Hello!
Oregon is so incredibly beautiful! I am greatly enjoying the first day of autumn by sitting at the kitchen counter completing homework. I've been home for over a week now, but settling in has not been part of the agenda. For the past week I have been swept away to Central Oregon where I've been visiting family and celebrated my sister's wedding, surrounded by time in Eugene starting my new job as a choir assistant and homework assignments.
In the midst of the filled schedule, I was able to take a break away from these activities for a special occasion. On Monday, my grandma and I got to visit Crater Lake together. This was her first visit to the park located less than three hours away. When we first arrived at the Rim Drive, we climbed a small ascent, and I watched Grandma's eyes widen as she received a majestic welcome by the "Gem of the Cascades". The lake was almost mirror-like, with only slight breezes disturbing its sapphire-blue color. The majority of our day was spent driving the full circumference of the rim--a drive I had never completely covered in all of the times I have visited until now. In the midst of this, I also got to visit an area of the park known as The Pinnacles, which hosts eroded spires of ash towering over a small creek bed. Our visit filled the day, but even more so our enjoyment of spending time together made the day a wonderful one.
I'm off to more homework now, but wanted to post my "Photos of the Week", found in the right-hand column.
Enjoy your week!
Pump Geyser
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Day 117: Saying Goodbye
Hello!
My final countdown has begun. By next Wednesday I'll be back in Oregon. I'm ready for this, but there is always a bittersweet prospect to saying goodbye.
Already over this past week, I've said goodbye to over twenty-five of my coworkers and friends have already left back home--six left an hour ago, with another twelve or so leaving before I depart. Though these friendships are for only three months or so, they have such a deep impact upon me. The realization of all the friendships I have built over these past five summers of working in the national parks has brought me to a very real awareness of global reach--from most anywhere in the world now, I know I can visit and will have a friend.
The store has been under some drastic change--as the staff has left, it's made for a lot more work, especially during the Labor Day weekend; however, the rest of the time the store has become quiet, leaving us finding odd-and-end projects to occupy our time. On Monday, the store will be reducing its hours of operation back to an 8-6 schedule, adjusting to the lack of employees and slimming number of visitors.
The other part of saying goodbye is leaving Yellowstone, especially the Old Faithful area. Having worked in this location for now an accumulated eight months and have watched the seasons turn from winter to spring, summer to autumn, there is a piece of this place that seems to haunt me with so many memories. While other national parks have beautiful landscapes and wildlife or unique rocks or mountains, the geysers of Yellowstone have mesmerized me--each has a distinct character with its own rhythm that one acclimates to. By the end of a working season, employees here speak of heading out to see Beehive or Grand Geysers as though they were visiting a neighbor. There is an amount of investment associated with these geysers, as hours upon hours become added while waiting for an eruption or sitting in the afterglow of a geyser's conclusion. The blend of waiting, strolling the boardwalks leisurely, and exhilaration of spewing steam and water creates a pace that is difficult to transition away from. I remember last year seeing the artificial fountains of Beaverton and Portland and finding myself nearly repulsed at the sight, especially when surrounded by strip malls, parking lots, and rows of houses. I am always grateful to return home--I miss the green and the pleasant atmosphere surrounding Newberg. I miss my friends back home and am excited to return, but I'm sure it won't be long before I experience what John Muir wrote: "The mountains are calling and I must respond."
I am so very grateful for my experience of this summer. It has been challenging and with the presence of summer classes and my new semester of school to get out away from the dorms, but I am deeply grateful to be here nevertheless.
Here are some highlights of the summer:
--At least 100 miles of hiking and strolling the boardwalks this summer (compared to a minimum of 180 in previous years).
--142 postcards sent to friends and family during this summer trip...bringing me to a current total of 298 postcards for the year!
--Saw my first red fox and river otters this year
--Visited two new national parks this summer (Glacier and Wind Cave), bringing me to 20 parks now visited.
--My first motorcycle trip (The Grand Circle of Yellowstone: 125 miles)
--My first summer driving my wonderful new Subaru
--Swam in the thermally-warmed Firehole River (the perfect temperature to swim in!)
--Saw Artemesia, Cliff, and Jewel Geysers
--Read multiple leisure books: Invitation to a Journey, a collection of short stories by George McDonald including The Golden Key, and one other title I can't remember right now. Not to mention completing four different college books and now diving into my fall books.
--Got to attend my brother's wedding (Isaiah) in June and am excited to return back home for my sister's wedding (Cherie).
--Preached seven sermons at fourteen Sunday services while the remaining five Sunday services were spent listening to awesome sermons delivered by my ministry teammates (Tim, Darrin, Whitney, Jenny, and Hannah).
--My first summer working in a managerial position...and loved it!
--Was visited by more friends and family this summer than all other summers combined! (Joe and Lana, Terry and Carol, Steve and Carolyn, Aaron and Bethany)
I should have one final post next week as I conclude my summer.
Photos of the week are posted. The page link is found on the right column
Have a great week!
My final countdown has begun. By next Wednesday I'll be back in Oregon. I'm ready for this, but there is always a bittersweet prospect to saying goodbye.
Already over this past week, I've said goodbye to over twenty-five of my coworkers and friends have already left back home--six left an hour ago, with another twelve or so leaving before I depart. Though these friendships are for only three months or so, they have such a deep impact upon me. The realization of all the friendships I have built over these past five summers of working in the national parks has brought me to a very real awareness of global reach--from most anywhere in the world now, I know I can visit and will have a friend.
The store has been under some drastic change--as the staff has left, it's made for a lot more work, especially during the Labor Day weekend; however, the rest of the time the store has become quiet, leaving us finding odd-and-end projects to occupy our time. On Monday, the store will be reducing its hours of operation back to an 8-6 schedule, adjusting to the lack of employees and slimming number of visitors.
The other part of saying goodbye is leaving Yellowstone, especially the Old Faithful area. Having worked in this location for now an accumulated eight months and have watched the seasons turn from winter to spring, summer to autumn, there is a piece of this place that seems to haunt me with so many memories. While other national parks have beautiful landscapes and wildlife or unique rocks or mountains, the geysers of Yellowstone have mesmerized me--each has a distinct character with its own rhythm that one acclimates to. By the end of a working season, employees here speak of heading out to see Beehive or Grand Geysers as though they were visiting a neighbor. There is an amount of investment associated with these geysers, as hours upon hours become added while waiting for an eruption or sitting in the afterglow of a geyser's conclusion. The blend of waiting, strolling the boardwalks leisurely, and exhilaration of spewing steam and water creates a pace that is difficult to transition away from. I remember last year seeing the artificial fountains of Beaverton and Portland and finding myself nearly repulsed at the sight, especially when surrounded by strip malls, parking lots, and rows of houses. I am always grateful to return home--I miss the green and the pleasant atmosphere surrounding Newberg. I miss my friends back home and am excited to return, but I'm sure it won't be long before I experience what John Muir wrote: "The mountains are calling and I must respond."
I am so very grateful for my experience of this summer. It has been challenging and with the presence of summer classes and my new semester of school to get out away from the dorms, but I am deeply grateful to be here nevertheless.
Here are some highlights of the summer:
--At least 100 miles of hiking and strolling the boardwalks this summer (compared to a minimum of 180 in previous years).
--142 postcards sent to friends and family during this summer trip...bringing me to a current total of 298 postcards for the year!
--Saw my first red fox and river otters this year
--Visited two new national parks this summer (Glacier and Wind Cave), bringing me to 20 parks now visited.
--My first motorcycle trip (The Grand Circle of Yellowstone: 125 miles)
--My first summer driving my wonderful new Subaru
--Swam in the thermally-warmed Firehole River (the perfect temperature to swim in!)
