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.