Guest Services

So we found out our job for the next rotation, and I will be doing Guest Services! I am super excited.. except for the fact that I will be outside a lot in the bitter cold. I'll just have to layer up.

Today, we have our second Ski Trip Group here, which has been a lot of fun.

Not a lot of new news over here.

Back to Below Zero.

Nothing says "Welcome Back" like a cold, below zero night. It might not have been below zero, but coming from home it might has well been that cold.

To be honest, I was a bit anxious about coming back. I don't think I was ready to leave home yet. I had just started spending time with everyone, and one week just isn't enough. But what are you gonna do. Another day, another dollar..right? Welcome to the real world, Gabi.

It was a long day of traveling, but I actually enjoy being in airports. I can just sit and stare at people for hours.

I was able to think a lot about my time at home, and it was just so great to be with family and friends. I got to hang out with my cousins a lot, which is always enough for me. They truly are my best friends. I love each one differently and in special ways. My brother and his girlfriend also made dinner for me and two of my cousins, which was so nice of them. We took our family portrait, with all the aunts, uncles, cousins, grandkids--the whole shabang. It was quite an event, but there is always laughter when we are together.

I even got to record my abuela, and have her just share some of her wisdom and advice. I wanted her to write me a letter, but it is kind of neat that now I can have her voice and it is something I can have forever.

I even got to go to the beach while I was home, but it was a freezing 68 degrees though. At least freezing for Miami. I got to see most everyone that I wanted to see, although I would have liked more time with them.

I had good conversation with my dad, and only wished I had more time with my mom. I can't wait for them to come out here.

Santa also brought me really great stuff, that was well needed. So even though, I miss home and being with family and friends, I am happy to be back with my friends. They are all so great, and I adore them.

The first person I saw was Audrey, in my lay over in Atlanta. And then it was Jena at the Denver Airport, and we were able to catch up on our time at home. Then Casey got there and finally Audrey got in. Alyse picked us all up and then we got to have dinner with her family, which was so great! It's so cool to meet family, and be able to see everyone in their element. I loved it. Thanks again for dinner Mama Cos and Papa Cos!

Well, we are back to the grind today, and a group is coming in. It is our first Ski trip of the season, and we have a busy busy month ahead of us, but we are all pretty excited.

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas, and it was full of laughter and family and friends!

SO SOON!

I come home SO soon!!! In less than 48 hours!!!

So far I love everything about being out here...and on top of it all it gives me a whole new perspective on being home with family. As well, as a new perspective on the hot, wet air of Miami. Which by the way--I can't wait to get off that plane and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Humid air HERE I COME!

I can't wait to see everyone and just be able to be in civilization for a while. Again, let me mention--I love it out here..but there is just something about the City that always pulls me back!

Its funny that I in a city like Miami I feel Christmas more than I do out here in a snowy, white, cold town. I think it's cause Miami has all my memories and family. And what is Christmas without family and memories.

AH! I am just so excited to get home! The only thing about being home is I get a bit overwhelmed feeling like I have to see everyone and do so many things. And my time is limited at home--so I will have to use my time wisely.

Anyway, there has been a lot of things going on in the past week. This past week Jena, Grace, Casey, Stu and I, went to Denver to see "Spring Awakening", which was incredible. It was a bit risque, but the music just blew me away. We had our night in the city with dinner and the theater, and of course a little Starbucks in the mix. It couldn't have been a more perfect night.

Jena, Audrey and I went to Denver again this past weekend on our day off for some shopping. It was the first time I stepped into a mall in about 3 months--and I discovered that I think I may have an addiction--because when we were parking I started getting anxious seeing people walk out of the mall with shopping bags.

Just kidding--but I did get super excited walking into that mall. I actually didn't even buy much for myself, which I was happy about!

Then Sunday night, all of us interns went to Idaho Springs, and took an old-time western picture. It is a intern tradition. The previous intern classes have taken them and left a certificate for the next class to go and take it. The pictures are hung up on the wall in our house. It was so much fun to dress up and act silly.

Then last night, Jena and I went to coffee with our mentors. My mentor, Andrea and hers, Janel. It is so great to just sit and chat with women who are wives and mothers and who have been through a lot of the same stuff we did at our age. We both love our mentors and love that we can hang out with them together.

Finally, tonight we are doing our Secret Santa! I have Casey--if I knew she would read this before tonight, I wouldn't have written her name. But I am pretty confident she won't read it, especially because she is about to make me dinner ;)

And I also know that Grace has me. I am a good guesser and Grace is a bad liar. Love you Grace!

I am excited to see what everyone got for each other. Should be interesting.

Well, it will probably be a while until I write in my blog again! But if I don't write before Christmas...

Merry Christmas everyone. I pray blessing over all of you in this time, and just peace and joy during the holiday. Again, thank you all so much for keeping updated with me. I adore all of you...and until next time.