--Saw Artemesia, Cliff, and Jewel Geysers
--Read multiple leisure books: Invitation to a Journey, a collection of short stories by George McDonald including The Golden Key, and one other title I can't remember right now. Not to mention completing four different college books and now diving into my fall books.
--Got to attend my brother's wedding (Isaiah) in June and am excited to return back home for my sister's wedding (Cherie).
--Preached seven sermons at fourteen Sunday services while the remaining five Sunday services were spent listening to awesome sermons delivered by my ministry teammates (Tim, Darrin, Whitney, Jenny, and Hannah).
--My first summer working in a managerial position...and loved it!
--Was visited by more friends and family this summer than all other summers combined! (Joe and Lana, Terry and Carol, Steve and Carolyn, Aaron and Bethany)
I should have one final post next week as I conclude my summer.
Photos of the week are posted. The page link is found on the right column
Have a great week!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Day 110: Autumn Arrives
Hello!
What an incredible week this has been! So much has happened!
This week I had the treat of having my friend, John, visit me from Oregon. We had planned to go hiking in Glacier National Park after my work contract finished, but my sister announced her wedding during the same weekend, so John will be traveling with another buddy of his. For the past three years, John has visited me in the national parks and we've gotten to take some amazing backcountry hikes through Sequoia, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons together, photographing some incredible terrain and vistas. To not have a summer hike together seemed strange. Having a canceled plane ticket, John was able to exchange it for a weekend flight out here! We had an incredible time visiting and exploring areas of Yellowstone that John hadn't explored, particularly Norris Geyser Basin and the Lone Star Trail.
The trip was short, but it was a great experience. One of the experiences that John got to experience while out here was "Christmas in August", where every August 25th the park decorates its hotels and we celebrate our annual tradition. For the General Store, we closed early and held a Christmas program, singing songs together, hearing the Christmas story from one of our employees, sharing a ton of our awesome cook's cookies, and getting an early visit from Santa Claus. It was a great time filled with good memories for everyone. As my manager, Scott, pointed out, this was the last time everyone got to hang out together as people's work contracts have been finishing up and people have begun to head back home. By the end of this week we'll have lost fifteen people from the store. The season of saying goodbyes has started.
In the midst of these transitions, school has begun to a great start, but I already feel the pressure of maintaining both work and school. The notion of being in school hasn't really hit me yet, so I'm still transitioning. It's great to be in contact with my online classmates from last year--we've already had an incredible time chatting online and catching up. But along with all this, this week I am also beginning a new job working for my former manager, Melissa Stock, as her choir assistant! I worked as her assistant for two years before, and now I get to return again to help out as her choir prepares for three concerts this Christmas. It'll be great to return to this job once I return to Oregon...a return that ticks down to only twelve days away!
Unlike last September's "indian summer", Autumn is already in the air. We've been waking up to 36 degree morning temperatures and days when sweatshirts are needed for nearly the entire day. The grasses have turned golden, and soon the lower-elevation trees will start to turn as well. I'm stepping into new things this week, and it's amazing to see how God is working in the midst of all of it.
Blessings on your week!
What an incredible week this has been! So much has happened!
This week I had the treat of having my friend, John, visit me from Oregon. We had planned to go hiking in Glacier National Park after my work contract finished, but my sister announced her wedding during the same weekend, so John will be traveling with another buddy of his. For the past three years, John has visited me in the national parks and we've gotten to take some amazing backcountry hikes through Sequoia, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons together, photographing some incredible terrain and vistas. To not have a summer hike together seemed strange. Having a canceled plane ticket, John was able to exchange it for a weekend flight out here! We had an incredible time visiting and exploring areas of Yellowstone that John hadn't explored, particularly Norris Geyser Basin and the Lone Star Trail.
The trip was short, but it was a great experience. One of the experiences that John got to experience while out here was "Christmas in August", where every August 25th the park decorates its hotels and we celebrate our annual tradition. For the General Store, we closed early and held a Christmas program, singing songs together, hearing the Christmas story from one of our employees, sharing a ton of our awesome cook's cookies, and getting an early visit from Santa Claus. It was a great time filled with good memories for everyone. As my manager, Scott, pointed out, this was the last time everyone got to hang out together as people's work contracts have been finishing up and people have begun to head back home. By the end of this week we'll have lost fifteen people from the store. The season of saying goodbyes has started.
In the midst of these transitions, school has begun to a great start, but I already feel the pressure of maintaining both work and school. The notion of being in school hasn't really hit me yet, so I'm still transitioning. It's great to be in contact with my online classmates from last year--we've already had an incredible time chatting online and catching up. But along with all this, this week I am also beginning a new job working for my former manager, Melissa Stock, as her choir assistant! I worked as her assistant for two years before, and now I get to return again to help out as her choir prepares for three concerts this Christmas. It'll be great to return to this job once I return to Oregon...a return that ticks down to only twelve days away!
Unlike last September's "indian summer", Autumn is already in the air. We've been waking up to 36 degree morning temperatures and days when sweatshirts are needed for nearly the entire day. The grasses have turned golden, and soon the lower-elevation trees will start to turn as well. I'm stepping into new things this week, and it's amazing to see how God is working in the midst of all of it.
Blessings on your week!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Day 102: Setting A New Pace
Hello!
This has been a very good week here at Old Faithful. The ministry team and I completed our final Sunday in the park, and I am overflowing with gratitude at what the team has overcome this summer while also being such wonderful examples of Christ here to both visitors and employees. Each one of them has been a tremendous blessing! The team is dispersing this week--one teammate has already left, and another will be leaving tomorrow. The rest of the team will be taking off soon, except for myself (Sept. 10) and Tim (mid-September). Wow! It's hard to believe how the summer passed so quickly, yet I am elated in astonishment at how well the summer has gone.
My days off were spent taking some coworkers--Svietlana and Roman from Belarus--down to the Grand Tetons. This was a great time to spend with them, but unfortunately with all of the wildfires of Idaho and the vicinity, the mountain peaks were difficult to see. I was grateful for a good wind to drive the smoke away, but even this was short-lived.
The rest of my time was spent running errands and relaxing for a change of pace. School books have been arriving in the mail and I have been preparing for another semester of classes to commence. Eight more credit hours of classes split amongst four classes. I am excited to start again. The timing is great as work around the store has been slowing now that many of the local children are beginning school this week (they begin early to accommodate all of the snow days that frequent the area). Along with the slower pace, several of my coworkers at the store have also begun to depart back to school and their homes. It is a bittersweet loss reminiscing in all the time we've enjoyed together while also sharing their excitement to take their stories and pictures home to share with their families about their summer here at Yellowstone.
It's a lot of changes within a short space of time, but watching God walk me through this week has been tremendous. Soon I too will be heading home. It's now been over one hundred days since I began this adventure of heading out to Yellowstone. The 100-day milestone is always a big one for me in recognizing all that has happened within these past thirteen weeks while also considering what final escapades I want to make before I head home. I have a few more adventures in mind.
Blessings to you for this week!
This has been a very good week here at Old Faithful. The ministry team and I completed our final Sunday in the park, and I am overflowing with gratitude at what the team has overcome this summer while also being such wonderful examples of Christ here to both visitors and employees. Each one of them has been a tremendous blessing! The team is dispersing this week--one teammate has already left, and another will be leaving tomorrow. The rest of the team will be taking off soon, except for myself (Sept. 10) and Tim (mid-September). Wow! It's hard to believe how the summer passed so quickly, yet I am elated in astonishment at how well the summer has gone.
My days off were spent taking some coworkers--Svietlana and Roman from Belarus--down to the Grand Tetons. This was a great time to spend with them, but unfortunately with all of the wildfires of Idaho and the vicinity, the mountain peaks were difficult to see. I was grateful for a good wind to drive the smoke away, but even this was short-lived.
