Summit Ministries

This afternoon, I was asked by one of the staff members I was chatting with if I would mind writing for today's blog. I happily accepted. Little did I know that tonight, as I write and look back on the day's and evening's events it would be the best day at Summit I have had thus far. Today has truly included my most refreshing, meaningful, and inspiring experiences.
Over the past few days, I have been dealing with a bit of a head cold: runny nose, sore throat, coughing, uncomfortable ear pressure... all of the above! The nurse's station have been very kind and accommodating. They've monitored my temperature, offered me medication I needed, given me vitamin supplements, advised me to rest and eat well, and have asked me how I am feeling whenever they see me around the building. Their hospitality has certainly helped as I awoke this morning feeling slightly better. However, it was our activities this afternoon that made me feel SO refreshed! After our morning sessions in the classroom and a good lunch, we left for Bear Creek Park which is near Manitou Springs. When we arrived at the park I decided to play a little volleyball even though I didn't feel completely up to it. I ended up playing for several hours! We all spent the day in the beautiful park doing various activities such as reading, lounging in the shade or sun, napping, playing football, volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, or baseball. The bit of exercise, the gorgeous mountains, warm sun, and crisp wind completely refreshed me. By the time we'd finished our barbecue at the park in the evening my symptoms were nearly gone!
The time at the park today was extremely meaningful to me because I had such a great time with the people I've met here. The girls I sit closest to in the classroom are also my three roommates as well as three of the six members in my small group. Having these fun, insightful, and encouraging girls around has truly made the experience so much more meaningful. One of my roommates told me today that she feels so blessed to have Sarah, Liz and myself as her roommates. She couldn't have said anything more completely aligned with my own feelings about them.
This evening, after we returned from the park, we listened to one of the most inspiring speakers I have ever heard. His name is Mike Haley and he spoke on the topic of homosexuality. He informed us about the persistent homosexual agenda and provided us with a method of responding to it. He also advised us on how to respond to homosexuals with Christian charity. Mr. Haley's credibility certainly allowed him to speak about this topic - he is a former homosexual. It is hard to describe his presentation because my words certainly can't do justice in sharing the amazing message he gave us. He taught us that as Christians, we have a very unique and special duty in how we respond to these people. We can either use our energy to push them further them from a heterosexual lifestyle or we can love them as people and take the opportunity to support them as they struggle against sin just as we do
I am so grateful for my time here at Summit. I only wish that so many people I know could have the refreshing, meaningful, and inspiring experiences I have had. I can't wait to share everything I've learned!