Week Number 20

The Challenge Courses are really winding down.  We only had one session during the week but we were booked full all weekend.

We had time to go on a long, beautiful hike through the camp on Tuesday.  We hiked across a small stream and through thick aspen trees.  This mountain is truly amazing, quiet, and tranquil. 

On our P-day we took a long drive.  We drove 45 miles to Mirror Lake and to Provo Falls which are close to the mouth of the Provo River.

Mike at Mirror Lake - Elevation 10,800 ft.

Provo Falls

Down stream from the falls

We really want to take our grand-kids to these falls and play with them in the water downstream!  The water must be about 40 degrees but kids were having a fun time playing in it.

The same day we also took a drive along a dirt road in the mountains across the valley from Heber Valley Girls Camp.  We drove from Midway on the North to Aspen Grove and Provo Canyon on the South.  Probably 40 miles.  SO MUCH FUN!

We helped inventory camp supplies on Wednesday morning.  So, we did some service.  This next week will see a lot more work around the camp. 

LESSON LEARNED THIS WEEK:
God's creations are spectacular!  Nothing man made in this world can compare to them.

Week Number 19

Heber Valley Girls Camp is slowing down.  School has started so there aren't many family reunions scheduled.  We have a few but we will now be starting on different assignments.  Cabins need to be painted, and the entire camp needs to be made ready for winter.

I thought I'd post a few photos of our Challenge Course 5.  It has been so much fun serving on this course.

Our shady spot

The picture doesn't do it justice but this is our shady spot under huge pine trees.  We sit here to eat, visit and prepare between sessions of guests on the swing.  On hot sunny days it provides a cool, shady, almost cave like place to sit.  LOVE IT.

Helmets and Harnesses

This is how our harnesses and helmets are hung ready to be put on the guests before they fly high on our swing.  In the back ground in our shady spot.

Challenge Course 5 Sand box

For the children who are not using the swing (and sometimes parents) we have a sandbox.  Mike once saw 14 children playing in it at one time.  This is a popular spot.

We went to Provo on our P-day, Wednesday to attend BYU Education Week.  We usually spend the entire week going to classes.  This year we were able to attend three classes on Wednesday afternoon.

                                      We learned so much in those three classes. 

As I write this, Chad, Sloan, Jessica, Rachel and Tanner or flying over the Pacific Ocean on their way to Guam.  They are excited - as they should be - but I will miss them and, of course, I will worry about them because --  I worry.
At least Reed is here attending the Y so we will see him often.

LESSON LEARNED THIS WEEK: 
              Normal does not exist.  In this life we need to be faithful and flexible.

Week Number 18

    This was our last week having Young Women at camp.  We will miss them.

     We had a weekend full of family reunions.  We were busy from morning until night.  Our Challenge Course is a favorite for families.  Children love the swing.   Anyone 3 years old and older can swing.

     This week we helped a 91 year old great-grandpa swing.  He went all the way to the top!   He had such an amazing attitude.  He was cheerful and ready for a new experience.   I knew he was secure and safe but the initial drop can and does take your breath away.  I was holding my breath the whole time.

     We also helped a young woman who was blind to ride the swing.  She had a wonderful time.  Imagine the trust it takes to be pulled up 40 feet and let go of your security strap so that you dropped down until you start swinging.   In complete darkness!!

     This evening we went on a long ATV ride with 2 other couples.  The ATV trails here at camp are amazing!  There are some over looks that make you feel you're on top of the world.

     I want to find new and interesting events to share each week but some weeks are pretty much the same as all the others.

Lesson learned this week:
     Enjoy each day no matter what it brings.  It's your attitude that keeps you young and opens up the opportunity for new experiences.

Week Number 17

This week was full of Young Women Camps.  The camp takes on a whole personality of it's own when the Young Women are here.  They are so full of energy! 

We also had our cabin re-stained on Friday and Saturday.  We had to be up and out by 6:30 each morning and on Friday we weren't needed on course until 3:30. At least on Saturday we were on course by 8:15 am.

Starting work at 6:30 am

spraying our cabin

 Since we had eight hours on Friday morning we decided to go to the Timpanogos Temple.  It was a wonderful experience except I "misplaced" Mike for about two hours.  I waited in the chapel while he hurried into the 8:00 am session.  The temple workers and security were searching for him until we figured out where he was.  He did a session and I was able to enjoy some quiet time.  When we met up again we did some sealings.  No matter what you do in the temple you spend your time in peace and quiet while serving.  It was a wonderful morning.

Mount Timpanogos Temple

Lesson Learned This Week:
We had a reason this week to go to the Lord in prayer and ask for His help.  It was a time of need and we are so grateful for the knowledge of His love and our ability to approach Him with faith that He will hear our prayers.  
I also learned that as we pray to our Heavenly Father we need to feel worthy to ask for His help.  Since we never know when the need will arise we must live each hour of each day to feel that worthiness.