Summit Ministries

sunlight...
turn over...

soreness...
loud music...

(loud music?)

Oh, I guess it's time to get up. But you know what, if I didn't know better, I'd think I was still very sleepy.
This morning, I have officially declared last night the shortest night in history. You've heard of the longest day, right?
Well, this has been the shortest night I've ever experienced. Just a word to the wise, never complete a 14 mile hike, and then only get 5 hours of sleep!

In case you hadn't heard, and are wondering what I am talking about, I'll tell you.

Yesterday, Sunday, August 26, 2007, forty-two students climbed to the top of a mountain. Maybe you've heard of it....Pikes Peak?
Actually, there were 58 students that started out, but half-way there, 16 smart people decided it might possibly be too much. Keyword: Smart.
We started out hiking from the hotel at 6:00 am and walked a mile to the trail head.
So far, so good.
But then the real hike began. I had brought a 32oz water bottle with me, and after the first two miles, I had already used up half of it. (hint, that's 16oz)
We began as one big group, but as the morning wore on, we broke up into separate groups, and then those groups into even smaller groups, until pretty soon, we were all just strung along the entire first half of trail. The first check point happened to be a "bar."
Yes, that's right parents, a BAR!!!

Ok. Calm down, it's really called "Barr" camp. It's the halfway marker where there's a creek and a log cabin where you can fill up your water battle, get a snack, and buy a T-shirt that tells everyone how stupid I am to be trying to climb this big rock.

But, to make a VERY LONG story short(er), the last 4 miles were the hardest I'd ever experienced. My feet were shuffling, I was out of water, and I thought for sure I was going to lay down on the side of the path and breath my last.

Now, I now you're all sitting on the edge of your seats and are asking the question, "Did he make it!?"

Well, I pleased to announce that I did strive to the finish, and made it to the top of the giant mole hill, as someone described it to me.
But, after talking to someone about the day, I realized there was a great illustration in the hike. We thought it could be related to the Christian life very well. There are the easier sections, but you can't go all the way by your self. You need the fellowship and encouragement of other Christians. I know that is the only reason I made it to the top. My friend Aaron and I stuck together the last couple of miles, spurring each other when we wanted to quit.

Anyway, I hope that explains why I had a hard time getting up today. The morning sessions were about creation and evolution, and then the afternoon was filled with horseback riding, and sleeping, and walking around town, and sleeping, and eating supper, and then trying not to fall asleep during the evening session. That session, by the way, was actually was interesting. Doc proved to us how Secular Humanism really is a religion. Which is REALLY interesting, because even though it is recognized as a religion by the US government, it's allowed to be our schools. But what happened to "separation of Church and State?" Make sure you ask your "young adults" about this, and make sure they bring home with them the book "Clergy in the Classroom."

Well, obviously a lot more happened today then just what I've told you, but instead of hearing from me how everyone is doing, call! Send mail! Because whether they tell you or not, everyone here really misses their families and home. So, until tomorrow...stay in touch!