It's hard to believe that my High Sierra experience is almost over! I have been so overwhelmed with papers and projects that I haven't had the time to breathe and survey the situation, but now that the chaos is dying down I see just how near the end is and it pains my heart to know that I will need to leave this glorious place. I know that I was not meant to be up here forever, I just feel that this place and these people have become a part of me and I can't imagine living life without them alongside me. They have seen me at my highest and lowest points. It is when someone can see you in all stages of life and still enjoy your company that you know you have found true friends.
It's difficult to comprehend that theses last weeks will be the last times that we, the High Sierra Class of Fall 2012, will be together. Next semester we will be all over the globe, then next year many of us will be graduated seniors and will be moving on to their adult chapter of life. When I think of this, it makes the moments so much more precious.
God tells us there is a place and a time for everything. I feel that right now while I may feel full of sorrow, it is not yet the time to cry. Right now I need to be here 100% so I can soak up and enjoy these last High Sierra moments. I also need to take time to be able to reflect upon the good that has come of this semester and see how God has worked in my life through that good.
If God has taught me anything this semester, it would be the need to be still and just BE. Whether that's with people or just sitting in His creation reflecting, it is important not to live for what's happening next, but it's about enjoying life as it comes.
This has been an amazing and stretching semester, and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
SNOW
This is what the campus looked like the day we left for Trek:
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| View from guys deck |
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| Marissa and I |
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| Mark on Star Rock |
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| View from Star Rock |
Trek II
Trek was so great! So as I mentioned it was snowing the days leading up to trek. So when we got to Yosemite Valley there was a beautiful blanket of white over it. It was gorgeous!
For the first day we had a scavenger hunt around Yosemite Valley so we could explore and learn more about it while we were there. Then our leaders bought us pizza! (so much better then trek food!)
On the second day we started the morning with a hike to hidden falls, which although small was beautiful! In the spring places that I was able to stand will be flowing water (something cool to think about).
Then for a huge chunk of the afternoon we had solo time to do with as we pleased. I absolutely love solo time. It gives me a chance to just sit and be with God. It's amazing how much peace He can give when you are fully with Him :).
On our final day we did a quick morning hike up to Sierra Point (picture of me to the left). It was gorgeous! The hike was a very difficult constant steep uphill, but it was worth the climb. God never ceases to amaze me while I am gazing at His creation. Songs of praise flow through my head, which keep me pressing-on on the trail..I was very sad to have trek II come to an end, because it feels like this whole High Sierra experience is really coming to an end. All to quickly i my opinion. I would love to go back to Ansel Adams Wilderness again. I have learned so much from these two Treking experiences and I don't feel like I want to be done stretching myself.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Trek II
Trek two is this weekend!!!
Unfortunately due to the poor weather conditions forecasted for the next few days (aka SNOW!) we are now planning to leave on saturday morning instead of friday. Plus we found out that we aren't backpacking through Ansel Adams this time :( Instead we are camping in Yosemite, so still a beautiful place :) It's supposed to still be freezing though so we'll see how that goes.
I'm still super excited for it no matter what the weather conditions are. I love trek and I love my trek team, I am so blessed! <3 p="p">
Unfortunately due to the poor weather conditions forecasted for the next few days (aka SNOW!) we are now planning to leave on saturday morning instead of friday. Plus we found out that we aren't backpacking through Ansel Adams this time :( Instead we are camping in Yosemite, so still a beautiful place :) It's supposed to still be freezing though so we'll see how that goes.
I'm still super excited for it no matter what the weather conditions are. I love trek and I love my trek team, I am so blessed! <3 p="p">
Update
Hey everyone! Sorry It's been such a long time since I've posted. It's been really crazy up here :(
So since I've last posted here are some big things that have happened:
Homecoming
San Francisco
So Homecoming...
It was so great, but it was really weird being in the middle of a huge city again. All of the traffic and people were a bit overwhelming at first, but then it began to feel like home again.
It was so nice to be able to see friends and family again, even though it was only for a short time. It was such a blessing to spend time with people.
San Francisco...
Was so much fun!!!
Day 1: We stopped by NASA and got to see two speakers along with several neat space artifacts and models including a piece of the moon. Then we made our way to the Legion of Honor Museum, which was full of beautiful art as is expected :) After we got to the hotel we had free time to roam the city.
