Summit Ministries

Hello everybody! We students of Session 6 are having so much fun here at the Summit!

Yesterday, we all arrived at the beautiful Summit Hotel after a ride through very narrow streets up a very steep hill. Those of us who arrived early were escorted to our rooms, many of the up several flights of steep stairs, and then we were free to roam until dinner at 5:30. The scenery is beautiful from up here, especially from the long veranda equipped with green rocking chairs, and many of us took advantage of this opportunity. Others strolled the streets of Manitou Springs, browsing in shops or just taking pictures. It might have been easy to forget about dinner, but the Summit staff did not allow this They wrote, in many languages and styles of grammar, on strips of masking tape that dinner was at 5:30 and taped them to us.

Boy, were we happy that we remembered! Dinner was awesome and all homemade. Dessert was a b-e-a-utiful chocolate cake that melted in the mouth. I tell you, the food here rocks the planet. Chocolate chip pancakes, chili, cornbread--we're almost spoiled! (But don't tell them that ;) After dinner, we partook in orientation with Dr. Noebel, a praise and worship time, and then we left for our small groups. We all went to bed promptly at 11 with full stomachs and exhausted bodies.

Today, we woke up at 7 and got ready for the day. After a hearty breakfast, we adjourned to the classroom for morning devotions and, afterwards, several grueling hours of intense classes. Dr. Linden spoke to us about Christian leadership for several sessions, and then Dr. Edwards spoke on worldviews and how they are woven into movies. I learned a lot about the sovereignty of God and how movie producers are actually teachers in a creative way. And when God says be joyful in the Bible, He really means it! Then I determined at the end of the day that everyone I know should come here. And my friend, who is a 2nd year student, says that this is only the beginning! It is freaky intense, but it's a good kind of intense that echoes in our minds and instills itself in our hearts forever.

We left for the Garden of the Gods and Flying W Ranch this afternoon and it rained buckets. But seriously, I didn't really care because Garden of the Gods is so awesomely gorgeous!!!!!!! I had pain in my soul because I didn't have a camera with me, but I think the grand images I saw will be etched into my mind forever. It really reminded me of the awesomeness of God.

We stopped at the visitor's center which had exhibits, stores, and such. I went out onto the porch part and witnessed a dramatic thunderstorm. It was LOUD!!!! Mom, you would have killed to be there. The lightning was really close and it was raining sideways and down at the same time and the thunder reverberated like a gong through the canyon! It made me happy. There were also several hummingbird feeders, around which the birds fed.

The Flying W Ranch was really cool. There were lots of old-timey stores there and exhibit type stuff. Supper was fast. We went through double doors and were served by ranch hands. It was gooooooooooood and it was real cowboy food served in cool metal plates and cups. Then we were treated to a bluegrass show which was really good. At the end, we sauntered back out to the buses and came back here. We now have free time until bedtime.

EVERYBODY COME TO SUMMIT!!!!!! IT ROCKS THE UNIVERSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!