Happy Birthday MA!

Happy 29th Birthday Mom! ;)

You are looking great these days. I wish I could spend your birthday with you, but I will see you soon enough! I hope you have a wonderful day. You deserve it.

Tonight we have a cookie exchange for all the ladies on staff and for the wives of the men who are on staff hosted by the intern girls! We are also watching a Christmas movie.

All Staff Christmas Party.

A night to finally dress up and get all glammed up. So that is what we did. All day, the girls were so excited about the Christmas party, because we got to wear our dresses, and share food and watch the kids do a Christmas play.

So that is exactly what we did!

Alyse also provided great entertainment, which was hilarious! She randomly called up people on staff and had them improve as she narrated a story.

We also got our staff Christmas gift--which are awesome Mountain Wear Fleece jackets that say Crooked Creek Ranch Staff.

The kids Christmas play was adorable and they got really into it.

It was so freat to see everyone in their best dress and just see camp at night and all decorated.

Last night just made me love the people I work with, and made me realize that I need to love the people I work with in my future jobs! I sometimes can't believe these people here get paid to do what they do.

moab.

So for those of you who may not know, Moab, which is in Utah, is also known as the Mountain Biking Mecca of the World.

Sounds impressive, doesn't it? Well, it is.

Now when I heard this, I didn't think anything of it. Atleast not until, I read the sign at the beginning of the trial that said "Advanced Riding Skills Required." It's a good thing, I struggle riding through flat dirt roads.

Audrey and I were hesitant to even go on this "trip" all together. We would have to camp in the cold, and not shower for a couple of days, as well as use an outhouse.

But Thank God I went. We all had such an awesome time. We laughed, we challenged ourselves physically, we tried new things, and just learned so much about each other.

This trip was Alyse, Audrey, Raz, Andrew and I. We missed all the others though!

We started our trip after our Thanksgiving lunch. Lunch by the way was so great. There were 40 to 45 people all together at Thanksgiving, and after we stuffed our bellies, some of the women went for a walk around camp. We also got to throw around the football and hang out with the younger kids.

So around 4 was when the adventure began. Motto for the trip was "Mountain Biking Mecca of the World." Raz used that phrase to try and persuade Audrey and I when we were both hesitant of going. So we took it and ran with it. And we ran far and long with it. The boys probably wanted to kill us by the end of the trip.

So we drove to Grand Junction, Colorado and stayed the night there, and then the next morning we headed to Moab. We got to our campsite, set up camp, and got ready for the ride at Slickrock--which according to Raz is the most popular trial in Moab. None of us knew any of this, but since it all sounded so hard core--we had to be hardcore.

Well I know can say I am not really a strong biker. I think I died almost 5 times, but by the grace of God, I some how was always able to catch myself before I fell.

After a long afternoon of biking, we headed back to camp and the boys cooked some dinner us and we sat around the camp fire and played some cards. We then decided to go into town and get some ice cream at McDonalds.

After ice cream, we went back to camp and sat around the camp fire some more and had good conversation.

Finally, it was time for bed--which you would think I would be excited for after a long day of biking, but actually I was petrified of how cold I was going to be. And to no surprise, I froze!

So I was in and out of sleep all night long, and finally at around 7 a.m. Audrey and Alyse woke up, and first thing Alyse says is "Y'all let's go to Denny's!" So without hesitation we got our toothbrushes and toothpaste and headed to Denny's leaving the boys behind.

We were at Denny's for 2 hours before we headed back to camp. Denny's saved my life. It brought my body back to a normal temperature, and I was able to feel my toes again.

We got camp picked up and the cars were packed up, and we headed to Arches National Park. We got to see some impressive stuff and when you are in places like this you just feel so little, and makes you realize how BIG God really is.

There were so many beautiful arches and we went on a few hour hike. Alyse and I had some fun with Audrey's camera and we made videos of us being silly. When Alyse and I are together, there is nothing that can stop us--according to Andrew, Alyse is "nuts" and I am "weird." I have no idea where he got that idea...

After our day at Arches, we headed back to Grand Junction and stayed in a hotel because today we were going to go ride Fruita--which is another popular mountain biking destination. I think I liked Fruita better, only because I wasn't scared for my life--I was only scared I would break an arm or bust my face. That isn't as bad, right?

We rode for about an hour and 15 minutes and then headed back home with a pit stop at Target of course!

And it sure does feel good to be back home!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving. I love this holiday--and it will be strange not being with the family. But today will be full of family--just not my own.

I love the meaning of this holiday and just being able to give thanks to the things in your life.

