Hello!
What a full week! Over the past two weeks, my buddy, John, and I have been hiking and exploring five national parks and several further beautiful locations. John calculated that we hiked a total of 84 miles during our trip and experienced some magnificent places in God's creation!
While there are so many things to share...and photos will follow sometime soon, I wanted to share about our backcountry hike last weekend. We hiked 24 miles over 3 days descending into the Grand Canyon and back. This was my first time doing backcountry hiking in the Grand Canyon (I had never hiked beyond the rim before this trip), and we had to take extra measures to ensure we had enough water, warmth, and supplies. First and foremost was ensuring that our hikes were safe as we hiked along exposed cliffs and down loose rocks along the trail. By the time we finished our hike, we were sore from descending and climbing over 5,000 of vertical feet along the way, often with full packs.
Simply describing our hike in the Grand Canyon would fill this post, but the experience was as much a spiritual journey as a physical one: our trip corresponded with Easter weekend. We descended into the canyon on Good Friday, reaching the depths of the canyon on Saturday, and re-emerging from the canyon on Sunday morning. When hiking under full packs it is easy to consider themes of suffering, but when surrounded by the majesty of God's creation, something else gained prominence. In the middle of the desert, we were astounded to see the far reaches of life within the heat and formidable landscape of the canyon. In the midst of impossibilities, we saw small trees growing along vertical cliff faces, cacti leaning over ledges, bushes sprouting from stand-alone rocks, and small flowers popping out of sand. Where death was precariously close, life was abundant.
During the early hours of Resurrection Sunday, John and I hiked to the edge of our mesa to watch the sunrise and shared what this journey had meant to us. While hundreds were gathering at Mather Point on the rim for a sunrise service, John and I were alone upon our remote mesa. Growing up in churches, Jesus' resurrection was a powerful act of God, but did not bear the same extent of power that it took for Him to be crucified. In the Bible, others had been raised from the dead, so Jesus' resurrection wasn't anything new--it was expected. My three days in the canyon were spent considering the vast power of God to create such an enormous, yet intricately beautiful place, and here I sat on the edge of a mesa cliff in the middle of the Grand Canyon, surrounded by towering buttes and temples above with looming gorges beneath as sunlight began to illuminate the high ridges. To ponder that the power of resurrection surpassed the creative power that God put into forming such a grand canyon left me stunned. Resurrection power--not just making life exist, but bringing life out of death in places least expected--is what God demonstrated that Easter morning so long ago. That is the type of power we celebrate and give thanks for each year.
And to think that God has given this same resurrection power to each of us for our own healing and to bring healing to others; my eyes began to tear up. Sunlight reached our mesa, flooding me with warmth and ridding me of any residual sleepiness. I was able to make our final climb out of the canyon, re-emerging into a new perspective, one that I pray leaves me changed.
That was by far the best Easter Sunday service I had experienced ever! I am so grateful for such a remarkable gift.
Heading to my summer post this week. I'll have more photos and stories from this trip to share later.
Blessings on your week!
Photos are available on the "Photos of the Week" link.
Pump Geyser
Friday, April 5, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Day 8: "Life Elevated"
Hello!
This is going to be a short update. One week has passed since I took off from Oregon on my roadtrip with my roommate, John. As we crossed the Idaho/Utah state line, a Utah welcome sign greeted us with a tag line: "Utah: life elevated". When considering that the lowest elevation of Utah is above 2,000 ft., this is definitely true. I've spent the majority of the week above 5,000 ft., and "life elevated" has certain characteristics.
For the first part, the weather has been cooler with a couple of early Spring storms passing by. Several nights have been below freezing, but we've been surrounded by mountain peaks that are covered in snow. We spent two days in Arches National Park hiking and doing extensive photography, followed by four days of backcountry hiking in Canyonlands, the Needles District. This has been John's first visit to any of this area, and he's been fully mesmerized with all the amazing rock formations we've been seeing. The location have had very little light pollution, making for some great night skies amidst the waxing full moon, then the sunrise appears across the red rock, giving us another day to appreciate God's creation here.
John is admittedly a mountains and forests guy. Having lived in the Willamette Valley for the past five years, I can appreciate those who prefer lush landscapes. Being back in the desert though, I have been experiencing a resurgence of excitement and energy as I am surrounded by rock spires, arches, rock strata, and canyons. In the midst of this, I began to think about simplicity. If you think about the different layers of elements to life, the desert is stripped to a bare minimum, while mountains and forests are near the opposite in fullness. Each summer I prepare to move out to the national parks, I go through a stripping process as I have to pare down my living to bare essentials to take with me, and then live content with that for several months. In the midst of the simplicity, I find a greater dependence upon God to supply my every need. In living at the edge, there are more opportunities to watch God work to fill when gaps and needs appear.
