So, this summer i am starting many new things. More or less my life is changing. And i am beyond stoked about these changes. First off, i am returning to lone tree ranch, the camp that changed my life last summer. And if leaving the comfort and the people i care about so much isn't enough, my job is going to be completely different than last summer. Instead of being on mountain bikes, waterslide and digglers ( yeah, yeah, i know you are saying what on creation is a diggler?! well long description short, its a mountain scooter) I'll be leaving that job and this summer i will be a rappelling instructor. And the idea of that is almost enough for me. Aside from all of these changes at camp, i have decided to do something. Something I have tried to do and failed at many times. Go ahead, tell me how cliche this is, but i am going to take a picture everyday this summer (and potentially beyond summer) and when camp is over for the week and i have time to breathe, i am going to blog about the week and post the pictures from the week. I tried something like this last summer, except with disposable cameras and sunsets, but it was an incredible failure. So i am determined to do that this summer. The pictures will be of anything that happens at camp, probably alot of sunsets and pictures from my office, which happens to be at the top of a 40 foot tower overlooking the beautiful mountains. (hard life huh?) But they will be the things that matter and that make my summer something great. And along with the pictures you will get my rambles about the week along with prayer requests and camp life. So, here at the beginning of the 11 week summer i am about to embark on for the second time, i want to share this project with you. It will be a hard summer, no doubt about that, full of beautiful mountains, a staff that is already so so dear to me, campers that will make my job the most enjoyable, and hardest thing i'll do this summer, along with so little sleep i will be jealous of insomniacs, and the beauty of seeing youth hear the stories of Christ. And Christ is the reason i am doing this and the reason that i can get through this summer. I would not have been able to get through camp last summer if it weren't for the strength that God provided. Last summer was the hardest summer of my life, but i saw more evidence of Christ in that summer than i ever have in my life. So i am beyond stoked to get this summer started, and i want to share that with all of you as the summer progresses.
Day 2: Here is the sad equation, Me working at camp in New Mexico + Connor working in Dallas = 2 months without seeing each other. He flew back to dally after a few minor hangups with the Roswell airport (that sends out 3 flights a day), so we said our so long for now's and he flew away from me.
Day 4: Well, i've already missed a day, but camp technically hasnt started so it doesn't count yet. But this is Taylor, my rappelling counterpart, we will be bro's by the end of the summer.
Day 5: Here is what only a few hours of rappelling has already done to my hands. Just go ahead and call me resident BMW> burly mountain woman.
Taylor and i started training yesterday, there is so much to learn and not that much time. But i trust our training and i know that we will be equipped with the skills needed to know what we are doing. I feel like a connoisseur of ropes and knots. (dont believe me, i only know 4 knots.)
Day 6: Here is the start of many beautiful sunsets this summer. The sky in New Mexico is one of God's greatest creations. I was driving back into camp and couldn't resist this shot.
Day 7: Week one is over, now how many to go?!?! I was filling up before going to dinner with my girl megan, and this pug was in the truck next to me, shout out to Abbey Thomas!! I have the weekend off and then real life at camp starts. One week of training then 10 weeks with campers. Maybe if i sleep every solid hour for the next 2 days i can store up some energy for the summer, but we all know that cant happen!
This week turned out to be so far from everything i thought that it would be, but i will say that it was a great one and it feels so good to be back here. I am ready for the rest of the staff to get to camp and to get the ball rolling on the summer program. There are some incredible things in the works for this summer and i know that they will change the lives of some of the youth coming to camp. I am trying to remind myself that camp is not about the staff, or the jobs we have, or anything like that. But to remember that i am here this summer for the youth that are coming and to share the story of Christ that changed my life, and that i cannot be stuck in the routine, although we are at camp for 11 weeks, these campers are here for 6 days. Our staff can't get burnt out or get stuck in the monotony of our lives, but that we must rely on Christ for our strength and to stay refreshed in the word.
I hope each and every one of you had a great week!
love yall!
