading the way and Chris, Jessica, and Dan as the guide team, we met a high school youth group in Mazama. I almost immediately fell in love with the hearts of these students as most of them shared their desire to grow closer to God and to challenge themselves in the coming week. “Abide in Christ” was the theme for this trip and it was based out of John 15:5 where Jesus talks about the vine and the branches. Prior to meeting us, the students had made rubber bracelets with the theme and verse and tye dye teeshirts...AND they made some for each of us guides too!
The first day we spent climbing Fun Rock in Mazama. I had never been to this location before, but immediately grew fond of the great location and site we were at. We got an early start because we expected the day to be extremely hot and end early, however, the group did so well that we went even longer than a usual climbing day. The students challenged themselves by climbing tough climbs blindfolded. It was so cool to see them build teamwork and trust throughout their challenges. The rappel set up was phenomenal and nothing like I ever experienced before. I was assisting at the climbing stations all day, but got the chance to experience it before it was time to tear down. One of the girls wanted to go on it with me and we were able to go at the same time. There was a beautiful drop off and at a point in the rappel, we were both free-hanging and looking into the beautiful rock cut-out! Talk about stunning, I wish I had my camera:)
For the next three days, we used inflatable kayaks (IKs) to meander our way down the Methow River. We stopped on islands to each meals and set up camp at night. This was the first time I had ever guided an extended river trip and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyday there was something new I learned about myself and how to be a better guide. Probably one of my favorite parts on the river that week was scouting and planning to take our group through a class IV rapid called Black Canyon. It was super cool to be a part of the planning and “behind-the-scenes” workings of getting our team safely down.
This trip was such a great opportunity to get to know many students who have graduated and are moving on into higher education. I was able to have some amazing talks to some of them about what the Lord has been doing in this transition stage of life. Every time a conversation or experience is concluded I feel like I have been more blessed by the student than I could ever dream of blessing them. It was so exciting to hear that at the end of our trip, students were inspired to be more serious in their walk with Christ and have more of a desire to spend time in His Word.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
~John 15:1-8
After the Methow trip, 7 high school ladies came to the ranch for a horse camp. Megan and I were food and gear staff for the trip. This means we get the food and gear prepped and ready to go by the time the camp starts and we continue to create the meals and snacks for the campers and guides (AND play fiddle around the campfire at night:D). Being allergic to the horses, I haven’t had much chance to interact with this side of Stonewater, so I was extremely grateful to be a part of this trip and have the ability to serve.
The trip was an open enrollment, so it wasn’t a specific group coming; just random gals from anywhere who wanted to ride horses all week! For some it was their first summer, and others had been coming for years. Some were friends and some remembered each other from last year when they met. Fun and diverse group of laughter-filled ladies who had lots of spunk and love for horses:)
For one of the students, it was her 4th year coming in a row. She had surrended her heart to Jesus at this same camp the first year she attended. Hearing her story touched my heart as I learned that she doesn’t have much spiritual support where she lives and this is the place where she is annually refilled in the Lord. At the end of the week, she decided to get baptized as an outward proclamation of her allegiance with Jesus.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
~2 Corinthians 5:17
This past week, a group of 6 of us guides headed out on a recon (Trevor, Megan, Kevin, Jordy, and Dan) to check out a possible back country course area. We entered through the Phelps Creek trailhead (the way you’d go to Spider Meadows) and continued up toward Carne Mountain and the Leroy Basin. One of the days we sat at a lunch spot at the base of Mount Maude that overlooked the Ice Lakes of the Entiat Mountain Range. One night we slept under the tower of Seven Fingered Jack, another stunning mountain that sits over 9,000’ in elevation. Such beautiful country!
The team I was with is incredibly gifted in the back country. It was a bit intimidating at first to go on such a trip with such experienced people, but I learned so much. As I was reminded on the Ingalls trip, my strength is not my own and relying on Christ is extremely crucial. From this trip, I learned how to recognize my community: to depend on the people who are there to support me. They point me to the solid rock in Christ, encourage me to persevere, and care for me when I need a boost. What a blessing this team is to me, I’m so thankful God has put them in my life.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
~John 13:35
For the activities I have instructed before this summer (skiing, swimming, etc.) I have seemed to always have known how to do them. They are comfortable to me and I am confident in my coaching abilities to lead others. However, the activities I have been guiding this summer are all new. Sure, I’ve experienced them before, but I can remember a time when I never have. I’m greatly anticipating the time I can be comfortable and competent so these activities come natural and I can focus on other people and talking about Jesus more. I know it will be a lifelong journey of sharpening these skills, but I’m looking forward to the coming steps:) Once again, I wouldn’t be able to have this opportunity without the prayers, support, and encouragement from all you guys. I’m blessed beyond belief.
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