Being in a place where I have to recognize God's life working in mine; that's "life elevated".
I have a few photos available in the "Photos of the Week" in the column on the right.
Enjoy your week.
This is going to be a short update. One week has passed since I took off from Oregon on my roadtrip with my roommate, John. As we crossed the Idaho/Utah state line, a Utah welcome sign greeted us with a tag line: "Utah: life elevated". When considering that the lowest elevation of Utah is above 2,000 ft., this is definitely true. I've spent the majority of the week above 5,000 ft., and "life elevated" has certain characteristics.
For the first part, the weather has been cooler with a couple of early Spring storms passing by. Several nights have been below freezing, but we've been surrounded by mountain peaks that are covered in snow. We spent two days in Arches National Park hiking and doing extensive photography, followed by four days of backcountry hiking in Canyonlands, the Needles District. This has been John's first visit to any of this area, and he's been fully mesmerized with all the amazing rock formations we've been seeing. The location have had very little light pollution, making for some great night skies amidst the waxing full moon, then the sunrise appears across the red rock, giving us another day to appreciate God's creation here.
John is admittedly a mountains and forests guy. Having lived in the Willamette Valley for the past five years, I can appreciate those who prefer lush landscapes. Being back in the desert though, I have been experiencing a resurgence of excitement and energy as I am surrounded by rock spires, arches, rock strata, and canyons. In the midst of this, I began to think about simplicity. If you think about the different layers of elements to life, the desert is stripped to a bare minimum, while mountains and forests are near the opposite in fullness. Each summer I prepare to move out to the national parks, I go through a stripping process as I have to pare down my living to bare essentials to take with me, and then live content with that for several months. In the midst of the simplicity, I find a greater dependence upon God to supply my every need. In living at the edge, there are more opportunities to watch God work to fill when gaps and needs appear.
Being in a place where I have to recognize God's life working in mine; that's "life elevated".
I have a few photos available in the "Photos of the Week" in the column on the right.
Enjoy your week.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Day 1: Starting A New Adventure
Hello!
The day has finally arrived! I'm stepping away from my desk for a breath of fresh air, and shan't return for a while.
Of all posts I make throughout my summers, the first and final posts are the most difficult. The last because so much has happened that it is difficult to summarize it into a single post; the first because I get to talk about what hasn't happened yet.
This will be my sixth summer working with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks. Having spent my last four years in mountainous, forested areas, I feel privileged to be returning to the desert. There is the awareness of summer heat, the arid landscape, and rocky terrain, but there is also a simplicity and beauty about that region that always gets me excited whenever I have the opportunity to be there. As I have been spending the past two years of seminary studying about the desert fathers and mothers who set out into the desert to spend time with God, it feels like I am about to join their quest.
For those wanting to know what my summer work entails, I will be working at Wahweap Resort on beautiful Lake Powell as a front desk worker. There is a team of three people (myself included) that will provide Sunday interdenominational worship services to interested visitors of the park as well as fellow employees. I don't have any clue where these will happen yet, but answers will come soon. In the midst of these commitments, I will continue to study online with George Fox University. I do not have a mailing address yet, and am to arrive for work on April 8th.
During the next two weeks, I'll be on the road and trails introducing my roommate, John, to the wonders of the Southwest. Please pray for safety on the trip and during our hikes. I am hoping for some great photography to pass along.
Stepping out. Twelve hours of driving ahead.
Blessings to you this week!
If you would like further information about A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP), visit their website: www.acmnp.com.
The day has finally arrived! I'm stepping away from my desk for a breath of fresh air, and shan't return for a while.
Of all posts I make throughout my summers, the first and final posts are the most difficult. The last because so much has happened that it is difficult to summarize it into a single post; the first because I get to talk about what hasn't happened yet.
This will be my sixth summer working with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks. Having spent my last four years in mountainous, forested areas, I feel privileged to be returning to the desert. There is the awareness of summer heat, the arid landscape, and rocky terrain, but there is also a simplicity and beauty about that region that always gets me excited whenever I have the opportunity to be there. As I have been spending the past two years of seminary studying about the desert fathers and mothers who set out into the desert to spend time with God, it feels like I am about to join their quest.
