October 09, 2012

Poems, Worship, and Mischief in Pagosa Springs

We are deep into week two of classes and staring week three in the face. Classes have become far more comfortable as we all get into the groove of lectures and become accustomed to Dr. Bauman's teaching style. We have already learned so much, not just academically, but about living with each other as a community and family. It has been so wonderful to see how much each of us has grown already, both academically and spiritually.

Friday morning, Dr. Bauman began our English literature class with an introduction to Geoffrey Chaucer, the first great English poet; he was such an amazing literary mind! That same morning in our class on politics, we had a grand discussion on terrorism regarding its definition and effects. In the evening, we had Church History, and we learned about Polycarp, a writer born around the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. I am personally appreciating all the information gathered and time spent on Dr. Bauman's part. It is so amazing to see how much progress our “thoughts” have made in just three weeks under teachers who put forth lots of effort and care.

There are still many projects to be completed here at the lodge; so, as on most Fridays, the grounds keepers divided us into work crews. I was on the crew that was sanding the outside of Echo Canyon Lodge in preparation for a new coat of stain. I was so impressed with my crew! Still completing the task, they turned work into a great time of fellowship with fun songs and silly jokes. Physical work and obtaining splinters has never been more entertaining!

As a community of students, we know we are all here to learn about Christianity on a far deeper level than ever before. We have also realized that even though we are digging farther into our faith, we need to go back to the basis of worship and focus on our common ground as believers. So on Friday night, several of the students organized a worship night where we played guitar and sang a handful of fantastic hymns and contemporary songs! It was so moving to hear everyone's voices bringing glory to our Lord!

Saturday began with classes in the morning with study and exercise time taking up the afternoon. It was a beautiful fall day outside. So many of us went for hikes or played speed volleyball. In the evening, we had our second Church History quiz on the Age of catholic Christianity (70A.D. - 312 A.D.). Dr. Bauman enjoys introducing a quiz with something along the lines of, “Let's see what damage we can do to your GPA!” He always gets a good, collective laugh out of us all.

That night after class, we gathered in Snow Wolf Lodge and with all of us comfortably situated on benches, the floor, or on our varied assortment of couches, Dr. Bauman read to us out of his yet to be published book. Not only is he a wonderful teacher but he is also a very enjoyable reader! His book is broken down into chapters telling stories of the various escapades of his youth. He had us all engrossed in tales of his family life, teenage years full of mischief, and stories explaining why a man needs to have a summer job. I think all of us would agree that Dr. Bauman has added to our unforgettable experience here.

Sunday morning, we headed into the beautiful town of Pagosa Springs for church, a picnic lunch in the park, internet at several local coffee shops, and, for the majority of us, a night spent “roughing it” in tents far from the lodge. I admire the sauce of those brave enough to tough out Colorado's chilly September nights. Several students though, including myself, did choose to stay behind to study and sleep. We were labeled as the “weak ones”... But we had our own great evening of pizza, baking, a movie, and sleeping in on Monday morning!

So there you have it- another three days in the life of a semester student: full of excitement, fellowship, studying, and family bonding time in this beautiful place God has created for us!

Natalie Silcox, 19

Buena Vista, CO

Natalie was raised in a Christian home and came to faith at the young age of four. She has been surrounded by those who daily give their life to the Lord, and has sought to be as selfless as possible. This selflessness is the basis for her wanting to become an elementary teacher, attending a community college before attending a Christian school. Natalie is interested in possibly teaching on a military base or joining the Coast Guard.

• Posted at 02:14 pm by Dustin Jizmejian
• Join the Discussion (0)