TREK SECRETS...

1.  There are NO clocks, watches, or phones.
2.  There are NO answers to how far or how long.
3.  There are NO toilets, showers, etc.

Well, I don't want to reveal all the secrets of TREK, but let me say that:

 TREK was the HARDEST thing I've ever done 

PHYSICALLY 

and one of the most REWARDING 

SPIRITUALLY!

 I think being physically exhausted in a natural setting without all your material comforts (makeup, toilets, beds) puts you in a place where you can really focus more on God.  Add to that some energetic teenage friends, some great singing, and you are just transported to another world.

With all our electronics and unnecessary things packed away in our suitcases at base camp, we did what we were told by our guides.  We got up in the morning when they sang to us, ate weird breakfast food (like Spam), took care of business, and listened to the agenda for the day.  We hiked and didn't stop until break, although some of us were slower than others.  Everyone constantly encouraged, cheered, and knuckle punched each other for making it to the next break, over the streams, or arriving at the next campsite.  Some even carried extra weight for their weaker friends.  It was tough.  It was exhausting.  It was sweet.

                                   Did I mention these packs weigh about 50 lbs?

      You may notice there are not many pictures of me in this miserable state!

Solo time with God gave us time to look in our journals, read scripture, and contemplate questions.  Devo time at night was singing until we were weary, sharing the happy/crappy parts of the day, discussing the journal questions, always ending with our guide's rendition of "Give me oil in my lamp!"

After two days of hiking with heavy packs,we finally got to high camp.  We were giddy!  High fives and prayers all around.  But we couldn't rest until the tent was put up and the crew gear unpacked.  At 11,700 feet, we were surrounded by mountains, a stream, a lake, boulders, pine trees and elk poop.

Then came SOLO DAY - a day to recuperate, have an extended solo time with God,  play in the woods, to acclimate to the higher altitude, and rest up for summiting.  My favorite.

More to come later...