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...

All for one and one for all

Sundays and Mondays are dedicated to Housekeeping, which means that all 10 of us are in charge of cleaning. And yes, that means cleaning toilets, showers, doing laundry, and folding sheets and towels. I know most of you may be asking what is the correct way of folding a fitted sheet. Well, let us thank Young Life for showing me the proper way and when I come back home, I will show each of you. It is quite fascinating.

I never thought I would enjoy cleaning toilets and folding sheets as much as I do. But I have to thank my father for this. I guess his OCD came in handy after all.

Thanks pops--You would be proud.

Audrey and Jenna in the Washboard.

My hands don't allow me to leave a single spec of junk on those toilets and not one crinkle on those folded sheets. Which is great--until everyone is waiting for you to finish.

Maybe that is something God is teaching me...

Letting go. Not always having to make everything look so perfect. Leaving some of that junk behind...

Housekeeping days may become my favorite though because it is a time where all of the interns get to spend time together and work together. Who knew folding sheets could possibly bring 10 young kids together. It is also a time where I can think and sing..and scrub.

This morning, I woke up to what felt like a blizzard. Most Coloradians (a word I am sure doesn't exist) would think I am crazy for thinking this is anywhere near a blizzard. But it has been snowing pretty hard all day long, which is pretty intense.

Tonight, we are having a "Brinner," a word I had never heard of. It is breakfast for dinner--I just call that Denny's.

Jenna and Grace will be our chefs for this evening.

And now I would like to introduce you to my new 9 friends:

Jenna from Austin, TX. Favorite Cereal: Captain Crunch Berries.

Grace from Tulsa, OK. Favorite Cereal: Cinnamon Life.

Audrey from Atlanta, GA. Favorite Cereal: Frosted Mini Wheaties.

Casey from San Fran Area. Favorite Cereal: "Oh My Gosh...My Favorite Cereal? It would have to be Raisin Bran Crunch."

Alyse from Greenville, SC. Favorite Cereal: Lucky Charms.

Andrew from Tulsa, OK. Favorite Cereal: Captain Crunch.

Reid from somewhere in Washington. Favorite Cereal: Cocoa Pebbles

Steebo from Macon, GA. Favorite Cereal: Lucky Charms.

Justin from Arkansas. Favorite Cereal: Captain Crunch Berries.

Home

Weird to think that this is the place I will call home for the next year. Sometimes I think a year is forever and other times it's nothing. Either way--this is home.

Yesterday was such a fun but an exhausting day. I went from 11-11 with a break in the middle. The first part of the day, I was running the ropes course. So fun. I was at the "trapeze" station, which is where you jump off a post in the tree about 35 feet hight and try and catch the bar that is about 5 feet in front of you, and you are belayed down. Of course, I think it is the funniest thing when people are freaking out up there and are so scared to jump off the post. It is the best part of my day...but what is even better is when they actually take that step and jump!

The second part of the day was a bit rougher. Me and one of the other interns were on guest services so we had to just make sure everything was running smoothly and make sure everything was set up for the guests for their night time activities. It wasn't difficult just tiresome. When I got back to the intern house, I showered and went right to bed.

I think about you guys. All of you guys--my friends and family. Just wishing you can be here with me.

Wishing you can see all the great things about this place...

I get to laugh. a lot. I get to think. a lot. I get to be me.

And I like that.

Until next time...

From the City to the Mountains.

As I am in the car driving towards Crooked Creek Ranch, the place I will be living for the next year, and the snow is falling hard and the roads are icey-- I ask myself what did I get myself into.

Is this Miami girl really ready for the below zero temperatures? Is she ready for the hard blizzards and "mud season"?

Well the answer is probably not, but I wouldn't be me if I didn't absolutely love a good challenge. So here I am in our intern house with the view of snowy, lush mountains knowing that I got one hell of a year in front of me.

Excitement fills me. Excitement for the challenges, the growth, the work, the community, the summer, the skiing, the friendships, the outdoor stuff, and for the unknown.

I know my human self has been filled in the last year--as I find myself the happiest I have ever been. And that happiness came from finally accepting and loving the person I have become. I have the best of friends and the greatest family who support me beyond belief. I have so many people supporting me through this experience and I want to give you all a HUGE thank you!

So yes, my human self has been filled but I anticipate God filling my spiritual self.

BUT, I am scared. Scared of being so far away from home without any friends or family (Don't forget about me guys). I am scared of the things most people are scared of when going into a new place--not fitting in, not being accepted, not being understood. And I am especially scared of the winter....

But let's not talk about that because it truly terrifies me.

It is our second official day of work today. I don't go into work until 11 a.m. Mountain Time ( I like saying that ;) ) but I don't get off until 11 p.m. so it will definitely be a long day. But I really like working, it makes me feel accomplished--let's see if I am still saying that 5 months from now.

But our first day we got here and I met all the rest of the interns. There are 10 of us. Six girls and four boys. We all live in a three floor house. The girls have the upstairs, boys have the downstairs, and there is the "basement" on the bottom which is like our "play room." The boys and girls have there own kitchen, living area and bathrooms. I will post pictures of our house soon.

We all started unpacking, and then had dinner with the rest of the staff and played games to get to know each other.

Then the next morning we had orientation and basically a brief of what our job was for the weekend. I am on Guest Services, and I will be running the ropes course and just being on call for anything that needs to be done on camp or for the guests. Of course, I tell them that I was once ropes certified. Mind you that was like 5 years ago. I took like an hour class on it with Mallory. Ha Ha..so obviously it wasn't anything intense.

But I am up there in the trees on the ropes course, and we are all harnessed in. But they are teaching me and I am doing it all wrong. I am taking off their carabiner (the metal hook that is attached to all the lines in the trees so that basically if you fall you won't die) Well, I of course, am unhooking people before I re-hook them to the next line. And Ray, who is the Guest Service coordinator is so nervous that I am going to kill someone and I am just cracking up the entire time. I just loved every second of it. But everyone survived and hopefully I won't kill any of the guests today cause today we are running the ropes course for the group.

Also yesterday after work, me and one of the other interns went mountain biking. AND I about died going up-hill. I thought my heart was about to pop out of my chest, but of course I loved it, and it was so beautiful. Hopefully, I will come back a pro biker, skier, and hiker.

So that one was a long one post..but thank you for reading and caring enough about me to read my blog. I love you, and until next time...

Hebrews 2: 1

"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."