Monday, May 19, 2008

Preparing for the Summer

Rock Climbing training at Mt. Erie.



Map and Compass Training with Dave Taylor.










Wednesday, May 14, 2008

"anticipation"


Its hard to believe that training weekends are in full swing, and another summer at Beyond is hurdling towards us at what feels like light speed. I can feel the butterflies in my stomach coming to life as this season of preparation takes over the majority of my thoughts and daily agenda. I am told that the anticipation of an experience, as well as its memory hold just as much value as the experience itself, and as I think through my season at Beyond last year, and anticipate the months to come, my nerves are overruled by gratitude and grateful expectation. A few weeks ago I shared honestly with the returning staff my sense of dread over the challenges ahead, of inadequacy for the task, of fear and even of faithlessness. But how easily I forget that when surrendered, these are the mountains tops that God speaks from, the mountain tops from which He shouts out His adequacy and His faithfulness. I am excited to be returning to Beyond. There is a privilege to responsibility and I feel like I am standing before a burning mountain of potential - waiting, expecting, hoping to be a part of the great work God will do in the hearts of people. Today as I studied my topo and visualized the routes it was hard not to be giddy with anticipation; hard not to tremble at the reality of risk in all its forms.I so look forward to the beauty of Beyond. I look forward to the physical hard work of it, as well as the hard work of honesty, community, simplicity. I look forward to taking a few more teetering steps in the direction of authentic relationship, and towards a belief that God really does love us - a lot!