29 in 11

Maybe it was slightly impulsive.

Okay. Definitely impulsive. I'm not sure what possessed us to want to hike almost 30 miles in one day. I believe it was the challenge, the thrill, and the pure curiosity of what that would feel like.

On Monday, friends from my ministry team Chris and Kara and I embarked on a wonderful journey around Shoshone Lake which would include a great 29 miles of hiking. Beginning our trip by 8:15am, we were able to complete the trip by 7:20 pm, putting us at about 11 hours including breaks.

I remember the beginning somewhat. We were astounded by the glory of the lake which is so pristine and calm mainly for the fact that no motorized boats can be used in it and the length of the trails calls for only the most serious of hikers and backpackers to enter into its presence.

From mile 5  to mile 12 to mile 23 the terrain changed so often. From grueling hills which we thought would never end to geyser basins where we could easily have touched the hot springs, I am confident these changes in the trail made it more enjoyable. Of course, having flat ground for the last 7 miles made it much easier than it could have been.

I cannot lie. I am sure I almost reached dehydration. Yes, we had iodine pills to clean our water, but I feel like I almost drank the lake's amount of water in the past two days trying to make up for my lack of it before. As far as making it....we did. And within the last 10 miles I recall not even being phased by the ridges we had to climb. We kept a steady pace...and laughed at Chris when twenty five mosquitoes swarmed him constantly.

Finally, I remember hearing Kara say.."It's less than five minutes guys! I promise. No more." Then, around the corner, we saw the trail head. Then the car. I think we were all in shock during the drive home. We wondered why we had done it. If anything, we were glad it was over.

Metaphor after metaphor, we couldn't stop being reminded of the ways the physical correlates so much with the spiritual. I won't take the time to name every one of them which we came up with (you run out of things to talk about after a while), but I can tell you one that was stuck in my head for at least fifteen miles..At this point we were halfway and there was no turning back on the loop...especially after I knew what kind of ridges I would have to climb if I did.

"Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. do not swerve to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:26-27.

Sometimes walking forward is absolutely all you can do.

Pitch Black Kitchen Wars

After each morning of enjoying the sun, going on a hike, or journalling a bit, I find myself entering the kitchen door once again. Following this ever so usual action, I begin my shift by preparing roasted garlic, throwing a pan of beef tenderloins, osso bucco, and baked potatoes in the oven, and hydrating myself with a big glass of water of course. I always get distracted by brief interactions with the AM line cooks headed out or chatting with my friends from pantry, but if anything, the work gets done.

I will not lie. It has simply been one of those weeks, clear blue skied and intensely sunny, during which every day at about 2:30pm I try to convince myself that calling in would be worth-it, just this once. Of course, I have as much success calling in as I had skipping classes in high-school. (For those of you who didnt know me then, know that I never really ever skipped class.) So, if anything, I throw on my black and white checkered pants, proudly put on my chef jacket, and cover my bunned hair with my black chef hat. Complete with my name tag, I travel on to work.

This week began with a series of events that proved work in the kitchen to be unpredictable and vitally requiring flexibility. On my Monday (code word for first day after my weekend. This is different for everyone and can be quite confusing. Of course, when it is someone else's Monday, you give them sympathy. When it is yours, you have no choice but to drain others of their sympathy.) The night began like any other night. Yet, within 45 minutes, two shortages of power sent a thrill throughout the kitchen. However, this wasnt our usual two minute power outage. The blackout menus came out after 20 minutes of losing power. I quickly began to realize the effects of no power on broiler. My ovens were off, my garlic mashed potatoes and sauces were getting cold, and eventually my eyes were playing tricks on me so I could barely see the beef tenderloin I was cutting. "Hmm, I think this is Medium." I am confident the green glow sticks and scarce amount of headlamps did the trick.

After two hours, the lights came on and life was slightly normal again. I must admit, there was a quick burst of adrenaline sent through my spine when I realized I was working in the pitch black serving bison and lobster tails.

And then, never fails, I was ready to start my weekend when I walked in yesterday. Within the first 30 minutes of serving I had at least 20 large medium bison on my grill. Whew. To top that, I was slightly frustrated that my "hot spots" had moved, and every bison that looked mid well on the outside was definitely rare inside. Clearly, I found out at the end of the night that half of my grill wasnt even set up right. Hmm. There are practical mechanics to everything I presume.