The rest of my time was spent running errands and relaxing for a change of pace. School books have been arriving in the mail and I have been preparing for another semester of classes to commence. Eight more credit hours of classes split amongst four classes. I am excited to start again. The timing is great as work around the store has been slowing now that many of the local children are beginning school this week (they begin early to accommodate all of the snow days that frequent the area). Along with the slower pace, several of my coworkers at the store have also begun to depart back to school and their homes. It is a bittersweet loss reminiscing in all the time we've enjoyed together while also sharing their excitement to take their stories and pictures home to share with their families about their summer here at Yellowstone.
It's a lot of changes within a short space of time, but watching God walk me through this week has been tremendous. Soon I too will be heading home. It's now been over one hundred days since I began this adventure of heading out to Yellowstone. The 100-day milestone is always a big one for me in recognizing all that has happened within these past thirteen weeks while also considering what final escapades I want to make before I head home. I have a few more adventures in mind.
Blessings to you for this week!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Least of These
My latest sermon, "The Least of These", is now available through my "Summer Sermons" page in the right column. This sermon follows a Christmas theme, following in step with Yellowstone's annual "Christmas in August".
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Experiencing Christ/Confusion
I am sorry it took so long to get my latest two sermons posted, but they have now been added to the "Summer Sermons" list on the right column. Both were preached at the Old Faithful Inn; one entitled "Confusion" and the other titled "Experiencing Christ".
Monday, August 13, 2012
Day 93: Catching Up
Hello!
Wow! It's hard to believe that over two weeks have passed since I last posted on this blog. I apologize for my tardiness. These past three weeks have been filled with projects, errands, and priorities that scratched two weeks of Internet off my list. Over the past two days I finally got caught up on my emails and can now make some forward progress.
These weeks have been filled with several challenges that have been very draining. The team went through another week of turmoil that required several days of communication before anything got resolved. In the process though, the team had to work through a lot of frustration and disappointment. We are finally in a rebound just in time for our final Sunday of services before the team finishes our summer and begins to head our different directions back home to school and work. It has been such an enormous pleasure to have been a part of this team. I have been spending a lot of time with the team working through the thought of getting back to civilization and our various home situations--in most cases, a Christian environment where each of us can recuperate from our summer of ministry. This has been an incredible summer.
In the midst of team drama, I battled two different fevers that sapped my energy to do anything but sleep when off-duty. I am feeling much better, but this made a big impact on my past two weeks.
On a much more positive side, after my last blog post, I lost my small point-and-shoot camera that has been taking all of these photos. It sounds strange to think of this as positive, especially since I had to live without a camera for an entire week! Talk about torturous. Through this experience though, I was able to get a replacement camera, a Canon A4000 similar to my previous camera except with 4x more zoom and nearly 4 additional megapixels. The part that is most spectacular though was that my sister, Cherie, read my Facebook post about the lost camera, and bought me a camera--a Canon T2I! I had been looking to buy this camera for nearly three years now, so I cannot believe it's here now! Unfortunately, with all the rush of these past two weeks, I am only now getting the opportunity to begin playing with it. The manual is 180 pages long, so I have a lot of reading ahead! LOL
My past two weekends have been spent with Drew on some great adventures. During the first week of August, we drove to South Dakota to retrieve his motorcycle in Rapid City. Along the way, we visited Wind Cave National Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Both were awesome experiences. I was particularly thrilled with Wind Cave: it's the fifth longest cave in the world, and fourth longest in North America! Unlike the dampness of most caves, this one is fairly dry, preserving a rare cave formation known as "Boxwork", which was formed before the cave existed, but becomes exposed through the slow erosion of the surrounding stone. The other treat about this place is that I now claim it as my twentieth national park that I've visited! Only another thirty or so more to go.
The second weekend was spent here at Yellowstone enjoying Drew's motorcycle as we took it along the 125-mile loop that forms the Grand Circle of the park. This was the first time I had ever been on a real motorcycle trip. Along the way, the most exhilarating experience was riding through a bison jam while sitting on the motorcycle exposed to the bison within 15 yards! We didn't stay to enjoy the close proximity as we were content to look at the bison herds at a safer distance. The perk about being a passenger was having the ability to take photos while passing through though.
A long day awaits me, so I need to go now. I have two sermons to post. Hopefully the Internet signal will be stronger tomorrow and allow me to upload them. Photos from the past two weeks are posted on the "Photos of the Week" page. Enjoy!
Blessings!
Wow! It's hard to believe that over two weeks have passed since I last posted on this blog. I apologize for my tardiness. These past three weeks have been filled with projects, errands, and priorities that scratched two weeks of Internet off my list. Over the past two days I finally got caught up on my emails and can now make some forward progress.
These weeks have been filled with several challenges that have been very draining. The team went through another week of turmoil that required several days of communication before anything got resolved. In the process though, the team had to work through a lot of frustration and disappointment. We are finally in a rebound just in time for our final Sunday of services before the team finishes our summer and begins to head our different directions back home to school and work. It has been such an enormous pleasure to have been a part of this team. I have been spending a lot of time with the team working through the thought of getting back to civilization and our various home situations--in most cases, a Christian environment where each of us can recuperate from our summer of ministry. This has been an incredible summer.
In the midst of team drama, I battled two different fevers that sapped my energy to do anything but sleep when off-duty. I am feeling much better, but this made a big impact on my past two weeks.
On a much more positive side, after my last blog post, I lost my small point-and-shoot camera that has been taking all of these photos. It sounds strange to think of this as positive, especially since I had to live without a camera for an entire week! Talk about torturous. Through this experience though, I was able to get a replacement camera, a Canon A4000 similar to my previous camera except with 4x more zoom and nearly 4 additional megapixels. The part that is most spectacular though was that my sister, Cherie, read my Facebook post about the lost camera, and bought me a camera--a Canon T2I! I had been looking to buy this camera for nearly three years now, so I cannot believe it's here now! Unfortunately, with all the rush of these past two weeks, I am only now getting the opportunity to begin playing with it. The manual is 180 pages long, so I have a lot of reading ahead! LOL
My past two weekends have been spent with Drew on some great adventures. During the first week of August, we drove to South Dakota to retrieve his motorcycle in Rapid City. Along the way, we visited Wind Cave National Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Both were awesome experiences. I was particularly thrilled with Wind Cave: it's the fifth longest cave in the world, and fourth longest in North America! Unlike the dampness of most caves, this one is fairly dry, preserving a rare cave formation known as "Boxwork", which was formed before the cave existed, but becomes exposed through the slow erosion of the surrounding stone. The other treat about this place is that I now claim it as my twentieth national park that I've visited! Only another thirty or so more to go.
The second weekend was spent here at Yellowstone enjoying Drew's motorcycle as we took it along the 125-mile loop that forms the Grand Circle of the park. This was the first time I had ever been on a real motorcycle trip. Along the way, the most exhilarating experience was riding through a bison jam while sitting on the motorcycle exposed to the bison within 15 yards! We didn't stay to enjoy the close proximity as we were content to look at the bison herds at a safer distance. The perk about being a passenger was having the ability to take photos while passing through though.
A long day awaits me, so I need to go now. I have two sermons to post. Hopefully the Internet signal will be stronger tomorrow and allow me to upload them. Photos from the past two weeks are posted on the "Photos of the Week" page. Enjoy!
Blessings!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Day 76: Gaining Altitude
Hello!
I can't believe this week's post is getting out so late within the week. It has been a long one, and I have been spending these past two days recuperating and resting.
During my days off last week, my friend, Drew, and I got to go camping in the Grand Tetons. This was Drew's first time to see the Tetons, and it was such a great experience. We watched the sunrise at West Thumb Geyser Basin (...or rather Drew watched the sunrise while I photographed it), canoed in Jenny Lake for the morning, and hiked 14.5 miles for the rest of the day up Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude and back. It was magnificent!
