Sunday, July 10, 2011

2011 Photo Slideshow

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Wednesday Wrap

IMG_0686

Today, we worked with Estes Valley Victim Advocates.
We mowed lawns, planted flowers, and realized that the front lawn had amazing landscaping buried under the weeds and dirt. We quite literally dug out a nice brick retaining wall.

IMG_0685

We again worked harder and later than we were expecting, and loved every minute of it.
Seriously, it is amazing to see how hard these kids will work, and without complaining.

IMG_0641
IMG_0684

We also learned that family violence doesn't just affect women. Victim Advocates also care for men and children that are victims of abuse.

We had a very brief issue with dehydration, but after some rest and a lot of water and prayer, everything is totally fine.

After we finished working, we just had time to hike up to Bible Point at the YMCA.
There was some talk of going on a slightly longer hike, but many were sore and tired, and it started to storm as soon as we got back from the summit anyway, so everything works out for the best.



Of course, the main reason we keep coming back to Estes Park year after year is the people   the mountains   Smokin' Dave's BBQ.

Tonight, we had an extended worship session, which included words of affirmation for everybody in the group.
These are all very special kids, and it has been amazing to see, not only their faith, but how excited they are to put their faith into practice.

Just about everybody has asked about service opportunities in Des Moines, and the possibility of having a regularly scheduled service project every month or so.
All of the kids have a very strong desire to keep seeking Christ, and to continue serving others in Christ's name.

We are driving home in the morning.
We hope to hit the road around 6-6:30 am, which should be fine since nobody was awake past 3:30am...

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Tuesday Wrap

Started the day a bit tired at Coffee on the Rocks, but got a jolt of energy once the caffeine kicked in.

Serving at the YMCA of the Rockies, we collected 6960 gallons of pinecones and demolished a field of thistles.

IMG_0549.JPG
IMG_0595.JPG
IMG_0569.JPG
IMG_0553.JPG

We actually didn't have time for a full on hike (which nobody was upset about), but we were able to spend some time by the serene Sprague Lake.

IMG_0624.JPG
IMG_0633.JPG

Over the past few years, the "kids from Des Moines" have developed quite a reputation around Estes Park.
This year, we've been given more work and more difficult work than in years past, and have still managed to exceed expectations. It is obvious wherever we go that folks are grateful for our service, and that's a pretty cool feeling.

When we came back to the church, we had some chapel time followed by small groups.
Everybody went to bed at a reasonable time, unless they were part of the group that stayed up until 1am watching YouTube videos.

The whistles go Wooo-wooo!

Highlights

Monday, June 27, 2011

Serving at Rocky Ridge Music Center

IMG_0431.JPG

We spent yesterday at Rocky Ridge Music Center.
Even though we arrived a bit late, due to a combination of road construction, getting lost, and my silliness, the crew was quite happy to see us.

We painted a couple cabins to make them look super spiffy and new.

IMG_0476.JPG
IMG_0503.JPG

We also got to do one of our favorite jobs (yeah, seriously), loading brush into a truck.

IMG_0543.JPG
IMG_0545.JPG

Hike of the Day
While we had plenty of time for a hike, the storm clouds were rolling in quickly, so we opted to instead hike around the alluvial fan.
This decision had less to do with all the wet rocks and more to do with the close proximity of the parking lot, so we could quickly jump back in the vehicles when thunder started.

After getting dinner and having some time to hang out in downtown Estes Park, we returned to the church and had some worship time before breaking into small groups.

Everybody went to bed at a reasonable hour
Which is to say, it wasn't too long after midnight that we started getting ready for bed.

I'm not scared!

I must start by saying that no children were in any danger at any point ever.

That said, we did have an encounter with a black bear today.
Black Bear

We were able to observe this black bear from a very safe distance while we were working at Wind River Ranch this afternoon.
It was a wonderful experience to comfortably observe a bear in it's "natural habitat," and were pleased when it decided it was time to wonder deeper into the forest.
And when it circled back, I had to chase it to the edge of camp property.

Hike of the Day
Today we hiked a short tundra trail near the top of Trail Ridge Road.
It was quite beautiful, and plenty strenuous for our non-acclimated flat lander lungs.

IMG_0422.JPG

Sunday, June 26, 2011

First day in Tweets

Saturday, June 25, 2011

On the road