Day 2: In the morning we went to Grace Cathedral, which was absolutely gorgeous! Inside there was a labyrinth that I did, which provided a great time of reflection for me of how God has presented Himself to me throughout my life. Then after lunch we had free time for the remainder of the day. During this time me and several others went to Height Ashbury for the morning to go "thrifting" which didn't go so well considering that every used article of clothing was still way to expensive for your average college student. Then we took public transit up and down the San Fran hills to Pier 39 where we witnessed two sea lions battle for dominance. I took a video of the whole thing...it was hilarious and way more entertaining than people fighting. Hopefully I'll have time to put it up sometime soon. We had dinner by the Pier at an amazing bread place that I don't remember the name of, but they are famous for their sourdough. Then of course we had to make our way to Ghirardelli Square :) On our way back home we went through Chinatown and we passed two Banksy paintings, which were really cool to see in person :) To top off the evening we all cuddled and watched Princess Diaries (had to...takes place in San Fran :)
Day 3: After checking out of the hotel we made our way to the De Young Museum, which had a huge variety of artwork. My favorite piece was a Catheral made out of bullets and gun parts. This piece spoke a lot of the hypocrisy in churches, which I could really reflect upon (I could share my thought but that would take hours). Then sadly we had to depart San Francisco and head back home to God's Wilderness.
---Overall, it was a fantastic weekend. We got to encounter and bless so many people while we were just walking around the city. Although it was a bit overwhelming and scary because of how fast paced it was I think it was really good for us to get out of our "High Sierra" bubble and get out into the "real world".
So since I've last posted here are some big things that have happened:
Homecoming
San Francisco
So Homecoming...
It was so great, but it was really weird being in the middle of a huge city again. All of the traffic and people were a bit overwhelming at first, but then it began to feel like home again.
It was so nice to be able to see friends and family again, even though it was only for a short time. It was such a blessing to spend time with people.
San Francisco...
Was so much fun!!!
Day 1: We stopped by NASA and got to see two speakers along with several neat space artifacts and models including a piece of the moon. Then we made our way to the Legion of Honor Museum, which was full of beautiful art as is expected :) After we got to the hotel we had free time to roam the city.
Day 2: In the morning we went to Grace Cathedral, which was absolutely gorgeous! Inside there was a labyrinth that I did, which provided a great time of reflection for me of how God has presented Himself to me throughout my life. Then after lunch we had free time for the remainder of the day. During this time me and several others went to Height Ashbury for the morning to go "thrifting" which didn't go so well considering that every used article of clothing was still way to expensive for your average college student. Then we took public transit up and down the San Fran hills to Pier 39 where we witnessed two sea lions battle for dominance. I took a video of the whole thing...it was hilarious and way more entertaining than people fighting. Hopefully I'll have time to put it up sometime soon. We had dinner by the Pier at an amazing bread place that I don't remember the name of, but they are famous for their sourdough. Then of course we had to make our way to Ghirardelli Square :) On our way back home we went through Chinatown and we passed two Banksy paintings, which were really cool to see in person :) To top off the evening we all cuddled and watched Princess Diaries (had to...takes place in San Fran :)
Day 3: After checking out of the hotel we made our way to the De Young Museum, which had a huge variety of artwork. My favorite piece was a Catheral made out of bullets and gun parts. This piece spoke a lot of the hypocrisy in churches, which I could really reflect upon (I could share my thought but that would take hours). Then sadly we had to depart San Francisco and head back home to God's Wilderness.
---Overall, it was a fantastic weekend. We got to encounter and bless so many people while we were just walking around the city. Although it was a bit overwhelming and scary because of how fast paced it was I think it was really good for us to get out of our "High Sierra" bubble and get out into the "real world".
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Pumped for Preview!!!
In just a few short hours the preview student will arrive!!! AHHHH!!!! It's going to be great!!! It will be chaos, but it will also be so much fun!
I can't wait to share with them everything that I love about High Sierra so they will be inclined to apply and experience it sometime during their time at APU.
It's going to be a great weekend :) <3 p="p">
I can't wait to share with them everything that I love about High Sierra so they will be inclined to apply and experience it sometime during their time at APU.
It's going to be a great weekend :) <3 p="p">
Yosemite Day!
We hiked to cathedral Lakes! It was absolutely gorgeous!!! It was worth the three mile hike! I love Yosemite!!!
Rock Climbing
Last Friday we got to go legitimate rock climbing! None of this plastic foot hold want-to-be rock climbing.