For those who followed my travels last year, I visited Lake Solitude via a different direction as my roommate from Oregon, John, and I camped in Paintbrush Canyon, climbed across the pass and descended to the lake, returning back the way we entered. Now I got to see Cascade Canyon from a different perspective as I walked surrounded by glacier-cut peaks and ridges. Looking up to Paintbrush Pass, I got to see how steep the trail we climbed last year actually was, along with how sharp of slope that trail nestled along.
Unfortunately, that evening and following morning was marked by dark clouds and rain. It was beautiful and calming, but didn't provide any good light for sunset or sunrise photos. By mid-morning though, we had cleared camp and were headed out to Mormon Row, where the famous barns sit against a Teton landscape. After showing Drew Jackson for a few hours, we headed home to Yellowstone.
Ever since that hike, I've been terribly sore from recovering from my hike, but work has been long and busy, leaving me ready to rest each day.
As far as the team went, our team had a difficult period this week as a lot of gossip and rumors were tearing several members down. The team had to spend extra time this week talking through and correcting these rumors and dealing with their effects, but the emotional drain in doing all of this has left the team weary. Gratefully, by the end of our team meeting, the team was already on the mend. I am so grateful that this team has been so victorious this summer in handling so much opposition while remaining steadfast in shining God's light in the midst of it.
So, I've been spending these past two days resting, sleeping longer hours, reading, and walking around. Sorry this post has arrived late this week, but I know you'll understand.
Blessings for your week (or rather weekend by now)!
Photos of the week are posted on the namesake link in the right column.
I can't believe this week's post is getting out so late within the week. It has been a long one, and I have been spending these past two days recuperating and resting.
During my days off last week, my friend, Drew, and I got to go camping in the Grand Tetons. This was Drew's first time to see the Tetons, and it was such a great experience. We watched the sunrise at West Thumb Geyser Basin (...or rather Drew watched the sunrise while I photographed it), canoed in Jenny Lake for the morning, and hiked 14.5 miles for the rest of the day up Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude and back. It was magnificent!
For those who followed my travels last year, I visited Lake Solitude via a different direction as my roommate from Oregon, John, and I camped in Paintbrush Canyon, climbed across the pass and descended to the lake, returning back the way we entered. Now I got to see Cascade Canyon from a different perspective as I walked surrounded by glacier-cut peaks and ridges. Looking up to Paintbrush Pass, I got to see how steep the trail we climbed last year actually was, along with how sharp of slope that trail nestled along.
Unfortunately, that evening and following morning was marked by dark clouds and rain. It was beautiful and calming, but didn't provide any good light for sunset or sunrise photos. By mid-morning though, we had cleared camp and were headed out to Mormon Row, where the famous barns sit against a Teton landscape. After showing Drew Jackson for a few hours, we headed home to Yellowstone.
Ever since that hike, I've been terribly sore from recovering from my hike, but work has been long and busy, leaving me ready to rest each day.
As far as the team went, our team had a difficult period this week as a lot of gossip and rumors were tearing several members down. The team had to spend extra time this week talking through and correcting these rumors and dealing with their effects, but the emotional drain in doing all of this has left the team weary. Gratefully, by the end of our team meeting, the team was already on the mend. I am so grateful that this team has been so victorious this summer in handling so much opposition while remaining steadfast in shining God's light in the midst of it.
So, I've been spending these past two days resting, sleeping longer hours, reading, and walking around. Sorry this post has arrived late this week, but I know you'll understand.
Blessings for your week (or rather weekend by now)!
Photos of the week are posted on the namesake link in the right column.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Day 66: Solitude
Hello!
It has been only a few days since I posted last week's post, so there isn't much to write about.
I didn't explore as much during my days off as I have been these past two weeks. This has been caused by a lot of rain that has squelched several walking endeavors, but also because I got to work on another calligraphy project. In the midst of all this I have been able to spend a lot more time in silence and solitude, enjoying the scent of the rain or sitting for two hours in the midst of a power outage that affected the entire Old Faithful area. It has been remarkably peaceful. I am very grateful for this opportunity to enjoy some down time.
For the team though, it has been a much different story. Several shifts in management has promoted several teammates to new responsibilities within their work and have been requiring them to put in additional work and effort into their week. Sleep and rest has been high on our prayer list. This has caused the team to focus more heavily on team unity and being gracious with each other as we pray for each other and share burdens. I have been particularly grateful for the team support group that has been visiting us occasionally for these past weeks, bringing homemade goodies and treats and filling us with encouragement. In the midst of these transitions, there have been several good changes made for these teammates in their situations, but please pray that the team will have strength in their work and that their new positions will be met with encouragement by these teammates' new managers and co-leaders in management.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. It is a great blessing to us.
Pictures of the week are posted on the page listed in the right column.
It has been only a few days since I posted last week's post, so there isn't much to write about.
I didn't explore as much during my days off as I have been these past two weeks. This has been caused by a lot of rain that has squelched several walking endeavors, but also because I got to work on another calligraphy project. In the midst of all this I have been able to spend a lot more time in silence and solitude, enjoying the scent of the rain or sitting for two hours in the midst of a power outage that affected the entire Old Faithful area. It has been remarkably peaceful. I am very grateful for this opportunity to enjoy some down time.
For the team though, it has been a much different story. Several shifts in management has promoted several teammates to new responsibilities within their work and have been requiring them to put in additional work and effort into their week. Sleep and rest has been high on our prayer list. This has caused the team to focus more heavily on team unity and being gracious with each other as we pray for each other and share burdens. I have been particularly grateful for the team support group that has been visiting us occasionally for these past weeks, bringing homemade goodies and treats and filling us with encouragement. In the midst of these transitions, there have been several good changes made for these teammates in their situations, but please pray that the team will have strength in their work and that their new positions will be met with encouragement by these teammates' new managers and co-leaders in management.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. It is a great blessing to us.
Pictures of the week are posted on the page listed in the right column.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Souvenirs
I got to preach last Sunday at the Old Faithful Inn. A link to my latest sermon is available through the "Summer Sermons" page found on the right bar. This was a special message for me because my Campus Pastor from Northwest Christian University got to attend. I was so tickled that both he and his wife got to attend.
Day 61: Outdoors Again!
Hello!
With the last pages of my last book of my last semester completed, I have only a final entry to submit on Monday. My summer classes will be complete! This has made for a really fulfilling week as I've been able to review my first year in seminary with great fondness, recognizing the amount of work that has been done along with the great classmates and professors I've been able to interact with online and in person for over nine months now. I am very grateful for the experience of being in graduate studies, but am now ready for six weeks of break before fall semester begins.
Celebrations have been increasing throughout the week...the Fourth of July was celebrated in West Yellowstone, with exploration time in the Lamar Valley and Fountain Paint Pots during my days off. What a great way to start off my summer break. While in the Lamar Valley, my friend, Drew, and I hiked to Trout Lake; I had been told the cutthroat trout were spawning, so we went to explore. While there, along with all the fish swimming the nearby streams was a family of otters--one mother and her two pups. The mother had just caught a trout and was feeding her pups when we arrived. I had never seen wild otters, so this was an even more spectacular experience for me!
Along with explorations outside the Old Faithful area, I've also been able to spend a lot more time out amidst the geysers before and after work. On one my free evenings, I watched Beehive Geyser erupt again. This time, instead of still air allowing for a tall eruption, the wind carried the spray of Beehive across the boardwalk. I got entirely soaked! It was completely worthwhile though because the evening sun cast a double-rainbow across the entire breadth of the steam. This wouldn't be the only time I would get wet during an eruption...a few days later, I stood out in the midst of an evening rainstorm as the linger light of sunset illuminated an Old Faithful eruption. WOW! Of all the times I have seen Old Faithful erupt, this has got to be, by far, the most beautiful and spectacular sunset eruption I have ever witnessed thus far!
