Wow!! I know this isn't about Kennedy, but I couldn't help but write about my trip to Salida, CO. Myself, along with Alisha Berry and Kevin Thomas, took 8 teens from Central Illinois to Salida, CO for Wilderness Trek. We met up with a group of 11 from the North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro, TN. I wasn't quite sure that I wanted to share our time on the mountain with a group we didn't know, but I am confident that God had a great plan in mind. Our two groups became one within the first night at low camp.
The first day was supposed to be about rappelling, but God had a different plan...called hail. It hailed soooo hard and we all got very wet. Not exactly a great way to start the week. I thought most of the kids would be upset, but their attitudes were great. After that, God really started to work on our hearts. Despite being from different youth groups, we shared our struggles and messes in our spiritual lives. We prayed for each other, and kept dry from all of the rain we encountered. We spent 3 hrs. by ourselves to pray, read, sing...whatever. Then we made out summit attempt on Mt. Shavano (14, 229 ft.) We started at 5:30 AM, and made the unbelievable journey. All 24 of us made it to the top. Despite knee injuries, fainting, and throwing up, we ALL made it, and it was beautiful. The view was great, but seeing how God blessed all of us was the beautiful part. Alone, I never would have made it.
On the last night, we had our final devo. After a week of tearing down barriers and walls, we spent over 3 hours building each other up. We almost left (for an 18 hr. drive) but decided to stay. I'm so glad we did. That devo took the trip from great to an unbelievable spiritual experience.
I know this was longer than normal, but oh well.
By the way...it was great to not have to dig a hole this morning :)