So here are the things I am thankful for in my life:

1. My wonderful big family.

2. My mom and her generosity and kind heart.

3. My dad and his protective spirit and affection.

4. My brother and his jokes and curiosity.

5. My Abuela Emma and her longevity and youthful spirit even at 98.

6. My Abuela Grethel for being a woman of faith and giving me a perfect example of what it is to be like Christ.

7. Zumba for providing for my family and being a father-figure to not only my dad but my brother and I. For showing me so many valuable things in life. He is the man.

8. My Aunts and Uncles for letting me be one of their own children, and loving me just the same.

9. My cousins and everything about them. They are my best friends and some of my greatest memories have been spent with them.

10. My friends for always being there for me through the good and bad times. For making me laugh and always knowing the right things to say. I have the best friends in the world.

11. The James' for letting me be a big sister to their kids and supporting me through everything. Giving me a family not only in Gainesville but here and now.

12. Young Life for giving kids and even big kids a great picture of who Christ was.

13. Mountains.

14. The Ocean and running rivers.

15. Miami for being the city that it is.

16. Being Cuban. I love it.

17. For my parents giving me the opportunities of traveling all over the world.

18. Music.

19. Photography.

20. Dancing.

21. Sports.

22. Singing.

23. Brando, my German-sheperd. Rocky, the other rat-dog we have, not so much.

24. Buchholz YL cause they are the best looking team in YL.

25. Crooked Creek Ranch.

26. The group of interns that we have-Jena, Grace, Alyse, Audrey, Casey, Reid, Raz, Steebo, and Andrew. They are all so special to me.

27. The ability to go out and run and be active.

28. Books.

29. I can't forget about being thankful that I am part of the Gator Nation. Best school in the U.S. of A. No doubt about it.

30. Laughter and silliness.

31. Skiing.

32. Butterflies and Horses.

33. Movies that make you laugh and movies that make you think and movies that make you cry.

34. Culture and diversity.

35. Holidays--a time to spend with family.

36. Cooking-especially for others.

37. For those who have and are supporting me while out here.

38. Good conversations.

39. Love stories.

40. A lot of things in my life.

I love you all. Thank you again for reading my blogs and wanting to stay posted on my life out here.

Happy Thanksgiving.

A lot.

The intern house has been without internet for a week.

A bit inconvenient but pretty freeing at the same time. I actually got some reading done instead of being on the computer.

A lot has happened since my last post, so I will try to update you with the most important stuff.

It has snowed a few days this week, which means we have had to shovel snow around camp. I just put my Ipod on and shovel away. Not as bad as you think.

We also got to finally choose our mentors, which I have chosen Andrea. Andrea is the administrative manager. She has 4 kids from ages 18 to 11. I think we are a perfect match, and I am so excited for our time together. She is one smart woman and I can't wait to hear all that she has to say. The day after I asked her to be my mentor, we went for a long walk and then she invited me to dinner with her family. The second I got in there her 14 year-old son started showing me all his guns. I'm definitely scared of guns and don't really agree with them, but guns are such a recreational thing here, so I have to pretend like they are totally normal to me. He has guns from 1940 something. I love to see what people do on their free time around here--ski, shoot, bike, or hike. Not a bad life. We also ate deer and played Rumikub. But, more on our relationship later.

Yesterday, we also had an all staff Thanksgiving Pot Luck and I brought a corn casserole. Everything was so yummy, and there was way too much food.

Did I mention that last week I got to feed horses! Matt Sutton, maintenance guy, owns 20 horses on his property. Casey and Grace housesat, while he went on vacation to his condo in Mexico--which by the way, all of us interns are already planning a trip out there the day we finish our internship. We already started a "Mexico fund" or as Alyse says "Corona Money"--we have a good stash going. You wouldn't imagine how much spare change you find when cleaning camp. Anytime we see a quarter or even a penny, we scream "MEXICO!" But anyways, enough about that.

View of Matt Sutton's backyard.

Last week, I didn't go skiing cause my toe got messed up from skiing the first day, so Jena and I just walked around the village and had coffee. But this week, I couldn't miss out again.

So today, us girls went out to the Mountain and had our day of skiing and boarding.

Tomorrow, Jena, Casey, Audrey, Alyse, and I are going into Denver. We have to drop of Jena at the airport and then the rest of us are just going to have a day in Denver. Finally, I am going to see some tall buildings, and more than one traffic light. Boy that sounds beautiful to me right now.

And then Thursday, we are having Thanksgiving with the Wingo's and Andrea's family and some others. It is a noon Thanksgiving lunch, something I never knew existed.

And then, Alyse, Audrey, Raz, Andrew and I are going for a little camping adventure to Moab, Utah. According to Raz, it is the mountain biking mecca of the U.S. It's a good thing I mountain bike right. But it should be really fun regardless. It's not the out house that scares me, or the bugs, or the sleeping outside that scares me. It's the cold.

After this weekend, I am sure I will have an interesting post. So stick around folks--I'll hopefully be back. Just Kidding Dad, we will be okay.