The final part that I am really enjoying about the start of summer break has been the amount of time I've been able to spend with friends now. I made a friend, Drew, from Mammoth Hot Springs who is a Yellowstone ranger/security officer. We've been getting in a couple of hikes together, which have been great experiences...since the ministry team has Sunday and Mondays off, it's harder to spend time with them. I am disappointed in not being able to spend more leisure time with the team; however, after work, one of my ministry teammates, Hannah, invited me to go swimming in the Firehole River, which turned out to be a great way to relax after a hectic day of work.
The team has been working really hard at work lately all around. Several of my teammates were promoted last week due to several management people stepping out, and so my teammates are now having to work to fill these spaces while learning how to work in management positions. This has demanded extended hours daily for them, and other teammates are getting called in during their days off. As a team, we've been been focusing on depending upon God's strength and keeping grace amongst us. I am blown away constantly at how they radiate God's love in the midst of their work challenges.
Now that Independence Day is finished in the park, things won't be as busy for the rest of the summer. After the Fourth-of-July peak, we'll plateau and slowly slow down. I am grateful for God's strength in the midst of the work, but am also grateful for the rest He has been giving along the way.
Enjoy your week ahead! Blessings to you!
With the last pages of my last book of my last semester completed, I have only a final entry to submit on Monday. My summer classes will be complete! This has made for a really fulfilling week as I've been able to review my first year in seminary with great fondness, recognizing the amount of work that has been done along with the great classmates and professors I've been able to interact with online and in person for over nine months now. I am very grateful for the experience of being in graduate studies, but am now ready for six weeks of break before fall semester begins.
Celebrations have been increasing throughout the week...the Fourth of July was celebrated in West Yellowstone, with exploration time in the Lamar Valley and Fountain Paint Pots during my days off. What a great way to start off my summer break. While in the Lamar Valley, my friend, Drew, and I hiked to Trout Lake; I had been told the cutthroat trout were spawning, so we went to explore. While there, along with all the fish swimming the nearby streams was a family of otters--one mother and her two pups. The mother had just caught a trout and was feeding her pups when we arrived. I had never seen wild otters, so this was an even more spectacular experience for me!
Along with explorations outside the Old Faithful area, I've also been able to spend a lot more time out amidst the geysers before and after work. On one my free evenings, I watched Beehive Geyser erupt again. This time, instead of still air allowing for a tall eruption, the wind carried the spray of Beehive across the boardwalk. I got entirely soaked! It was completely worthwhile though because the evening sun cast a double-rainbow across the entire breadth of the steam. This wouldn't be the only time I would get wet during an eruption...a few days later, I stood out in the midst of an evening rainstorm as the linger light of sunset illuminated an Old Faithful eruption. WOW! Of all the times I have seen Old Faithful erupt, this has got to be, by far, the most beautiful and spectacular sunset eruption I have ever witnessed thus far!
The final part that I am really enjoying about the start of summer break has been the amount of time I've been able to spend with friends now. I made a friend, Drew, from Mammoth Hot Springs who is a Yellowstone ranger/security officer. We've been getting in a couple of hikes together, which have been great experiences...since the ministry team has Sunday and Mondays off, it's harder to spend time with them. I am disappointed in not being able to spend more leisure time with the team; however, after work, one of my ministry teammates, Hannah, invited me to go swimming in the Firehole River, which turned out to be a great way to relax after a hectic day of work.
The team has been working really hard at work lately all around. Several of my teammates were promoted last week due to several management people stepping out, and so my teammates are now having to work to fill these spaces while learning how to work in management positions. This has demanded extended hours daily for them, and other teammates are getting called in during their days off. As a team, we've been been focusing on depending upon God's strength and keeping grace amongst us. I am blown away constantly at how they radiate God's love in the midst of their work challenges.
Now that Independence Day is finished in the park, things won't be as busy for the rest of the summer. After the Fourth-of-July peak, we'll plateau and slowly slow down. I am grateful for God's strength in the midst of the work, but am also grateful for the rest He has been giving along the way.
Enjoy your week ahead! Blessings to you!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Day 52: Transitions, Challenges, and Exploration
Hello!
With my final exam submitted, my schedule has changed dramatically this week. Instead of spending the entirety of my time pouring through books, reading, and responding to discussion posts, I spent time up at Mammoth Hot Springs. Saturday, instead of reading through next week's reading assignments, I enjoyed the morning on Geyser Hill watching Plume and Lion erupt twice each, and then stood near the base of Beehive Geyser as it erupted. In the midst of my afternoon now, I am preparing to join with several from the ministry team to enjoy an evening hike today. This is such a great change!
In the midst of the opportunity to rest, recreate, and finally enjoy Yellowstone, the holiday week has been very busy. It's been tiring as each geyser rush bring crowds that pack the store for the following hour; it is quite exhilarating and pleasant to serve the guests, but the past few days have left me drained by the end of the day. The summer rush has begun.
The team has been trying to cope with the strain of extended work hours this week. It is always a blessing to spend time with them to laugh, pray, and talk together. It's hard to believe that we've already completed five Sunday services, but each week the team continues to grow, and I've been so blessed to listen to their sermons. Please be praying that during this busy season that the team will continue to be filled with God's strength and grace.
Now that I have more time to explore, it was so good to enjoy time away from Old Faithful. What was fascinating about my time at Mammoth Hot Springs was comparing the hot springs to what was there last year. Last year was my first time to see the terraces, but over 75% of the terrace hill has turned to an ash color due to the majority of the hot springs drying up. In the midst of the grey hill, there are several new springs pouring out of the terraces, and several of the newer springs from last year have developed their terraces considerably. While seeing new springs emerging was very encouraging to see, there were numerous hot springs that have dried out since last year. This was hard to see, but seeing the new springs helped.
Have a great week! Enjoy a splendid Independence Day!
Photos of the week are posted, available on the bar on the right.
With my final exam submitted, my schedule has changed dramatically this week. Instead of spending the entirety of my time pouring through books, reading, and responding to discussion posts, I spent time up at Mammoth Hot Springs. Saturday, instead of reading through next week's reading assignments, I enjoyed the morning on Geyser Hill watching Plume and Lion erupt twice each, and then stood near the base of Beehive Geyser as it erupted. In the midst of my afternoon now, I am preparing to join with several from the ministry team to enjoy an evening hike today. This is such a great change!
In the midst of the opportunity to rest, recreate, and finally enjoy Yellowstone, the holiday week has been very busy. It's been tiring as each geyser rush bring crowds that pack the store for the following hour; it is quite exhilarating and pleasant to serve the guests, but the past few days have left me drained by the end of the day. The summer rush has begun.
The team has been trying to cope with the strain of extended work hours this week. It is always a blessing to spend time with them to laugh, pray, and talk together. It's hard to believe that we've already completed five Sunday services, but each week the team continues to grow, and I've been so blessed to listen to their sermons. Please be praying that during this busy season that the team will continue to be filled with God's strength and grace.
Now that I have more time to explore, it was so good to enjoy time away from Old Faithful. What was fascinating about my time at Mammoth Hot Springs was comparing the hot springs to what was there last year. Last year was my first time to see the terraces, but over 75% of the terrace hill has turned to an ash color due to the majority of the hot springs drying up. In the midst of the grey hill, there are several new springs pouring out of the terraces, and several of the newer springs from last year have developed their terraces considerably. While seeing new springs emerging was very encouraging to see, there were numerous hot springs that have dried out since last year. This was hard to see, but seeing the new springs helped.
Have a great week! Enjoy a splendid Independence Day!
Photos of the week are posted, available on the bar on the right.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Anatomy of a Christian
The link to my latest sermon, "Anatomy of a Christian" has been added to my summer sermon page. You can access it on the bar to the right.
Day 47: Making New Friends
Hello!