For those wanting to know what my summer work entails, I will be working at Wahweap Resort on beautiful Lake Powell as a front desk worker. There is a team of three people (myself included) that will provide Sunday interdenominational worship services to interested visitors of the park as well as fellow employees. I don't have any clue where these will happen yet, but answers will come soon. In the midst of these commitments, I will continue to study online with George Fox University. I do not have a mailing address yet, and am to arrive for work on April 8th.
During the next two weeks, I'll be on the road and trails introducing my roommate, John, to the wonders of the Southwest. Please pray for safety on the trip and during our hikes. I am hoping for some great photography to pass along.
Stepping out. Twelve hours of driving ahead.
Blessings to you this week!
If you would like further information about A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP), visit their website: www.acmnp.com.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Restoring New Memories
Hello! It is just over one week until I begin this summer's adventures. The countdown has begun!
Many people read through my Facebook page that my backup drive crashed and deleted four years of national park photography. I was tremendously upset when this occurred--all the experiences and adventures, the hikes and early mornings, the wildlife and seasons, and photos of summer friends all wiped clean. They say it's no use crying over spilt milk, but whoever coined that phrase certainly didn't have a backup drive.
Two weekends ago, I had the opportunity to camp on the Olympic Coast in Washington. Though it was a time to enjoy the present, it offered the opportunity to begin rebuilding my photo collection. Within two and a half days, I had visited the Elwah Valley, Crescent Lake, the Hoh Rain Forest, and four separate beaches within this national park. The camera shutter was rapidly capturing each prospect and angle--each photo and location a reminder of my full summer there and subsequent visits.
Everything was different. Instead of summer sun, I worked amidst sporadic rain showers. My photos of Aldwell Lake are irreplaceable as the lake has been drained as part of the Elwah River Restoration Project, removing two dams from the river. Hurricane Ridge and the Sol Duc Valley were inaccessible due to snow, and drift logs on Kalaloch beach were repositioned from years of tide surges and storms.
It's not like I've lost photos before. I can remember when my camera broke in the midst of capturing a Monument Valley thunderstorm at sunset. The vibrant pinks, fuchsia, and purples were set against the deep red sandstone of the Mittens, and I sat and watched with a broken camera in-hand. I once accidentally reformatted my camera card in the midst of a backcountry hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, erasing over 300 photos from the previous day of hiking. And there were all of the beautiful vistas and moments only captured to memory because I forgot to bring my camera along (or lost my camera). Now another story is added to my journey of lost photos and photo blunders.
What I have learned through these years of lost photos and blunders is that each photo is a gift, a memento. They never replace the original experience. In returning to Olympic National Park with the purpose of restoring my photo stock, I had to recognize that this was God's gift of a new experience; otherwise I would miss the blessing of the moment while pining for a memory that can never be replicated. As I went about the park, God met me there--clouds would part in majestic sunbeams, or soft cloud cover would help with one of my high-contrast photos.
God's story is never ending. While we get to reminisce previous chapters, we still get to participate in what He writing now.
Photos from Olympic National Park are available in the "Photos of the Week" tab in the right column.
Many people read through my Facebook page that my backup drive crashed and deleted four years of national park photography. I was tremendously upset when this occurred--all the experiences and adventures, the hikes and early mornings, the wildlife and seasons, and photos of summer friends all wiped clean. They say it's no use crying over spilt milk, but whoever coined that phrase certainly didn't have a backup drive.
Two weekends ago, I had the opportunity to camp on the Olympic Coast in Washington. Though it was a time to enjoy the present, it offered the opportunity to begin rebuilding my photo collection. Within two and a half days, I had visited the Elwah Valley, Crescent Lake, the Hoh Rain Forest, and four separate beaches within this national park. The camera shutter was rapidly capturing each prospect and angle--each photo and location a reminder of my full summer there and subsequent visits.
Everything was different. Instead of summer sun, I worked amidst sporadic rain showers. My photos of Aldwell Lake are irreplaceable as the lake has been drained as part of the Elwah River Restoration Project, removing two dams from the river. Hurricane Ridge and the Sol Duc Valley were inaccessible due to snow, and drift logs on Kalaloch beach were repositioned from years of tide surges and storms.