Solitude

So in our Intern study we are learning about the spiritual disciplines--so like prayer, solitude, silence, fasting, giving, celebration, etc.

We are to begin practicing our first spiritual discipline--solitude. We were asked to do four hours of solitude this week. When you think about four hours by yourself and no human interaction, it seems like a lot. But really I know realize it is something needed. Maybe not four hours ever week, but I think we should all take a little time for ourselves in complete silence. Leave the t.v., computer, cell phones, errands behind. Go somewhere quiet and just pray and meditate. It is incredible the things you discover when it's just you and God. Pretty cool.

We had to write a response to our four-hour solitude.

Here is a little bit of it:

"Four hours all on my own—just God and I. Being still and silent before God.

Thinking of practicing solitude and silence excites me. You see, it’s actually quite funny, because a year ago, I would have been petrified of being silent and alone with my thoughts for even just an hour. But these will be the hours that I can escape somewhere with my God. We can run away together and I can be completely naked and honest with him.

It’s true what they say, disconnecting from the world and even from your own thoughts is God’s time to shine. I am so consumed with myself that even in solitude I can push God aside. I need silence even in silence."

I was able to think a lot in those four hours too. Think about my family and friends and how blessed I am. It was a great four hours and I am excited for the next time when I can disconnect from the world and be still.

Oh, and Winter Park opens tomorrow. So if you're looking for me, you can find me on the Mountain.

Until next time...

Ski Bum.

Ski Bum defined by Urbandictionary.com-- "One who works for low pay in exchange for benefits for example free skipasses or the coveted multi area season's pass as well as good deals on gear. as always the best things in life are free."

Well, they have the low pay part right.

Even though I didn't receive my ski pass for free, I do get discounts on ski gear. Now, I wouldn't quite consider myself a Ski Bum just yet...

but it is looking like I may be on my way--or atleast I hope so.



For those of you who may not know, my family used to go skiing every winter. We never missed a winter--but then we stopped going after my brother left to college. The last time I went skiing was in 2002, and I was scared about going back out there.

I wasn't always a fan of skiing. There is always something wrong when you go skiing--either your too cold, your boots are too tight, or your fingertips are frozen. Whether it is just one thing or all of those things--something is always wrong. I also didn't like the fact that I always had to go to ski school, and my brother was so much better than me. I secretly always hoped my mom would go shopping or in to town so that I can go with her instead of go skiing.

Luckily, she usually always did. Thanks mom.

The only thing I enjoyed about skiing back in the day was the ski lifts. And of course, when we would get a break on the mountain, and get cookies, and I could dunk my cookies into the snow and pretend it was milk--a little trick they taught us in ski school.

Well, my view on skiing has changed completely. Maybe it's because I am now an adult, or maybe it's the ski culture, maybe it's the fashion of skiing, maybe it's the physical activity, or maybe it's simply the desire to be an extremely good skiier. Either way, I now love it. I am falling in love with a lot of stuff out here. Who knows, maybe you guys won't ever see me again.



Just kidding, that won't ever happen. Did I mention I live in the "Ice Box of the Nation." Seriously though, that is the nickname of where I live.

So last Wednesday, we all went to Copper Mountain with our ski passes. It was a gorgeous day with the sun shining bright. There was only one run open, but we were all able to get out there and warm-up and practice. I was surprised at how quickly I picked it back up. Skiing is like riding a bike--it just comes back to you.


I forgot how fun skiing was, and I can't wait to get back out there!

Busy Bee

I can't even remember the last time I blogged.

I have been caught up in working and working and some days off here and there.

We officially started our new rotations this weekend. I learned all the ins and outs of being part of the administration team. I get my own desk and even phone extension. I also get to work the coffee bar on Saturday mornings. So now I officially can work at Starbucks as well. By the end of this year--I will be a professional housekeeper, Barista, Cook, Secretary, Landscape artist, Ropes Course Instructor, Painter, and many many more.

I am learning how to make lattes and mochas and chai tea and cappuccinos. The coffee world is quite a science and it is something that most all people in this world get happy thinking about. So it is my privilege to try and perfect and serve them the best hot drink--to start there morning off with a smile.

On my days off, Jena and I went to Silverthorne and did some desperately needed stuff. We had a girls day, and it was all I needed.

The next day, Jena, Alyse, Steebo, Reid, and I went to Boulder--which I may have to admit is a possibility of where I may want to be next year. Jena and I loved it there--and even agreed to moving there after this year. It is a young, cool, hipster town. It is also the home of University of Colorado. I got to go to Whole Foods and eat lunch, while the rest went to Chick-fil-A--something they all had been craving for weeks. We then went to Target, REI, and Jena and I went to Borders, while the Alyse and the boys went to play Frisbee Golf.

When they picked us back up, we headed to the downtown area, Pearl Street. We walked and window shopped, and I loved every second of it. We got coffee, and then ate at a sports bar and watched part of the World Series game.

