Sunday, July 10, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday Wrap
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.
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.
We also learned that family violence doesn't just affect women. Victim Advocates also care for men and children that are victims of abuse.
Please pray for our health! Lots of kids feeling sick, exhausted and in pain. They worked so hard. #Proudofthem
— Carlie Fitzgerald (@Carlie527) June 30, 2011
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.
Cowger owned the manhandler. ALL OF IT.
— Tony Fitzgerald (@MrTFitz) 30 Jun 2011Tonight, 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.
116 bags of pine cones, check. Acres of thistles neutralized, check. Showers, double check. Well done youthful servants.
— Tony Fitzgerald (@MrTFitz) 28 Jun 2011nice work today, #SummitServe2011. Pine cones rule. Thistles not so much. Proud of your hearts and attitudes! Keep it up!
— brent osborne (@bwo2312) 28 Jun 2011We 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.
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.
Kids are bonding tonight while watching YouTube vids. A changing generation for sure. I must say, I love them all.
— Tony Fitzgerald (@MrTFitz) 28 Jun 2011Monday, June 27, 2011
Serving at Rocky Ridge Music Center
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.
We also got to do one of our favorite jobs (yeah, seriously), loading brush into a truck.
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!
Yes, I chased a bear today #WouldDoAnythingForTheseKids
— Pat Hawks (@PatHawks) 26 June 2011I 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.
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.
So tired but so worth it. still in awe of the bear. Gotta be real though, i was planning my escape route the whole time.
— Tony Fitzgerald (@MrTFitz) 26 Jun 2011@mrtfitz @CarlieFitz I've been there how many times...no bears. Y'all WORK w/ one. Unreal. And @PatHawks chased it. #gladtherewerenomaulings
— brent osborne (@bwo2312) 26 June 2011Hike 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.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
First day in Tweets
Bring it @ZionChurch youth!
— Pat Hawks (@PatHawks) June 25, 2011Lunch at Ole's in paxton, ne. nice. on the road again.
— Tony Fitzgerald (@MrTFitz) June 25, 2011The crew left Ole's a bit ago...Estes Park this evening! Keep praying for #SummitServe
— brent osborne (@bwo2312) June 25, 2011@mrtfitz @CarlieFitz how you guys hanging in there? Ole's should be hitting you right about....now. #gutbomb
— brent osborne (@bwo2312) June 25, 2011@Bwo2312 never felt better. Going to be a great week.
— Tony Fitzgerald (@MrTFitz) June 25, 2011Uh, some stoners just surrounded the vans and asked if we wanted to "have a good day". welcome to colorado, kids. just say no.
— Tony Fitzgerald (@MrTFitz) June 25, 2011In Estes Park eagerly awaiting the rest of the crew.
...with pizza #SummitServe
— Pat Hawks (@PatHawks) June 25, 2011We are here! It is beautiful..ready to eat. #Summitserve2011
— Carlie Fitzgerald (@Carlie527) June 26, 2011
#summitserve is on the ground in Estes Park
— brent osborne (@bwo2312) June 26, 2011@mrtfitz your commentary on this trip is shaping up to be legendary. For real.
— brent osborne (@bwo2312) June 26, 2011Setting up sleeping bags; I can feel the calm before the storm
— Pat Hawks (@PatHawks) June 26, 2011@PatHawks who needs sleep? #bringiton
— brent osborne (@bwo2312) June 26, 2011@pathawks Long days no sleep #thatsEP
— Bryce Johnson (@OneSweet_Crash) June 26, 2011Haven't heard high school kids sing like that in a long time. beautiful.
— Tony Fitzgerald (@MrTFitz) June 25, 2011Too bad the Cowgers refuse to get down w/ Twitter. #lame-o
— brent osborne (@bwo2312) June 26, 2011Plans in the works...#youngadults #adults @ZionChurch EP trip...next summer? @bcjohnson24 @PatHawks @mrtfitz
— brent osborne (@bwo2312) June 26, 2011I sure do wish some leaders of the male gender would listen to their own rules about designated talking areas =)
— Carlie Fitzgerald (@Carlie527) June 26, 2011
Sorry @CarlieFitz
— Pat Hawks (@PatHawks) June 26, 2011