A Week of Endurance

I love hiking. The ability to be outside and to keep going even when its hard creates a sense of accomplishment nothing else can bring. Or very few things that is.


The week of June fifth came and the time to push myself to complete the Resurrection Trail came in a heartbeat. At times it was hard to keep going, other times it was nothing but joy while in the end it all ended up being an accomplishment that said "You did it. You kept putting one foot in front of the other even when it was hard. You made it." Nothing beats that feeling.


It all began with the weighing of the backpacks. To hear that your backpack weighs 37 pounds and you have to hike at least 10 miles a day really opens your eyes to the pain you will feel. A little futurism here, go for 20 pounds or less. I started that day with nothing but ease until five miles became seven and seven miles became nine. Pain was oozing out of every pore and I had to keep up the endurance to keep going. And let me tell you, I did! Until I arrived at the camp site with my fellow hikers where we all tore off our backpacks ready for rest. But it didn't end there. First we set up our tents. Finally the two hour nap could begin. We ended the day with seven o'clock chapel which was nothing but a blast. Our speaker was amazing!


The second day is said to be the hardest day. Eleven miles and that was where the elevation was gained. Let me tell you, I had my nerves worked up. I was scarred to death. I thought I was going to die because everyone told me it was the worst day. I stayed up late with worked up nerves for nothing. I can't say it was extremely easy but it wasn't completely hard. It met right in the middle. The first and second day were nothing but keeping up the endurance to go a few more miles and in the end its a lot easier than you thought it would be.


On the third day we hiked just a few miles more and we landed at Swan Lake where we got to rest the rest of the night and also the next day. That day of rest was glorious! I got to sit around relax and hang out with friends. I had the opportunity to thank God for getting me through the first three days and to help us to get through the next two. God sure is good. And all the time God is good.


Waking up at seven o'clock we packed up and headed out for another eight miles. Let me tell you, it was so easy! I loved it because it wasn't to flat and not to steep. It was just right! We settled into our camp and met for our last seven o'clock chapel. Boy, our pastor had nothing but good sermons up his sleeves. He catches the minds of teens but still allows them to think and stay connected. He's a great teacher.


On this day we hiked out. Depression seeped into my veins as I realized this is the end. This is where I cross the finish line and say I did it. This is where I complete the very thing that helps me to stay connected to God and go back to everyday life. I want to thank God for getting me through it. For answering my prayers and helping my dad and friends. I also want to thank the leaders of the group who were continuously encouraging and helpful. Its amazing how much God is with you when your alone in the wild where its quiet, where you can think and pray. Thank God!!!

It was through this trip as well that I discovered I want to be a missionary. I want to spread the word of God to those who don't know it. I want to teach people of the grace and mercy of God. Of all the great things Christ can do for you. I want to be a teacher. So, recently I've been trying to find a good mission trip to go on and how I can raise the money. I will be working hard at a job I'm trying to get, I'm going to mow the lawn for a friend, and try to find other ways I can make money. Donations are totally welcome! I don't want to feel like a needy girl asking everyone under the sun for money but this mission trip is so important to me! I'm hoping to turn it into my career after high school. I have the chance to go to college through the Nazarene Church District to become a missionary. I would love to do it. Spreading the word of God is so important to me and its something I've always done. Either helping kids through rough spots or giving them advice. So I feel this is a good way to truly grow in what I love to do.

Thank you all for reading my blog! Spread the word and know God is good! God Bless!!!