It was a perfect and relaxing day off.

To stay or not stay in Boulder?

I guess we will have to wait and see.

I also got to watch the Florida/Georgia Game at a fellow-staff persons house. It wasn't the most excited Halloween--but it was too cold and we were too exhausted to actually do anything. So we watched college football all night long. Second best thing you can do on Halloween.

Here are most of us, and a few staff watching the game.

This weekend was our first Young Life group. The rest of the groups that have been coming have been from other organizations, or adult retreats, or churches. So we were all so pumped to have our first Young Life group, and this weekend once again reassured me how much I absolutely love Young Life, and what they are about, and how they love on kids.

There were a couple Urban groups this weekend. And that too, reassured me I have a heart for those kids. The kids who may not have the privilege to afford going to college, or the kids that don't have two parents, or the kids that have no hope of being successful.

We got to go to "club" and see all the kids get so excited to sing and dance, watch skits, and play games. The speaker this weekend was pretty hipster himself--with a bull-nose ring in his nose, and long, shaggy hair and ripped up jeans and hobo-style sweater. It is refreshing to see someone like that, and it gives kids a different picture. They may have this image of Christians--clean-cut, goody-goody, has no fun. But this guy, obviously has his fun.

There is no formula to what you need to look like, or how you need to act. It is all actually pretty simple--we are loved by the Father, and He calls us to Love Him and Love Others.

Snow Everywhere.

White is all over the place. A beautiful, white fluff covers everything.

Yesterday, we had our staff retreat. We all went to Glendwood Springs Amusement Park. There was a rollercoaster, lazer tag, and a cave tour.

I had the privilege to ride the rollercoaster three times with Elli Mackendrick. Ray, Guest Services' managers' oldest daughter. He has a 6-year-old, Katie, and 8-year-old, Ellie. They couldn't be anymore different. Katie has red hair and is a fire-cracker. She calls me Gaybe. While Ellie is blonde and sweet and always smiling.

Sure, I loved the rollercoaster and laughing during the cave tour. But, the best part of the entire day was the first time Ellie reached for my hand to hold it--I melted.

Oh, and Reid and Andrew got crazy and went on the rollercoaster without their shirts. Crazy kids.

On the way home from the park, we decided to follow Andrea's husband and their family. He thought it would be a great idea to take an adventure and take the "forest" road home because it takes 45 minutes instead of 2 and half hours. So Grace, who was driving, agreed.

We later find out no one takes this road in the winter. They don't plow it and no one maintains this road. It also is going to shut down in a couple of weeks because it is used for snowmobile tours. Awesome.

I am pretty sure none of us knew what we agreed to. Grace has a two-wheel, standard shift, honda civic. She has no snow tires but she does have chains just in case.

It was dark. There was a blizzard. We were in a forest. As we drove, the snow went over the car like a tidal wave. At first, I was enjoying it and thought this is a great adventure.

That excitement soon died when we got stuck and I had to get out of the back seat with Reid and Casey so we can sit on the front hood of the car to give it some weight. We were sliding all over the place and we completely stuck. The snow was coming down hard and I was freezing.

Those that were in the car we were following came and tried to help. They couldn't get it moving. So plan B--put her chains on. After being out there for 20 minutes they got the chains on.

The story isn't quite over. They accidentally put the chains on inside out, so the chains fell off two more times and we got stuck two more times. The storm only got worse, and Grace had to stick her head out of the window with the snow and wind blowing in her face.

The best part is that the chains were sparking a lot and I thought the car was on fire. It also didn't help that the heater was blowing in my face, and I of course thought that it was the heat from the "fire." I had a mini panic attack and thought the car was going to explode. They all soon reassured me that it was normal and to calm down.

Dad, I know I took a risk by writing this in my blog cause you are probably freaking out right now. But don't worry we will not be taking that way again, and we had a lot of people who knew what they were doing.

So that was my "adventure" a.k.a near death experience--just kidding I'm exaggerating, but it was a little scary for a while.

This morning we had to be at work at 7 a.m. We have to get to work at 7 a.m. on days that it snows a lot. Well, we shoveled for an hour and a half this morning....and then we shoveled again for another hour and a half later that afternoon.

And now we are going to go play indoor soccer. My new favorite thing to do.

Ski Season is Here

Ski season is here...

Well not quite yet, but the ski spirit is definitely here. But maybe it never leaves in a place like Fraser, Co.

A little known fact--Fraser, Co. is known to be one of the coldest towns in the US---Wonderful.

I go from one of the hottest places in the US to the coldest.

We had our first snow storm of the season last night. We got about six inches of snow overnight. Luckily, I had the day off so I had the wonderful privilege to sleep in, while the other interns had to go to work at 7 a.m. to shovel snow--for two hours.

