Wilderness Trek 2009

Summer 2009 has been a crazy one. Between teaching full-time at Circle of Support (teaching 5 different classes and grade levels which meant a lot of planning), plugging away at summer classes for the Master Reading Teacher certification, and trying to transition jobs and districts...I've been a little overwhelmed. Back in the spring, I agreed to chaperone a group of Central Dallas kids to Wilderness Trek in Colorado. As the week grew closer, I was excited for the opportunity to visit my favorite place in the world (Colorado!) but not so thrilled about the timing as I was just so swamped with everything going on. However, looking back over the week, I now see that I began the trip with the absolutely wrong attitude. I went into the week thinking about "my time, my schedule, my inconveniences" or even how "I" was going to enjoy Colorado and how "I" wanted to hike another mountain, etc.etc. How I was humbled this week! Over and over I was reminded that the Trek experience has very little to do with hiking and backpacking or being in Colorado and everything to do with what we learn and how we grow, and as an adult, how we can support the kids as they are stretched, challenged, and pushed, both physically and spiritually.

Although this was not my first experience with Trek, it was just as powerful. I was just amazed at the peace of mind and stillness of heart that I felt throughout the week. All the thoughts and pressures that constantly attack my mind at home seemed so impossibly far away. This is a week that definitely brings out both the best and worst in me. In ways, I felt I found myself (the "me" God intended) again, and in other ways, I saw so clearly the areas that are still so lacking (patience, generosity, gentleness). But more important was the astounding growth I saw in the kids. Our guides were wonderful and led such thought-provoking devotionals each day and painted such powerful spiritual parallels that I feel really took root not only in my mind, but in the kids' minds as well. Although this can be so physically challenging, the struggle is often much deeper within. I was so proud of the growth I saw in the kids as they stepped up as leaders, looked within themselves, pushed themselves, and encouraged each other all the way to the top and down. I know many were touched in countless ways this week...I was!