Picture this... you wake up on a cold fall morning in a spacious canvas platform tent, your face completely inside your sleeping bag. You peek out of the bag just enough to see three noses and some whiskers beckoning you to wake up, cuddle and rub them behind the ears.
Maggie, Stella, and Nibbles greeted me with affectionate nuzzles and a few sloppy kisses (and one or two paws in the eye) to start out each day. Dogs are effective alarm clocks- they come with a built in snooze button feature.
After a great summer of leading wilderness trips for Outward Bound in Oregon, the past few weeks have been a welcome time of refreshment! I worked part-time, climbed a lot, and enjoyed the rare privilege of being in the same place for more than ten days. I spent quality time with family, friends, God, a local church, and three wonderful dogs!
Their demands were simple: "feed me, play/run with me, and love me." I loved watching the three unique personalities come out in all of them. (I nick-named them Classy, Sassy, and Spunk.) I started thinking about which one was the closest to the ideal dog for me someday. And then I realized, each is amazing in their own way... much like we are as humans. We were all created so differently and each have qualities that make us incredible individuals.
God always seems to know exactly what I need. Pooches just have a way of making you feel loved and needed. They listen without giving advice and offer the gift of an innocent and thorough snuggle. They lay a head on your leg or just snuggle up beside you, sharing warmth and a steady, calming heart beat. There must be dogs in Heaven. Now I feel ready to move back into my car and face the next big adventure of my life.
Today I started my journey working part-time with Solid Rock Climbers for Christ. I am excited to combine my passion for climbing with my love of God, and my desire to share the love and light of Christ with others.
Goodbye Smith Rock... it has been wonderful to explore your magnificent walls!
I relish the combined smell of musty rock, sweat, chalk dust, and dirt. I love being outside with the rocks, trees, and the rivers. I love the feel of my body on the rock; I balance one foot on a small nub and glide over onto it and turn as if dancing on a vertical ballroom floor. There is a charge of power as my muscles engage and I reach through a hard section of a climb, having to remind myself to breathe. Being out in the middle of the forest, the canyon, the valley, or the gorge brings peace to my soul. When I reach the top of a multi-pitch climb I feel like a bird soaring over the land below. The beauty before me inspires awe. I contemplate the greatness of one who designed all that I see around me.Climbing is an individual sport that requires a team effort. When I first started climbing, I was amazed at what I was able to accomplish with the help and encouragement of those around me. For this reason I also love to teach climbing and see people overcome challenges to achieve heights and feats they perceived as unattainable. I began to pursue climbing on my own about seven years ago. For years I considered climbing to be a selfish pursuit that did not have much purpose. Recently I have come to realize that doing what I am passionate about not only brings me to life, but also has a positive influence on those around me. Therefore, I plan to spend more time pursuing climbing as a sport, and also as a teacher.
On a beautiful fall day two years ago, my friend and I were praying together. That particular day our prayers had no agenda, other than to enjoy time with God and to sit and listen. That’s when I heard God say, “Oregon.” Six months later, I packed up my car and drove across the country to Oregon. I sent in a few applications before I left, but had no job to greet me when I arrived. Looking back, it is amazing to see how God planned and supported me every step of the way! He provided friends and family to stay with, campgrounds when I got tired driving, fellowship when I was lonely, jobs and food when funds were low, and much more. Most of all, God has given me the gracious gift of His forgiveness, through Jesus Christ, who atones for me, despite my daily transgressions. Thankfully, the master plan did not end at the cross, but allows us to experience eternal life, living each day in relationship with Him. Admittedly, there are many days when I do not feel God’s presence. However, it is His love and promise of a close relationship that keeps me going each day, and fuels my desire to share that hope with those around me. Sharing Christ’s love can be done in so many different ways, and he gives each person unique passions and gifts. I have been working, learning and training in the field of Outdoor Education for the past nine years. Now I am thrilled at the chance to hit the road doing some outdoor education instructing, and some ministry to the climbing community. My work this fall will combine my profession, my passion and my calling!