Today was relaxing, but I also got a lot accomplished.

So here is the exciting part of the day.

All of us interns went to go see Warren Miller's film. Something every local and ski bum does every year.

Warren Miller has been making ski/snowboard documentaries for over 60 years. Each year it is something different, new and exciting.

The stuff you see in the film are ridiculous--and I highly recommend you to watch any of the films.

You can also go to the Web site-- www.warrenmiller.com and make sure to watch the trailer for this year's film.

Warning: You will immediately want to come out to the mountains and ski.

Small Town Fun

Day off #1.

I have the next two days off and then we have a staff retreat to a theme park on Thursday.

Today, Alyse, Casey, Grace, Andrew and I went to Idaho Springs for our day off.

Idaho Springs is a small town. I talked to a local, and apparently it is tradition for skiers headed to Winter Park to stop at Beujo's Pizza Place before and eat--it's famous for its "Colorado Style Pizza."

Anyways, it's a one street town, but filled with history and old buildings. I can picture the cowboys walking down that street many years ago.

We ate at a deli and came across some interesting people. I met a man from Czech Slovakia, Polly, but he has been in Colorado "before I was even born." He asked me to take a picture of him and his friend, Doc. Polly said he was going to Miami after New Years and he will take me out to dinner. Nice man--but I know the rules. Don't talk to strangers.

I still talked to Polly. There is something about becoming friends with the locals. That's the only way I will become a local. Right?

Polly on the Left and Doc on the Right

Casey and I walked around for a bit and window shopped. I love window shopping with Casey.

A little fact about Casey. She always is smiling. She loves the phrase "Oh my Gosh!" And says it before she says anything. She is excited about life. She is such a fun person to go shopping because she is one of those people that loves to try new things. For example, she bought a chocolate that had spices and chilly at the candy store. Oh, and she illustrates her own greeting cards.

That's Casey.

After, we met up with the other interns at the coffee shop and we all read and wrote letters for a while.

We then came home, ate, and now we are downstairs either on the computer or playing cards.

Jenna went to Colorado Springs for the day and night. I miss her.

I also miss my friends from home and Gainesville. Come visit me?

Or Maybe if someone wants to take a roadtrip to Colorado you can use my car. I need my car.

Laying Sod and Slicing Tomatoes

I hear Landscape Artists make a good living these days.

And now that I know how to lay sod, I think I can call myself a Landscape Artist.

Well, not quite but close enough. I laid the sod and cut the sod--and I have to say that beautiful, shiny green looks perfect.

I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

Also that morning, we had staff devotion. This year they want to make devotions a little more exciting. The devotion committee decided they would do what they do best..which is add humor. So Spencer asked the interns to do a little skit for devotion. Each of the interns had to poke fun of one of the older staff. I poked fun of Dina, who is an older woman who works in housekeeping. Now Dina is the sweetest lady but boy, does she talk your ear off. She is the first to tell you about all the camp gossip, and she even talks about family stuff--stuff that most people would keep private. But it is as if she has vomit of the mouth. It all comes out. All of us interns love it--because we will sit and talk for hours and actually start our day at 10 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. So I had to pretend I was late to devotion because I was following Dina to work but we both got stuck at a red light and she rolled down her window and started talking to me about all her brothers and sisters--which she is 1 of 10. And we sat in our cars for 45 minutes cause she couldn't stop talking.

They laughed-- a lot. Everyone knows she is a talker.

That night we had F.O.B--Fellowship of Believers. Intern Bible study night. This time we went to Tyson's house for dinner and his wife, Melanie made us dinner. They have a 18 month old son. Tyson is on staff as a maintenance guy. Him and Melanie met on E-Harmony. That came to a shock for all of us. But love is love--whether you find it in high school or through the World Wide Web.

I love F.O.B. nights. We are beginning to learn about the spiritual disciplines. We also talked about each of us picking a mentor for the year. I have someone in mind, but today I felt a bit anxious about it. Just worrying that we won't connect or that our relationship won't compare to the relationship with the intern she had last year. I just over-analyze everything. Typical of me.

I will try not to think about it too much.

Today, I was on Food Service. I really really enjoy Food Service. I like it because I am not always doing the same things. I like it because we get to listen to music all day. I like it because I get to cook. I like it because I get to talk with the others in the kitchen. I like it because we control the food--which is a big deal in a place like this.

After work, I went for a run and just having the mountains in front of me as I run is ridiculous--I wonder how did I get so lucky to live here for a year. But I am. And it is good.

Autumn Cookies and Coffee Talks

It has been a while since I last wrote. Sorry for keeping you waiting, Mom and Dad.

Let's be honest, they are the only two reading my blog. Which I am okay with. I love you and miss you.

Anyways, I had the weekend off and it was relaxing. We didn't do anything crazy. Jenna, Justin, Andrew and I went to "The Pub" in Winter Park and watched some college football...which was so great to finally be able to do that. It felt so good.