It was great! Scary/terrifying/exhausting...but great.
To be able to say I did it is quite an accomplishment :)
It was great! Scary/terrifying/exhausting...but great.
To be able to say I did it is quite an accomplishment :)
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Vineyard church
Church today was pretty great. It was all about forgiveness and about forgiving yourself. I miss CCV though :(
Two more weeks!!! :)
Friday, October 5, 2012
Down in the River to Pray
So in history class we watched "Oh Brother Where Art Thou". Surprisingly it actually did have a lot of common features present in The Odyssey. It was a pretty good movie, and the music was great.
The above song has been stuck in my head (plus we sang in in music theory last year, idk why that matters).
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Greek Day
We have spent the day decorated in togas, eating gyros, discussing Homer, and playing ultimate frisbee with "gods"
How else would you spend Greek Day ;)
How else would you spend Greek Day ;)
yup, that's my professor they're carrying
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
We're Back!
Trek was amazing! It was the hardest thing I have ever done physically, but it was well worth the pain and suffering. The back-country is simply breath-taking. I am really missing it right now.
There are no buildings, no trash, no electrical poles, nothing man made. It is all as God intended it to be. There's something incredible about standing on a summit and seeing God's pure creation. It's hard to express the feelings that flowed through me when I reached the top of Gale Summit. Feelings of awe, accomplishment, joy, amazement.
In short, this experience showed me just a fraction of who God is. He is the stillness in the evening air, the gentle breeze that comes with the morning, the ripples in the lakes, the deer grazing, the stars that light the night, the rock that holds the mountain together; he's incredible!
There are no buildings, no trash, no electrical poles, nothing man made. It is all as God intended it to be. There's something incredible about standing on a summit and seeing God's pure creation. It's hard to express the feelings that flowed through me when I reached the top of Gale Summit. Feelings of awe, accomplishment, joy, amazement.
In short, this experience showed me just a fraction of who God is. He is the stillness in the evening air, the gentle breeze that comes with the morning, the ripples in the lakes, the deer grazing, the stars that light the night, the rock that holds the mountain together; he's incredible!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Trek!!! #1
Trek is tomorrow! Well in six hours actually. :/
I am FREAKING out!!!! 6 days in the wilderness! Oh my goodness!
I can't wait to see how I grow from this even though I'm scared sick.
Prayer is very much appreciated!
Feel free to send fb or texts while I'm gone. I'd like to see the love when I return! :)
Can't wait to tell you all about it! (and for it to be over...)
Talk to you all soon! <3
I am FREAKING out!!!! 6 days in the wilderness! Oh my goodness!
I can't wait to see how I grow from this even though I'm scared sick.
Prayer is very much appreciated!
Feel free to send fb or texts while I'm gone. I'd like to see the love when I return! :)
Can't wait to tell you all about it! (and for it to be over...)
Talk to you all soon! <3
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Small Groups!
I love my small group! Tonight we went out on a speed boat and just hung in the middle of the lake and discussed our spiritual disciplines and how we did this week. I love how I feel like I can be completely vulnerable with them and they won't judge me for anything. :)
Plus, tonight was extra special because we got to watch the sunset and see the stars come out. I love being able to identify starts since I'm in astronomy!
Life up here is amazing! God shows that his presence is EVERYWHERE!
(freaky story: on our way back from the lake we saw two little baby scorpions on the path....strangely I was the only one who wasn't freaking out. Probably because it was so small)
Plus, tonight was extra special because we got to watch the sunset and see the stars come out. I love being able to identify starts since I'm in astronomy!
Life up here is amazing! God shows that his presence is EVERYWHERE!
(freaky story: on our way back from the lake we saw two little baby scorpions on the path....strangely I was the only one who wasn't freaking out. Probably because it was so small)
Sunday-Monday :)
HOMEWORK DAYS!!!
I spent most of these days reading the Odyssey (yesterday) and Plato's "Republic" (today). I am really enjoying the Odyssey, but the Republic is throwing me for a loop. In fact all of these philosophers are. :/
This is why Philosophy is NOT my major
I spent most of these days reading the Odyssey (yesterday) and Plato's "Republic" (today). I am really enjoying the Odyssey, but the Republic is throwing me for a loop. In fact all of these philosophers are. :/
This is why Philosophy is NOT my major
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Thursday Astronomy Lab
We had our fist lab from 7-10 on thursday night. It was way better than I could ever imagine it being on main campus!