This is my final week of schoolwork! I've been busy getting my final book reviews and exams done, but beginning Saturday, I'll begin my summer break and get to start exploring Yellowstone instead of heading straight for my study books. I am very excited for this, not merely for the chance to take a school break, but because I've been wanting to spend time hiking with my ministry teammates and hanging out with my coworkers. This will be a great opportunity to start sharing the summer rather than watching from the sidelines.
In the midst of schoolwork I've been sure to take occasional breaks in order to spend time with friends, but it'll be nice to enjoy more extended periods together. Tuesday night was one of those incidents when I was just returning to the dorm after walking the boardwalks while reading my homework when I came across a group of my coworkers as they were about to head towards Morning Glory Pool. I turned around and headed back for another 3-mile walk and spent the time visiting with everyone.
We had a new crew of workers arrive this week. They are all from Taiwan. I am beginning to learn everyone's names, but I am very excited to have time available again to take them on trips outside the Old Faithful area so they can see the park and do activities together like canoeing and shopping. Last year, one of my most favorite memories is joining all the Taiwanese in the laundry room singing a cappella...it was the nearest I've ever been to having a Karaoke night. I've already submitted a proposal to host two astronomy tours this summer; we'll see if they are approved; people are also asking if I will be teaching ballroom dancing as well, but I'm unsure if that will happen this summer.
Services were fantastic this week! Having been gone for my brother's wedding, it was really nice to be back. This was one of the first weeks we had good, warm weather. A few weeks ago, we led the services in freezing wind and a little bit of wet snow. The bison are still roaming around the Madison River Valley, making this an astonishing display of God's creation as we lead the services from the nearby amphitheater.
Gotta get back to my schoolwork. Final exam is due tomorrow.
I hope you have a great week!
Photos of the week are posted on the bar to the right.
This is my final week of schoolwork! I've been busy getting my final book reviews and exams done, but beginning Saturday, I'll begin my summer break and get to start exploring Yellowstone instead of heading straight for my study books. I am very excited for this, not merely for the chance to take a school break, but because I've been wanting to spend time hiking with my ministry teammates and hanging out with my coworkers. This will be a great opportunity to start sharing the summer rather than watching from the sidelines.
In the midst of schoolwork I've been sure to take occasional breaks in order to spend time with friends, but it'll be nice to enjoy more extended periods together. Tuesday night was one of those incidents when I was just returning to the dorm after walking the boardwalks while reading my homework when I came across a group of my coworkers as they were about to head towards Morning Glory Pool. I turned around and headed back for another 3-mile walk and spent the time visiting with everyone.
We had a new crew of workers arrive this week. They are all from Taiwan. I am beginning to learn everyone's names, but I am very excited to have time available again to take them on trips outside the Old Faithful area so they can see the park and do activities together like canoeing and shopping. Last year, one of my most favorite memories is joining all the Taiwanese in the laundry room singing a cappella...it was the nearest I've ever been to having a Karaoke night. I've already submitted a proposal to host two astronomy tours this summer; we'll see if they are approved; people are also asking if I will be teaching ballroom dancing as well, but I'm unsure if that will happen this summer.
Services were fantastic this week! Having been gone for my brother's wedding, it was really nice to be back. This was one of the first weeks we had good, warm weather. A few weeks ago, we led the services in freezing wind and a little bit of wet snow. The bison are still roaming around the Madison River Valley, making this an astonishing display of God's creation as we lead the services from the nearby amphitheater.
Gotta get back to my schoolwork. Final exam is due tomorrow.
I hope you have a great week!
Photos of the week are posted on the bar to the right.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Day 40: Summer Solstice
Hello!
This week has been maniac. I am finally getting caught up on all my errands.
What an incredible week! On Thursday, I parked my car in Bozeman, MT and caught a flight home to Portland. My brother, Isaiah, married Hannah (now the newest member of the Bower family) on Saturday. Such a beautiful wedding! As I was a groomsman, I barely got any photos, so I'm sorry I won't be sharing any on my blog this week.
Outside of the wedding, this weekend was a major family reunion as family members flew in for this special occasion. I got to see family I hadn't seen in four years, and that was such a special treat. It meant so much to me to be able to spend time with my nieces and nephews again as well as spend some extended time with my sister, Melody.
The maniac part of all this was getting homework done in the midst of family reunions and the wedding. I am so grateful I was able to keep up, and that the flight time gave me reading space. Less than two more weeks until the major section of my summer courses conclude and I get to spend a lot more extended time out exploring.
Well, today's my day off, so I'm running out to enjoy the sun. Have a great week!
This week has been maniac. I am finally getting caught up on all my errands.
What an incredible week! On Thursday, I parked my car in Bozeman, MT and caught a flight home to Portland. My brother, Isaiah, married Hannah (now the newest member of the Bower family) on Saturday. Such a beautiful wedding! As I was a groomsman, I barely got any photos, so I'm sorry I won't be sharing any on my blog this week.
Outside of the wedding, this weekend was a major family reunion as family members flew in for this special occasion. I got to see family I hadn't seen in four years, and that was such a special treat. It meant so much to me to be able to spend time with my nieces and nephews again as well as spend some extended time with my sister, Melody.
The maniac part of all this was getting homework done in the midst of family reunions and the wedding. I am so grateful I was able to keep up, and that the flight time gave me reading space. Less than two more weeks until the major section of my summer courses conclude and I get to spend a lot more extended time out exploring.
Well, today's my day off, so I'm running out to enjoy the sun. Have a great week!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Source of Life
For those following my summer sermons, I have posted a link to my latest sermon, entitled "The Source of Life" on the "Summer Sermons" page on the right-side bar.
Day 31: Exploring New Places
Hello!
This week has been good; I'm getting ahead enough in my schoolwork that I am getting more flexibility with my days. I have only been around my coworkers for a little over three weeks, but we already have a running joke going when I'm getting off work that they are "curious" about how I will spend my evening. I am excited for July when my studies finish and I can have a lot more free time to spend with all of them. There are some amazing people working here at Old Faithful this year. I have been making sure to set aside my meal times so we can spend time together without interruption, which has helped, but I look forward to when there will be more time.
The ministry team did very well this week. I am so proud of this team! In the midst of their work schedules, they have already packed in some lengthy hikes and have been exploring around Yellowstone (two of them have already gone backcountry camping...it rained profusely that night too). Too often, when one works in places such as these, the temptation to resort to one's dorm for the rest of the evening is very strong. The team here has been vibrant in getting out and enjoying themselves. In the midst of it, they have been befriending a lot of people who have been attending the church services to listen to them speak. It's been great to see the team reach out to so many people. Because my company hires a lot of retirees, I've been talking with many of my fellow employees who have been wanting to find a church for the summer. There is a strong Christian community here at the store, and I am overjoyed in their love for Christ.
During my days off I got to do...you guessed it: homework. During my reading though, I walked to two places I had never explored before. One was the Black Sand Basin, and the other was Biscuit Basin. Even though these two basins are within two miles of the Old Faithful Basin, I spent the entirety of last summer exploring only the Old Faithful Basin and elsewhere in the park. I was highly impressed with Black Sand Basin, as there are multiple pools that reflect the clearest bright blue one's ever seen. One my way to Biscuit Basin, several people were waiting for Artemesia Geyser to erupt. As the geyser's indicators weren't too active, I figured I would have time to explore Biscuit Basin and return for its eruption. While I was at the basin though, I looked to the ridge and saw that Artemesia erupted. I missed it. Hopefully I'll be able to return soon to watch it erupt.
Blessings to your week ahead! Have a wonderful day!
Photos are posted in "This Week's Photos" on the right-side bar.
This week has been good; I'm getting ahead enough in my schoolwork that I am getting more flexibility with my days. I have only been around my coworkers for a little over three weeks, but we already have a running joke going when I'm getting off work that they are "curious" about how I will spend my evening. I am excited for July when my studies finish and I can have a lot more free time to spend with all of them. There are some amazing people working here at Old Faithful this year. I have been making sure to set aside my meal times so we can spend time together without interruption, which has helped, but I look forward to when there will be more time.
