Summer So Far

Normally I like to blog about the thoughts in my head, but I guess this post can be an exception...about the thoughts in my head and how my summer is going so far.
So a little update. I am working at a camp called Spring Canyon with their outdoor program...I did this last summer. My job title is Guide...which includes numerous tasks, from climbing 14ers to being available to listen and learn from the participants (students).  We host mostly military cadets and junior officers leading them on an 8 day adventure including white water rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, a 4 day trek, and sessions from incredible instructors who share about their lives and how to apply Christian leadership to every aspect of life.
As guides leading up to this summer of facilitation we go through various trainings. Through each of these we learn not only the practical skills but also how to apply these activities to facilitating a growing experience in our students.
While on the rocks, learning about trusting your system is a challenge for me, I always have to check and double check my ropes before I will walk out over the edge holding tightly to my rope, then once the tension hits I can let go and feel the freedom the system allows me and then allows me to belay the rappeller down the mountain. In life there are many times that we have systems in place that we doubt, however we doubt those systems because of fear, or maybe past experiences where they have failed us.  In this case if my system failed it would be goodbye me, but we do have to learn to rely on those systems in place to keep us safe. When that system is in place and working correctly if I fall I will only look like a goofball but I will be safe. The systems that we have in life are family, church community, friends, etc.
Then we have the trek, a journey following trail with different stops on the way. I feel that this symbolizes life to the fullest. We are truely on a journey, sometimes the trail is smooth and gradual, other times the trail is rocky and steep and we have to take rests more often. Ultimately the trail leads to an end and an experience of a lifetime, in the case of the trek the goal is to peak a 14er. This year on guide trek we were unable to summit, but from a incomplete summit attempt so much can be learned. Failure isn't always a bad thing and on guide trek we got to use this time to bond with the team, telling funny stories, playing games, just enjoying each others company.
Solo time is the pinnacle of any trek, this is 4-5 hours in the wilderness alone with God. This is my favorite time of any trek. This year during this time I go to spend this time looking back at life and seeing where God had brought me from to where he was leading me for the summer. I am continuing to be excited about where the path this summer and from here will lead. 
This summer I am surrounded by some amazing people who I am excited to continue to grow with!