It's not like I've lost photos before. I can remember when my camera broke in the midst of capturing a Monument Valley thunderstorm at sunset. The vibrant pinks, fuchsia, and purples were set against the deep red sandstone of the Mittens, and I sat and watched with a broken camera in-hand. I once accidentally reformatted my camera card in the midst of a backcountry hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, erasing over 300 photos from the previous day of hiking. And there were all of the beautiful vistas and moments only captured to memory because I forgot to bring my camera along (or lost my camera). Now another story is added to my journey of lost photos and photo blunders.
What I have learned through these years of lost photos and blunders is that each photo is a gift, a memento. They never replace the original experience. In returning to Olympic National Park with the purpose of restoring my photo stock, I had to recognize that this was God's gift of a new experience; otherwise I would miss the blessing of the moment while pining for a memory that can never be replicated. As I went about the park, God met me there--clouds would part in majestic sunbeams, or soft cloud cover would help with one of my high-contrast photos.
God's story is never ending. While we get to reminisce previous chapters, we still get to participate in what He writing now.
Photos from Olympic National Park are available in the "Photos of the Week" tab in the right column.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Starting A New Year
Hello! Winter is ebbing away from the Willamette Valley. Frost, fog, and rain-soaked are being replaced by warming sunshine and crocus blossoms carrying the promise of Spring. In the midst of school studies, the wind through newly budded boughs is bringing new anticipation for this year's adventures.
Though Spring has not fully subdued its frozen predecessor, my summer preparations cannot wait; things are happening too quickly. My summer has an early start, beginning in April. A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP) is placing me in a new location this year. It is one that I am very excited for: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, located primarily in Utah. This reserved expanse contains Lake Powell, an extensive reservoir fed primarily by the Colorado River before it descends into the Grand Canyon. I will be serving at Wahweap Resort, located on the Arizona/Utah border only 8 miles outside of Page, Arizona. This will be my sixth summer serving with this ministry and I am trying to contain my joy and excitement to return to Utah's canyon country.
Only two weeks remain before I leave Oregon; I am wrapping up final details before my expedition begins, and preparing to launch into what indicates to be a very promising ministry opportunity. After a five-month suspension, I get to start a new year in my travel journal. As a reader, I hope you will enjoy and benefit from the months of upcoming posts as I describe the adventures and ministry opportunities unfolding as the months pass by. I will continue to post each week--a goal I am fairly faithful to.
My true New Year (2013) began in Leavenworth, Washington...a Bavarian-styled town in the North Cascades, learning to cross-country ski and enjoying the Germanic cuisine and shops. It was here that my year began, and it seems appropriate that this year began with an adventure. Beyond the opportunity to see new places, I am afforded the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable world God has placed us in, and discover His heart for us all as we continue to journey with Him throughout the year.
So as this year launches, it is my prayer that we will be encouraged to step out and meet God's adventures with willing anticipation and trusting hearts. Blessings to you!
Tobyn
Photos from my Leavenworth Trip are available on the "Photos of the Week" tag on the right column of the webpage.
Though Spring has not fully subdued its frozen predecessor, my summer preparations cannot wait; things are happening too quickly. My summer has an early start, beginning in April. A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP) is placing me in a new location this year. It is one that I am very excited for: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, located primarily in Utah. This reserved expanse contains Lake Powell, an extensive reservoir fed primarily by the Colorado River before it descends into the Grand Canyon. I will be serving at Wahweap Resort, located on the Arizona/Utah border only 8 miles outside of Page, Arizona. This will be my sixth summer serving with this ministry and I am trying to contain my joy and excitement to return to Utah's canyon country.
Only two weeks remain before I leave Oregon; I am wrapping up final details before my expedition begins, and preparing to launch into what indicates to be a very promising ministry opportunity. After a five-month suspension, I get to start a new year in my travel journal. As a reader, I hope you will enjoy and benefit from the months of upcoming posts as I describe the adventures and ministry opportunities unfolding as the months pass by. I will continue to post each week--a goal I am fairly faithful to.
My true New Year (2013) began in Leavenworth, Washington...a Bavarian-styled town in the North Cascades, learning to cross-country ski and enjoying the Germanic cuisine and shops. It was here that my year began, and it seems appropriate that this year began with an adventure. Beyond the opportunity to see new places, I am afforded the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable world God has placed us in, and discover His heart for us all as we continue to journey with Him throughout the year.
So as this year launches, it is my prayer that we will be encouraged to step out and meet God's adventures with willing anticipation and trusting hearts. Blessings to you!
Tobyn
Photos from my Leavenworth Trip are available on the "Photos of the Week" tag on the right column of the webpage.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
New Adventures
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!
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!
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!
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