The ministry team did very well this week. I am so proud of this team! In the midst of their work schedules, they have already packed in some lengthy hikes and have been exploring around Yellowstone (two of them have already gone backcountry camping...it rained profusely that night too). Too often, when one works in places such as these, the temptation to resort to one's dorm for the rest of the evening is very strong. The team here has been vibrant in getting out and enjoying themselves. In the midst of it, they have been befriending a lot of people who have been attending the church services to listen to them speak. It's been great to see the team reach out to so many people. Because my company hires a lot of retirees, I've been talking with many of my fellow employees who have been wanting to find a church for the summer. There is a strong Christian community here at the store, and I am overjoyed in their love for Christ.
During my days off I got to do...you guessed it: homework. During my reading though, I walked to two places I had never explored before. One was the Black Sand Basin, and the other was Biscuit Basin. Even though these two basins are within two miles of the Old Faithful Basin, I spent the entirety of last summer exploring only the Old Faithful Basin and elsewhere in the park. I was highly impressed with Black Sand Basin, as there are multiple pools that reflect the clearest bright blue one's ever seen. One my way to Biscuit Basin, several people were waiting for Artemesia Geyser to erupt. As the geyser's indicators weren't too active, I figured I would have time to explore Biscuit Basin and return for its eruption. While I was at the basin though, I looked to the ridge and saw that Artemesia erupted. I missed it. Hopefully I'll be able to return soon to watch it erupt.
Blessings to your week ahead! Have a wonderful day!
Photos are posted in "This Week's Photos" on the right-side bar.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Words of Life
My first sermon, preached last Sunday, is now available. The link is posted in the right column in "Summer Sermons".
Day 24: Starting Summer Ministries
Hello!
This has been a busy week filled with a lot of adjustments.
The snow quickly melted after enjoying my snow day, and with the sunshine crowds are bustling at Old Faithful, launching the summer season with great excitement and busyness. My work as a floor supervisor has been such a joy to me because it involves so many elements of work I did last year, such as help out my fellow cashiers and show them helpful ways to reduce computer work while checking out and interacting with customers, but this year I have a lot more flexibility as these elements are integrated into this job. I am greatly enjoying those who are working at the Upper Old Faithful General Store--it's a really great crew this year and I am excited for the new employees that will arrive next Monday.
While floor supervising is going really well, my week as a team leader was a bit strained. Most of it was due to the last-minute details of getting the team prepared for Sunday services, especially when our schedules were difficult to coordinate for team meetings. This is typical for the early season as people are still arriving, but I am very grateful to the team; they all pitched in and we had a great launch to our Sunday services. The other challenge in the midst of this has been my work schedule. Because I was the final floor supervisor to arrive at Old Faithful, I was given the final choice of days off. Instead of having Sunday and Mondays off like the rest of the team, I have Thursdays and Fridays. My manager was very gracious and helpful to make sure that I get Sunday mornings off to do the services, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to help out with Sunday evening services. This puts a bit of strain on the team as they have to make up for my absence Sunday nights; I am praying that in the midst of the team's graciousness to me that God will equip them with the ability to lead as a smaller group. A big blessing that has come about in the midst of this is that Tim, one of the team members, has volunteered to help co-lead with me to help guide the team when I cannot be around. Tim is a recent graduate from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho. It's so good to have him here; he is such a blessing.
All of this has left the rest of my time to homework; fortunately, I'm getting ahead which helps. When I was still in my undergraduate studies, I learned how to read and walk. I have a tendency to fall asleep when I sit down to read, and those days I generally don't get very much outdoor exposure. With walking and reading simultaneously, I am able to complete my reading without drifting off, get some exercise as I walk the boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin (already this week I have walked over 7 miles!), and get to spend time in the park even though my time is devoted to studies.
Please be in prayer this week for the team as we are still bonding and learning to work together, especially as Tim and I learn how to lead mutually. Your prayers are so greatly appreciated.
Photos are posted in the right column under "Photos of the Week". Blessings!
This has been a busy week filled with a lot of adjustments.
The snow quickly melted after enjoying my snow day, and with the sunshine crowds are bustling at Old Faithful, launching the summer season with great excitement and busyness. My work as a floor supervisor has been such a joy to me because it involves so many elements of work I did last year, such as help out my fellow cashiers and show them helpful ways to reduce computer work while checking out and interacting with customers, but this year I have a lot more flexibility as these elements are integrated into this job. I am greatly enjoying those who are working at the Upper Old Faithful General Store--it's a really great crew this year and I am excited for the new employees that will arrive next Monday.
While floor supervising is going really well, my week as a team leader was a bit strained. Most of it was due to the last-minute details of getting the team prepared for Sunday services, especially when our schedules were difficult to coordinate for team meetings. This is typical for the early season as people are still arriving, but I am very grateful to the team; they all pitched in and we had a great launch to our Sunday services. The other challenge in the midst of this has been my work schedule. Because I was the final floor supervisor to arrive at Old Faithful, I was given the final choice of days off. Instead of having Sunday and Mondays off like the rest of the team, I have Thursdays and Fridays. My manager was very gracious and helpful to make sure that I get Sunday mornings off to do the services, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to help out with Sunday evening services. This puts a bit of strain on the team as they have to make up for my absence Sunday nights; I am praying that in the midst of the team's graciousness to me that God will equip them with the ability to lead as a smaller group. A big blessing that has come about in the midst of this is that Tim, one of the team members, has volunteered to help co-lead with me to help guide the team when I cannot be around. Tim is a recent graduate from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho. It's so good to have him here; he is such a blessing.
All of this has left the rest of my time to homework; fortunately, I'm getting ahead which helps. When I was still in my undergraduate studies, I learned how to read and walk. I have a tendency to fall asleep when I sit down to read, and those days I generally don't get very much outdoor exposure. With walking and reading simultaneously, I am able to complete my reading without drifting off, get some exercise as I walk the boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin (already this week I have walked over 7 miles!), and get to spend time in the park even though my time is devoted to studies.
Please be in prayer this week for the team as we are still bonding and learning to work together, especially as Tim and I learn how to lead mutually. Your prayers are so greatly appreciated.
Photos are posted in the right column under "Photos of the Week". Blessings!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Day 15: Snow Day!
Hello!
This has been quite a crazy week. After a week of traveling, I reported to Yellowstone for work. Since then, I've been working eery day, getting trained in my duties, but trying to keep up on my homework as well. It's been going well, but this afternoon has a large list of homework to accomplish before work tomorrow.
There are four people at Ol Faithful currently who are part of the ACMNP team: Jenny, Tim, Darrin, and myself. We got to enjoy some time together this morning in prayer for the summer ahead. I am so very excited for this team! The other two teammates, Hannah and Whitney, will arrive on Thursday. Sunday services begin next week, and I am excited for this.
In the midst of work, homework, and getting prepared with the team, the weather has been the notable part of this week. There has been rain/snow mix for the past four days, but Friday morning, I work up to 4 inches of snow with the morning free to explore the Old Faithful area. I was really disappointed when I first arrived that all the snow had disappeared from here, but it has been extremely incredible to still get a little bit of snow this week. This bison are staying around the area and haven't begun migrating towards the Hayden and Lamar Valleys, which made my snow explorations even better!
Well...it's back to homework. Please be in prayer for the ACMNP team as we prepare for our frist week of services. Blessings to you!
Photos are posted on the page on the right: Snow Day
This has been quite a crazy week. After a week of traveling, I reported to Yellowstone for work. Since then, I've been working eery day, getting trained in my duties, but trying to keep up on my homework as well. It's been going well, but this afternoon has a large list of homework to accomplish before work tomorrow.