We went to the house of our professors friend to use his telescope. He showed us Saturn as well as a whole other galaxy that was over 200 lightyears away! It was awesome! All this on top of naming various constellations that we could actually see! :)
I love the mountains! It's the way God intended for it to be <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">
We went to the house of our professors friend to use his telescope. He showed us Saturn as well as a whole other galaxy that was over 200 lightyears away! It was awesome! All this on top of naming various constellations that we could actually see! :)
I love the mountains! It's the way God intended for it to be <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">
Pictures form the past week!!!
Sentinel Dome, Yosemite
Random Costumes
Kayaking!
Roomies!
"Indians" (Race Through Neverland)
Photos courtesy of Weston and Emily
Friday! (FUNDAY!!!)
Yesterday was awesome! (completely unproductive, but awesome).
First we had chapel which was great I am part of the worship team and this week they had me on piano. I have never performed in front of peers before so I was super nervous, but as soon as everyone filed in, a peace came over me as I realized that no one cared about how well I played because it was for God not them. So worship was an incredible experience :)
Then directly after we went into Oakhurst to buy more forgotten things for Trek and we also went thirsting :) It was $5 per paper bag you filled (with summer clothes) and I found a brand new/unopened copy of Pinocchio for $2 so of course I had to buy it :)
After lunch we went down to the lake to cool off. The water felt amazing, and the view wasn't so bad either. I was with my two roommates (Christa and Emily) and Aubrey. While we were down there we went kayaking which was amazing. The only other place I have kayaked was at Forest Home and the lake there is tiny so to have so much space to go was great! I can't wait to go night kayaking! :)
When we went back to camp we had an event called "Race Through Neverland" (in case you didn't know, Peter Pan is kind of our theme up here this semester). This race had various stages
Pre) dress up to match your team name
1) Archery (team won)
2) Cinnamon Challenge (I did) (TERRIBLE) (team won)
3) Catching Cheerios in whipped cream on your face (team won)
4) Cereal Eating and Soda Chugging contest (team won)
5)Bike Race (I did)
6)Pass a lifesaver with toothpicks in your mouth (everyone did) (team tied)
7) three legged race (step-step-summersault)
8) egg toss (everyone did)
9)Toilet paper bride (team won)
Hopefully I will be able to post pictures of each of these stages in a way to explain what they are. Otherwise just ask :)
It was a ton of fun though, our student leaders up here are genius!
Then to finish the day we watched Peter Pan on the big screen outside in the amphitheater.
Such a great way to de-stress from the week :)
3)
4)
9)
First we had chapel which was great I am part of the worship team and this week they had me on piano. I have never performed in front of peers before so I was super nervous, but as soon as everyone filed in, a peace came over me as I realized that no one cared about how well I played because it was for God not them. So worship was an incredible experience :)
Then directly after we went into Oakhurst to buy more forgotten things for Trek and we also went thirsting :) It was $5 per paper bag you filled (with summer clothes) and I found a brand new/unopened copy of Pinocchio for $2 so of course I had to buy it :)
After lunch we went down to the lake to cool off. The water felt amazing, and the view wasn't so bad either. I was with my two roommates (Christa and Emily) and Aubrey. While we were down there we went kayaking which was amazing. The only other place I have kayaked was at Forest Home and the lake there is tiny so to have so much space to go was great! I can't wait to go night kayaking! :)
When we went back to camp we had an event called "Race Through Neverland" (in case you didn't know, Peter Pan is kind of our theme up here this semester). This race had various stages
Pre) dress up to match your team name
1) Archery (team won)
2) Cinnamon Challenge (I did) (TERRIBLE) (team won)
3) Catching Cheerios in whipped cream on your face (team won)
4) Cereal Eating and Soda Chugging contest (team won)
5)Bike Race (I did)
6)Pass a lifesaver with toothpicks in your mouth (everyone did) (team tied)
7) three legged race (step-step-summersault)
8) egg toss (everyone did)
9)Toilet paper bride (team won)
Hopefully I will be able to post pictures of each of these stages in a way to explain what they are. Otherwise just ask :)
It was a ton of fun though, our student leaders up here are genius!
Then to finish the day we watched Peter Pan on the big screen outside in the amphitheater.
Such a great way to de-stress from the week :)
3)
4)
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