This is LA VIDA

Last summer I received a letter from Gordon informing me of one of my options for a mandatory zero credit course. The first one seemed like fun. It was just a quad course on campus participating in outdoor stuff, as well as a weekend camping trip. However, the second one seemed like it was for me. Here's what it said:

These expeditions provide wilderness-based experiences that encourage exploration of one's personal relationship and commitment to Jesus Christ in the context of Christian community.... The program begins on Gordon's Wenham campus and travels to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. This six-million-acre preserve--roughly the size of Massachusetts, with sparkling mountain streams, quiet lakes, challenging peaks and plenty of space for solitude and reflection--creates the perfect environment for growth, adventure, self-discovery and growing deeper with God.... The supportive, small-group environment will encourage you to achieve more than you ever dreamed possible, but will allow you to accept your challenges on a "challenge by choice" basis.

So basically, I was required to spend two weeks backpacking in the Adirondack Mountains with a group of my friends. We would have lots of quite time in the wilderness, focus on community, see the BEAUTIFUL creation, do high and low rope courses, do REAL rock climbing (not the indoor gym stuff that I'm used to), and HIKE! How much fun! And I like the outdoors, so how hard could it be?

Well we did all of those things and it was AMAZING. I cannot even express how incredible the trip was. The only part I was wrong about was that it wouldn't be that hard. It was one of the most physically intense times of my life. (The only thing that came close to it was hiking the Grand Canyon... which I hadn't even done yet!) I had a 50 pound pack that I had to lug up and down multiple mountains, every muscle in my body hurt, I was always exhausted! Despite all of that... I still would do it over again.

First of all, the community was great! There were 10 students (5 girls, 5 guys... all of us had just finished our Freshman year at Gordon) and 2 "Sherpas" (our leaders... Lindsey had just graduated from Gordon and Eric had graduated a few years before, but still flew back to Gordon every summer to lead trips--I hope to do this some summer before I graduate). We all became so close and learned to trust each other quickly. It was such a great experience! We all had to be completely genuine with each other, which is why I think we became so close.

Spiritually, the trip was amazing. I cannot go into detail about what I learned because I learned so much! God taught me so much about who I am and what He has in store for me. Every day we were given time for personal devotions. In addition, I got into some amazing conversations with some of my hiking buddies. It is just so cool to see God working in everyone's life. The most influential part about the trip was my solo. We had a 48 solo (60 hour fast) that we spent in the woods. We were given our designated areas and we had to set up our own camp. For two days I did not have interaction with any humans (except when my sherpas brought me water twice a day... but we did not talk). I sat on a rock by a little pond or under my tarp in the woods. All I had was my Bible and a journal (plus stuff for sleeping and warmth of course). I have never felt so much peace in my life. It was so hard to be alone. However, after awhile I did not feel alone at all. I completely felt the presence of my Savior who was there just hanging out with me. It was so incredible. I wish I could explain how I felt, but I really can't. So I just suggest that someday you make the time to do the same thing. Two days (or whatever works for you) without human interaction, just worshiping and fellowshipping with your Lord.

Anyways... it was neat to hear about others experiences after we returned from our solo and broke our silence as well as our fast. (We were all pretty quite while we were eating). After the solo, we hiked out and went to base camp were all of the La Vida groups met. We had some down time and fellowshipped as a large group. The next morning we did a 8 mile run. I wasn't totally recovered from my fast and I never run that much! It was hard! Although, it was not as hard as I thought. I guess I put on a LOT of muscle during the hike. :)

There is so much more I could say... but basically it was "the life". I did not want to come home. Before the trip I missed my family and friends. However, I got so used to no cell phone, internet, distractions, and an AMAZING community... so I simply wanted to stay in the wilderness forever. But I guess I wouldn't be very effective if I did that, would I? :) And I was ready to take a shower. After 12 days without a shower... oh man was that nice! :)

Here are some more pictures of La Vida.