There are four people at Ol Faithful currently who are part of the ACMNP team: Jenny, Tim, Darrin, and myself. We got to enjoy some time together this morning in prayer for the summer ahead. I am so very excited for this team! The other two teammates, Hannah and Whitney, will arrive on Thursday. Sunday services begin next week, and I am excited for this.
In the midst of work, homework, and getting prepared with the team, the weather has been the notable part of this week. There has been rain/snow mix for the past four days, but Friday morning, I work up to 4 inches of snow with the morning free to explore the Old Faithful area. I was really disappointed when I first arrived that all the snow had disappeared from here, but it has been extremely incredible to still get a little bit of snow this week. This bison are staying around the area and haven't begun migrating towards the Hayden and Lamar Valleys, which made my snow explorations even better!
Well...it's back to homework. Please be in prayer for the ACMNP team as we prepare for our frist week of services. Blessings to you!
Photos are posted on the page on the right: Snow Day
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Day 8: Road Trip Wrap-Up
Hello!
This has been one amazing week. Last Sunday all my plans fell through...I had people cancel our time together and I was scrambling to piece together some other plan for the week. This turned out to be a God moment, as things came together in ways that could not have otherwise happened.
The biggest highlight for my week was all of the friends I got to spend time with. Instead of traveling through southern Idaho, I got to visit Spokane for my first time and spend time with a friend I hadn't seen in ten years! I got to spend time with two of my online classmates in their hometowns and got to enjoy them and their families, visited my cousin in Great Falls, and met up with Vince and Kristi Pinson along the way. Vince and Kristi were my ministry team leaders my first year with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP). I got to visit them last year while they were at Mount Rainier National Park, but this year, we met at their summer location at Glacier National Park.
Glacier is beautiful! As I approached the park, I began to think about how fragile my national park experiences are becoming. When surrounded by intense beauty for as many summers (and extra road trips) as I have, such beautiful places can have a tendency to become common and mundane unless they are met with a heavy dose of gratitude and appreciation for all of God's creation, whether inside or outside a park. How many times have I been overwhelmed by a series of God's blessings and eventually forget to say "thank you" for them? How often do I neglect to recognize God's small daily gifts in the anticipation for the next big experience?
These thoughts rolled through my mind as I wondered if I would approach Glacier with a sincere gratitude for the experience, or see yet another park, shrug my shoulders, and say, "I've seen better." I determined that regardless of what the park turned out to be, I would be grateful for the gift of being there. When I arrived in the park though, these concerns were instantly swept away with a gaping "WOW!" The forested mountains turned into glacier-cut peaks and sharp vertical drops lined with snow and cascading falls. Throughout my three days there, I was met with all sorts of wildlife, including seeing my first wild grizzly and three black bears (Goldilocks was not around this time). Most of the park was shut down as the hotels and visitor centers will be opening in the next few weeks, and there were very few visitors throughout the park, leaving much of the park open for time alone with God.
Now that I have access to Internet again, I'm now back to my homework. I'll be reporting for work at Yellowstone tomorrow morning and will be meeting my ministry teammates who have already arrived. I am very excited.
Glacier photos are available for viewing on the Glacier Photos page link found on the right bar.
Blessings to you in your week ahead!
This has been one amazing week. Last Sunday all my plans fell through...I had people cancel our time together and I was scrambling to piece together some other plan for the week. This turned out to be a God moment, as things came together in ways that could not have otherwise happened.
The biggest highlight for my week was all of the friends I got to spend time with. Instead of traveling through southern Idaho, I got to visit Spokane for my first time and spend time with a friend I hadn't seen in ten years! I got to spend time with two of my online classmates in their hometowns and got to enjoy them and their families, visited my cousin in Great Falls, and met up with Vince and Kristi Pinson along the way. Vince and Kristi were my ministry team leaders my first year with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP). I got to visit them last year while they were at Mount Rainier National Park, but this year, we met at their summer location at Glacier National Park.
Glacier is beautiful! As I approached the park, I began to think about how fragile my national park experiences are becoming. When surrounded by intense beauty for as many summers (and extra road trips) as I have, such beautiful places can have a tendency to become common and mundane unless they are met with a heavy dose of gratitude and appreciation for all of God's creation, whether inside or outside a park. How many times have I been overwhelmed by a series of God's blessings and eventually forget to say "thank you" for them? How often do I neglect to recognize God's small daily gifts in the anticipation for the next big experience?
These thoughts rolled through my mind as I wondered if I would approach Glacier with a sincere gratitude for the experience, or see yet another park, shrug my shoulders, and say, "I've seen better." I determined that regardless of what the park turned out to be, I would be grateful for the gift of being there. When I arrived in the park though, these concerns were instantly swept away with a gaping "WOW!" The forested mountains turned into glacier-cut peaks and sharp vertical drops lined with snow and cascading falls. Throughout my three days there, I was met with all sorts of wildlife, including seeing my first wild grizzly and three black bears (Goldilocks was not around this time). Most of the park was shut down as the hotels and visitor centers will be opening in the next few weeks, and there were very few visitors throughout the park, leaving much of the park open for time alone with God.
Now that I have access to Internet again, I'm now back to my homework. I'll be reporting for work at Yellowstone tomorrow morning and will be meeting my ministry teammates who have already arrived. I am very excited.
Glacier photos are available for viewing on the Glacier Photos page link found on the right bar.
Blessings to you in your week ahead!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Summer Adventure: Day 1
I've left Newberg today on my journey out towards Yellowstone. I am so very excited for this venture to begin.
This morning was an adventure as my plans for the upcoming week began falling apart. I began receiving cancelations with friends, leaving an open week ahead and new questions in how I would spend my time. I think it's perfect that as I take on several leadership positions that my plans should fail so early this summer already. In the midst of my questions on how to spend this week, other opportunities have been arising, but in the midst of them, this morning's message at church focused upon Jesus' challenge to look beyond physical needs to gain something lasting. It is a good reminder to me as I launch into this summer. I pray I'll hold onto this promise, that God knows and will meet my physical needs as I seek Him for what He offers that is eternal.
The next few days look busy as I meet with family and friends for the next few days and start driving out to my summer job. Starting out today though, I was overwhelmed with giddiness in the recognition that soon I will be seeing those geysers that inspired, belittled, and overwhelmed me last year. I am excited for the opportunity to return back to Old Faithful again for the summer. This is my first repeat ministry location, so while familiarity may remind me to be ever thankful for my surroundings, I am nevertheless extremely grateful for this opportunity, and excited for the ministry team I'll be working with. There will be seven others at Old Faithful, the first team member will be arriving on Tuesday.
The start of the summer...I am very excited to begin.
Enjoy your week!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Preparing for Summer Adventure
In previous years, my updates were sent through email to all those wanting to follow my summer adventure. I have now included a link in the right bar called, "Follow by email". Those wishing to receive the weekly updates I'll be posting on this blog can have those updates sent directly to their email address.
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Six more days until I begin my road trip to Wyoming! I am getting very excited.
To subscribe, enter your email address in the box provided. A verification email will be sent to your email as well as a confirmation email for you to verify your email address.
Six more days until I begin my road trip to Wyoming! I am getting very excited.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Yosemite Photos are Available
Returning from Arizona, I got to spend a morning in Yosemite Valley with my grandma. She was amazed at such famous features as Yosemite Falls and El Capitan, but our breakfast at the Ahwahnee Lodge was the best highlight of our day.
Zion Photos are Available
During my road trip to Arizona, I got to spend a morning at Zion Canyon. I had never seen the canyon during early Spring before, as the canyon was void of most of its green foliage. The rust colors of the canyon walls really stood out against the turquoise color of the Virgin River.
Crater Lake Photos are Available
My first experience snowshoeing was a few weeks ago at Crater Lake. Awesome experience. Photos are posted.
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