Although, the Gators barely won. And of course, I had to be spending the afternoon with an Arkansas local. But locally he was a great sport about it.

Jenna, Justin and I then went to a coffee shop and just sat and chatted for hours. It was such great conversation and we talked about all different types of things. I love listening to what people have to say. Their viewpoints. Their experiences. It allows me to broaden my own views.

On Sunday, we went to breakfast at the Wolf's and they took us to their church on Sunday. It was a church of older folks, but let me tell you, these older folks were so excited to see new faces. Some came up to us and just assured us that if we ever needed anything to not hesitate.

Small-town folk are so generous and open their homes to people like us. It is refreshing to see that kind of sincere kindness.

After church, I came home and found a nice spot on camp to go read, pray, and think. The spot I chose will probably be my go-to spot when I need some time alone. It is on the bridge that goes over a small stream. The sound of the stream and the view of the mountains makes it my perfect spot.

We also all went to eat chinese at the Pearl Dragon II. It was fun to eat out together. We hadn't done that yet.

Today, I had housekeeping, but I was able to go along with Guest Service guy, Pipes and do some projects with him. Like get the buoys out of the lake, which was much more difficult then we imagined. Then we went and took down the ropes course for the winter, which again took longer than we imagined.

The girls and I just came back from the Wingos'. We went to decorate Autumn cookies with them. They are so much fun. And I got there a little later then all the girls, and Bekah, their 9-year-old asked "Where is Gabi?" She has my heart.

That's Bekah.

I also got to read a bedtime story to Bekah and their 4-year-old, Autumn.

It is good to have a family next door and just have a real home away from home. A home with a family.

Tomorrow, I will be on landscape.

Certified Operator

I am officially a Certified Operator for high level ropes course.

Sounds professional, doesn't it?

I know I was pretty excited about it too.

Me on the trapeze jump platform.

Today, we had our test to get our certification. We had the written test in the morning and the technical stuff in the afternoon. We had to go through all different rescue scenarios, which can I say are quite invasive. You have to be straddling each other in mid-air. But like our instructor says "It is you that makes it awkward" but because I often laugh at uncomfortable situations--I do make it awkward.

Audrey Belaying on the "Just Right Descender"

Reid falling from the trapeze jump.

Yesterday night, we had dinner at the Wingos' for FOB-Fellowship of Believers study. Jannell made fresh, home-made dinner, which is always nice to have when you are far from home.

I love FOB nights. We all get to worship, pray, eat and discuss together.

Yesterday we discussed some articles that Brett Wingo gave us to read over. The articles were about how Jesus should be our teacher.

Christians so often just shorten up the Gospel into just the story of the Cross, which of course is ultimately what is the core of our Faith is-- but what about the person of Christ. Was He not one of the greatest historical figures, one of the greatest Rabbis that lived? Did He not do great and miraculous things for the people of His time? So why have we shortened up the Gospel into just the story of the Cross? We should be following Him even today and be His students even today.

Did you know that Jesus and Hillel were the only two Jewish Rabbis in history that went out to look for students and disciples to follow them. Every other Rabbi has students go and follow them. What does that say about our Lord...

He has chosen us.

Pretty huge, huh?

My God loves me. He chose me. And I will follow His ways.

Grace, Jenna, and I

Way Up High

My favorite animal is and has always been a monkey.

I now realize that it's probably because I envy their lives--they get to be up high all day and swing from tree to tree.

Oh, what a life.

Today, I was able to experience a little bit of the life of a monkey. We started our ropes course certification process. It is a 3 day process and we learn about all the small stuff about how to run a ropes course. We learned about carabiners and how to tie a knot. "Belay On" and "On Belay" are words that are part of our language.

It is so fun to be up so high.

It was also great to be all together again after being separated for 4 days. Being separated is not fun. I feel like I miss out on getting to know the others. Hopefully it doesn't create separation.

On my days off, Audrey, Grace and I went into town and then drove to the Rocky Mountain National Park. We drove through a small, cute town called Grand Lake. Then Audrey and I made dinner for the rest of the interns. We made a yummy asian fusion meal.

Yesterday night, the girls went to the hot springs. Two of the girls on staff took all the girl interns to the springs. It smelled terrible but it felt so great.

Now we are all about to eat dinner together.

Questions

I had so many questions coming into this year.

And the questions continue.

They are questions that I am scared to hear or discover the answer. But they are questions that I need to ask myself and questions I need to ask others.

I constantly am questioning who I am and where will life take me. But at the end of the day I really have no control over what happens in my life. Sure I may decide whether I want to have a granola bar or popcorn...but can I decide whether I break an arm?

So these questions that linger inside me are transforming from little whirlwinds into big old twisters--but I only hope these questions will lead me to clarity.

