Vail Summer Project 2008

Hello, Friends!

I've decided that this is probably the easiest way to keep EVERYONE updated on the happenings in Vail.

So far, its been an incredible experience. I never thought any place could be as gorgeous as Vail is! For cereal. The town is surrounded by mountains (even ones with snow on the top!). This whole town is just so breathtaking. I was a little discouraged when I first saw the town because I did not think we would have a lot of work to do here since it is so apparent that God is very present in Vail. However, it turns out that Vail is pretty much spiritually dead. It breaks my heart that a town surrounded by such incredible beauty could have such a hard time believing. But I guess thats why we're here :)

Its been rough trying to get used to the altitude. We are 8,150 feet above sea level! The only good thing about that is the view. I've slowly been getting used to being up so high, though.

All the people I have met on this trip (theres about forty of us) are so wonderful. We have all bonded pretty well so far. I LOVE my three roommates! We usually end the nights playing card games or watching something on TV together. We just have so much fun hanging out. Also, we were split up into smaller groups called "Families." Its just another way of getting to know people here. Once a week we have dinner together as a family, and we have a Bible study together. The first time we got together, our Family had to share our life story, which turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the trip so far. We were all so much closer afterwards, and shared a group hug! :)! God has done amazing things in the lives of my family members. It was so encouraging hearing everyone's testimony.

We've partnered up with the Vail Church and have met the most amazing people there. The people there have such big hearts for everyone who remains in the valley during the summer.

The TEVA games were the past weekend. The games are like a mini olympics for outdoor sports. People from all over the world came to compete in different kayaking, biking, running, and bouldering events. Everyone on project had so much fun being there, getting free stuff, and getting to talk to people from different parts of the world. I was able to talk to one of the men competing in the free style kayaking competetion. We were talking for almost an hour and he invited me to watch him in the competetion the next day. It was pretty marvelous being able to watch him compete, even if he didnt win.

One accomplishment I've made on this trip is being able to initiate conversations with people. Twice a week we got out to Vail Village to share our faith with people there. At first, the idea of it made me so nervous because I do not feel comfortable at all sharing my faith. But, after the first night I had started conversations with anyone who was in my path. I just love hearing where everyone is coming from! Now I'm excited every night we get to go out.

Another amazing experience here in Vail was being able to hike up this beastly mountain. Yes, mountain. It does not qualify as anything less than a mountain. Everyone on project was seriously pushing themselves to make it to the top of the trail. Only through God were able to get to the top. For cereal. At the top was an Aspen Tree Grove. It was so gorgeous! We were able to watch the sunset from on top...I just keep falling more and more in love with God on this trip! He just makes so many beautiful things and we are so blessed here to be able to witness it.

On our way down from the mountain, it started SNOWING on us. I know that my peeps in Connecticut are going through a heat wave right now, but I'm sitting in Vail SHIVERING. Seriously, it can get so cold here. It was snowing this morning too. Some people were sent home from work early because of the snow.

Speaking of work....I got a job at the Evergreen Lodge as a waitress in the Altitude Cafe and working the front desk. While I'm not getting too many hours right now, I should be getting more next week. I love it there. Sorry, Kasieb, but it is so much better than JCPenney. I really feel like this is the place where God wants me. This summer we're focusing on reaching out to our coworkers, and there are some people in serious need of love at the Evergreen Lodge. Hopefully, I'll be back at work tomorrow.

Everything about Vail has just been so marvelous, wonderful, fantastic, and splendid! I cannot believe how much more I've fallen in love with God. Its just every moment I'm in awe by all the beauty that is in the valley here. God is so present in Vail! I've learned how to trust God more and just know that He will take care of me. Renewing my relationship with Him is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. :)

Well, friends, I think that pretty much catches you all up on what has happened so far in Vail. I'll be sure to keep you all updated as more happens.

I miss you, friends!