Our Second Week

     The pace is picking up!  We were busier this week and it was fun.  I'll give a day by day recap.  This isn't everything but I'll give you the highlights.  I hope it isn't too much but life here is very full.

Monday, April 23 - We took the time, after prayer meeting, to clean the cabin and do laundry.  It took us about 1 hour to clean the entire cabin.  We visited Challenge Course 1 (there are 5 challenge courses with varying activities) with Elder Edwards, he and his wife are the Team Leaders for Challenge Courses.

OH MY GOODNESS,  It took my breath away when we saw the zip line.  You are harnessed and climb a 30 foot notched log which is free hanging.  In other words it swings while you climb.  When you reach the top you cross on a 50 foot, half inch cable to what is called the eagles nest.  (top center of the picture) The eagles nest is a platform which measures approximately 3 foot square.  NO sides JUST out in the open!!!!  From the eagles nest you hold on and zip line about 50 yards until you come to a stop and climb down a ladder to the blessed ground.

Smith Pavilion

Monday evening was a Family Home Evening social in the large indoor pavilion in Camp Smith.  We call it, therefore, the Smith Pavilion.  It is used often for gatherings and I will probably mention it often.  All 68 couples were in attendance plus the Stake Priesthood leaders, Camp Leadership, Young Women Leaders with the responsibility for Heber Valley Camp and Brother Leetch, a member of the Seventy.  There was so much visiting and laughing it was hard to hear and be heard.   Everyone is so happy and enthusiastic.

Tuesday, April 24 we met at the Timberlake Chapel (off the mountain) at 8 am and began our Mini-MTC (Missionary Training Conference)  It went until 5 pm with an hour break for lunch and ending with a delicious dinner.  We listened to talks by nine leadership people and basically learned A LOT about HVC.   One of my favorite quotes was:

 "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes a quest, in that moment God will endow us with power"   Pres. Ezra Taft Benson

Moving "Toxic" Waste - Can't spill a drop.

Wednesday, April 25 was so much fun.  All morning we learned simple challenge course games.  They require team work and thought and we accomplished what seemed impossible.  Can't wait to share them when we get home.  In the afternoon we moved from classroom to classroom and started learning about different assignment possibilities.   This continued through Thursday also.  The possibilities are:

Physical Facilities and Property Management, 

Challenge Course, 

Camp Hosting, 

Support Services, 

Legacy Lake, 

Service Projects, 

and 

Public Health and Safety.   

They all are busy assignments and essential to running the camp each day.  Needless to say, our brains were buzzing by Thursday evening when we received our assignment.     
Gulp, Challenge Course.  WOW!  We will work with 50 girls each AM and PM Monday - Thursday.  On the weekends we will work with families.   I may spend my summer in the eagles nest helping terrified young women go down the zip line.  And Mike will, most likely, belay.  This adds a new meaning to challenge.
We are so excited to have this assignment.  We will work with girls and help them to see their potential and to rise above their fears and, hopefully, return home with more confidence in themselves and faith in their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Friday, April 27 we woke up to an inch of snow and spent the morning with EMTs learning about 911, First Aid and CPR, burns, breaks, shock, heart attacks (AEDs)  With 5,000 individuals a week (girls, leaders and families) we will, without a doubt, encounter some of these.  Please pray for the safety of those who visit Heber Valley Camp.

Saturday, April 28 they scheduled a full day of ATV training and we felt we had enough experience that we, instead, spent the day in Salt Lake City with Sheri, George, Ella, Preston and Benson. We visited the new City Creek Mall and Temple Square.

 Saturday evening was Benson's First Birthday Party in Draper.   Serving a mission and being with family.   It doesn't get better than that.

Sunday, April 29 we met for church in Heber City from 10 am - 1 pm.  I have been called to be the Relief Society Pianist.  I can handle that.  In fact, I really enjoy it.
At 3:00 we all met at the Smith Pavilion for the weekly potluck.  With so many good cooks and delicious dishes we need to be very careful.  Hopefully, calories burn faster at higher altitudes.
We're heading out on an ATV ride.