A clear mind. A clear heart. A clear soul.

I know you may be wondering what on earth is she questioning? But these are the questions that I will keep inside me until I am able to answer confidently.

This then leads me to my next set of questions. These questions I will and can share.

Questions, such as--if I say this will my roommates think differently of me? Or think any less of me? Do I need to censor myself because of how someone will perceive me? Can I be myself?

Why do I worry about what people think anyway? At what age or point in my life will it not matter anymore?

Do any of you out there have the answer?

If you do, please let me know...

Wowsers

Who ever said working is fun--is lying.

Oh wait. No one said working was fun.

Don't get me wrong, I love what I am doing and absolutely love the people I am working with, but it was the exhaustion that got to me this weekend.

Today, was the last day of my Food Service Hostess rotation for this month. I think things will get much easier once I get adjusted. But I had a few hiccups during my role as Hostess this weekend. For example, I accidentally put all the wrong linens on the tables, and I realized it once all the tables were set. I was too embarrassed to say anything to my Work Crew and just waited for them to leave so that I could just change it all myself. But there were two guys that were lingering around the dining hall, and I knew if I waited until they left I would never finish before dinner. So I started and they just laughed at me and helped me change the table linens. Thank God for them.

I was so lucky to have a wonderful Work Crew. They did their job--and they did it great.

There was a young, 18 year-old girl, Lily, that was on my Work Crew, and she just proved to me once again that I am supposed to work with high school kids. They hold part of my heart--especially young kids that come from bad neighborhoods, low-income families, and minorites.

Well, Lily was telling me about how her parents split up a year and a half ago and how it has been so hard. She moves back and forth between her mom and dad, and she is the oldest sibling. She has moved around all her life and hasn't had a close group of friends. I just wanted to squeeze her and reassure her that life goes on but to know God is good.

But besides my little hiccups and first time jitters, I enjoyed taking a leadership role. Sort of.

I have been having good conversation lately. Well, I wouldn't exactly call it good-- it is more of conflict conversation. But you all know I like a good argument.

I am standing firm. I am expressing what I believe. And I am going to stick to it.

God loves me no matter what I believe and what I ultimately believe in is love. God's commandment is love me above all us and love your neighbors--and that is what I will do.

A Change

The start of something new.

Today, I was trained to be the Food Service Hostess, which I was and still am a bit nervous about. I am in charge of feeding people.

When it comes to food and high school kids--things can get ugly if not done well.

I had a morning to myself. Started off with a run with Grace, and we came across a deer that just stood in front of us but quickly pounced away. Then did a few things around the house and got ready for work.

I finished with all my duties, and then went into Winter Park for a sale they call "Ski Swamp Sale." It is quite intense--you had to pay to just get into the store. That's bogus. But I did get some good buys out of it.

Yesterday, we had all staff prayer morning. It was great to be able to pray for Young Life all over the country and world. That night we also had intern Bible Study at the Wingo's. Every Thursday night a family will cook us dinner and then we will all have Bible Study. We also get the opportunity to choose a mentor, and meet with them every week. All these things excite me.

I miss my friends a whole lot. But I am loving my new friends.

Until Next Time...

Smokey Air

Long and exhausting day--so I will keep it short and sweet.

After babysitting the five Wingo Kids, we finished off with a fire and smores.

Goodnight all.

First of Many

They don't come around very often--but boy, are they great. Days off that is.

Woke up for a morning run--which let me just say is not like running in Miami. And then nine of us went into Granby--a town 15 miles outside of where we are.

We went on a mission to buy Carhartts, which are working overalls. They are quite popular up here. I also look like I am about to go cut down some lumber--it is quite glamorous.

We had lunch in town and then went thrift store shopping--and thrift store shopping in little towns is like finding gold. They're are so many treasures.

We also met a singing dog on our trip to Granby. They do things a bit differently out here...

The boys then left us half way through our shopping day. And we continued to go to a few more places back in Fraser.

After a long day of shopping, we came back home all tried on our new Carhartts, ate dinner and got ready to go to the hot tub. Being in a hot tub in freezing cold temperature is a great idea in theory, but in reality it is absolutely terrible. Because you forget you have to walk to your car wet.

But we survived.

The sky was beautiful tonight--stars covering the sky and a big, bright moon. I love that I can finally see complete starry nights without the disruption of city pollution.

It is refreshing. And a masterpiece.

I'm learning a lot out here. Learning about living in the cold. Learning about living with 9 other people. Learning about other people's experiences. Learning to be patient.

And I love listening to other people--to their stories, to their hearts, to their wisdom. Even if you don't always agree with all of them.

God has provided so much while I have been out here. Especially with my funding. I was so scared that I wasn't going to be able to raise all the funding, but the people that have given have been so generous. So thank you for allowing this opportunity to be possible.

Until next time...