What to say

We are almost done. The hard work of loving one another continues tomorrow on our journey home. Hot showers and soft beds await. But the memories of this time, of Jesus' presence thick with us, and the beauty of creation linger as they hold on to this night just a bit longer. While Philistines is played, row of our students sit to the side reading Philippians. I am overcome with awe at the movement of God in our midst and in their hearts. It has been a taxing day emotionally and physically. The tasks at Wind River were made more difficult by the tired and sore bodies. As I write, Thomas is at the EP emergency room to see if the shoulder that got cracked by a log on the mountainside is dislocated. We are worn out physically and emotionally, and refreshed spiritually. What an amazing journey that only promises to get better as we continue to run hard after Him...

What day is it?

This was a day. Wow. The pics tell the story, in part because I never for to the other work site to snap photos. We filled drainage ditches on the Y camp grounds with rocks. Big ones. Little ones. Dump truck loads of them. We built a handicap accessible ramp and walkway. It was warm. It rained. It was cold. Then hot. When it was done, we were hungry and tired and satisfied. After dinner at the famous Smokin Dave's BBQ, we split and a bunch went up on Deer Mtn in the park, while the others went to the rodeo in town. Tomorrow is our last day working, and I expect it to be a challenge. These kids are up to it for sure!

Day 3

Rocky Ridge Music Center. Hard work. High elevation. The kids were remarkable. Truly remarkable. We did deck railing, boulder rolling, cabin sweeping, and waterfall climbing. Here are the pics. They speak for themselves!

Day 2 pics

Day 2

We had a good day today. Woke up to some sun but was soon replaced by the threat of rain. Worship was great and the message and scripture tied in with our theme of discipleship, dirty hands doing Jesus work, and going all in and all out for His sake. The day was spent working at the Estes Valley Advocacy Center, where we fixed drainage issues, pulled 26 bags of thistles and weeds, and dug steps into a hillside. No one can question the work ethic of our kids - they sweat and get dirty and do not complain. We accomplished a ton today. It was showers, then pizza at the Y camp, followed by some shopping downtown after dinner. I had the distinct pleasure of watching the kids out and about, and once again you parents should be proud!!! The van ride home was a riot, as all the gals piled in my ride and sang One Direction at the top of their lungs. We had an amazing chapel led by Joseph Donofro, Shaylyn's fiancée, and as I write the adults are fading fast and the kids playing games. We will be back at it tomorrow, hopefully at Rocky Ridge Music Center. Until then...keep praying. Hoping to make a difference and also to see the mountains tomorrow as they have been hidden by low clouds since we arrived. Thanks for following along!

Day 1

We arrived safe and sound. Lunch at Ole's in Paxton, NE. Sunshine until Greeley,CO and the a deluge in Big Thompson Canyon. Water everywhere, rocks washed off the cliff sides, water on the road in a few spots, waterfalls cascading down the hillsides...it was quite the adventure to start the week. The mountains are shrouded by low rain clouds, but spirits are high and we are excited to be here doing work for Jesus. The journey once again taught us all a lesson in God's provision. He saw us safely through 11 hours driving and a soggy drive up to Estes Park. Tomorrow promises to be another day full of lessons and adventure.

Here we go!

We leave Sat morning bright and early. The plan is to be rolling by 6 am, so am planning to be a Zion by 5:30 to load. If you have not paid or turned in medical sheets, bring them then. We will grab lunch in Paxson, NE and hopefully arrive in Estes Park at dinner time.

Fires - spoke with a lady in EP on Tuesday and they are good. No fires there. I have been asked and sated to pass that on.

The forecast for Sunday in EP is a high of 68. I would throw in sweatshirts and a long sleeve T just to be safe. Lows in the low 50's. They have been similar to us temp wise, so a break in the heat will be lovely.

Excitement is building...hope your students are ready to get their hands dirty. I will be posting on the here, both pics and thoughts. Thanks for the chance to lead the trip and for allowing us to invest in your kids for Jesus' sake.

More to come...

Updated Dates for SummitServe

Hey all

I have a significant announcement regarding SummitServe. As of this week, it looks like I will need to move the trip dates back a few weeks, into July - July 7-12, to be exact. Same Sat-Thurs time frame, but a few weeks later. The reason for this is three-fold: 

1) Our chaperone team has had a work-related conflict come up that will most likely prevent them from leading our trip. Due to the nature of this conflict, I need to honor that. I also feel it important to keep you informed with as much lead time as possible so you can plan accordingly. It is important to me to get this ironed out and decisions made, which is why I am coming to you with this now rather than waiting any longer.

2) I am under contract with Riverside to speak at two of their Jr High camp weeks, the second of which falls on our currently scheduled June week. In order to make this trip go, I feel that someone who has been there on the ground and in a position of oversight needs to be along for the ride. So, with the date moving to July, I will be able to lead the trip this summer. I looked at other options, including attempting to  switch my speaking engagement with the other Jr High week speaker in order to keep our initial date, but she was unable to switch due to a family commitment on her end. This is the best possible solution in my opinion.

3) Spider, the YMCA volunteer coordinator on the Estes Park end, has a significant number of groups the week prior to our June date; in conversations with her about potentials, she felt this week in July works out even better on her end as well. 

I realize that this is a significant change. I hope your student will still be able to take part. I am trying to stay as far out in front of this as possible to allow you time to make your decision as a family. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause; I understand ...rest assured the trip will still go, which is my primary objective in jumping back in to lead the group. I want to ensure that this trip continues, and leadership continuity is important to me on that front. If you are still considering going but have not signed up yet, be advised of this change. 

Thank you for your patience in this matter!

Blessings

B

Updated information

Hey all

Official stuff:

Dates for SummitServe - June 23-28
Group departs Zion approximately 6 am on June 23 (Saturday morning)
Group returns approximately 8 pm on June 28 (Thursday night)
Cost: $250.00
Registration deadline is May 15. Deposit of $100 is due by the 15th as well.

Registration is NOW OPEN! Hit the link to the registration page on the upper right of the blog page. You pay nothing online.

2012 information

The dates for our 2012 trip to Estes Park are 23-29 June. The cost for this year's trip will be $200. Registration will again be online and will open on 30 Jan 2012. Check back here for updates!