I really do love my job. I cannot complain as these random turns of events creates an atmosphere of wonder and new expectation. When all else fails, we just start singing random songs on the line, calling out our usual quotes, and if anything, pulling out the floor mats to start the cleaning process and go home. To do it all again the next day.

Water. Water. Water.

It never fails. There is always someone who runs out of water on every hike we take...no matter how strenuous. Thankfully this has not yet resulted in real danger due to others carrying plenty of water, but the thought of it challenges each one of us to throw an extra bottle of water in our pack before we hit the trail.

This past weekend, we hiked up Avalanche Peak. Yes, it's as hard as it sounds. People say that the mountain once had a series of switchbacks which would steadily guide you up the mountain. But of course, in our American way, people became impatient with the trail and started scaling it straight up. The peak rises 2600 feet in just over 2 miles. So, knowing the feat ahead of us, with breathe heavy and tired calves, we all grew silent no more than a half a mile up the mountain. I kept repeating in my head, "Walk slow but don't stop moving. And drink water whether you think you will be able to breathe or not." (I must remind you of the challenge it takes to breathe and drink from a camelback and continue hiking all at the same time. It's a skill I am convinced.)

I realize on a trail such as this one, running out of water would be absolutely devastating to the possible success of reaching the top...alive. Dehydration is not something to be messed with. I've been there before and never want to return.

In John 4, Jesus talks about being the Living Water. I was reminded this week in a devotional about the effects spiritual dehydration has on our daily life. Irritability. Selfishness. Lack of focus. Envy. I'm sure you can name a few things that have overflowed out of your heart from depleted time with the Lord. I've known for so long, but it doesnt take much to forget how vital filling my mind with truth and sitting before the Lord is to my ability to face the emotional, mental, and spiritual struggles I face each and every day here in Yellowstone.

Someone once told me that when we start actually feeling thirsty, we are pretty close to dehydration. My thought today is...drink up. Allow your heart to be flooded with the unfailing love of Jesus.

Joyous lobster tails

You might have wondered whether or not I had disappeared into the wilderness. Although this may not necessarily be true, the amount of communication I currently have with the outside world definitely makes it seem that way.

I continue to feel like I'm in a surreal dream, constantly romanced by the mountains and lake around me, and thrown into a small world so unexpecting of what will come this summer.

We just returned yesterday from an incredible weekend in Gardiner, Montana with a ministry support family where we went white water rafting down 18 miles of the Yellowstone River, played beach volleyball in their backyard, ate great food, and danced the western swing for hours (which is something I could continue to do for hours on end). There is always such encouragement in actually hanging out with my team and a few others as it is very uncommon for us to all be together due to schedules.

Ministry has been good, but as I shared with a curious camper on Sunday, alot more of my challenge to love and pour into people is about 5% services of worship we lead and 95% living life with people. I shouldn't be surprised, but I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have their own stories about who Jesus is to them, some which thrill me and others which sadden me. Of course, most of my interactions now are during work...the 3pm to close shift 5 nights a week.

To my surprise a few weeks ago, I was moved to PM Line cook (which means I am a part of a five guy team who serve hot food for the hotel guests in our Lake Hotel dining room) and then have been trained and thrown into the "Grill Chick" position of grilling bison, searing duck breast,and steaming lobster tails.Whew.It has yet to cease to be an adventure day after day. and a challenge.

I could say so much more. And the "more" is what holds me back from even trying to write. I struggle to put into words what I walk through here, and I feel like "falling behind" in my stories makes it worse, but I can try to relay some. Or at least enough to satisfy a slight curiosity that may exist in you. But if all else fails, know that Jesus has been working and challenging me every day as I face what I like to call "the seasonal employee life at Lake Yellowstone Hotel."

Love and Peace.

Burned.

So, the inconsistency of the internet here is almost a clear explanation of how life itself unfolds here in Yellowstone.

Yet...every day provides unexpected turns. Every hour of work, definitely a challenge. Every hike, an adventure. And hopefully, all of this will add a bit more to my story.

Today I stepped off the trail after my 66th mile hiked while I have lived, eat, slept, worked, and breathed in YNP. It takes everything in me to take days off to sit and rest. There is just so much wilderness to be conquered.

I have seen a grizzly. We came across it while hiking in the backcountry. However, we scared it off with our own ferocity. (That can be interpreted however you please.)

Our services went really well on Sunday. Now everyone has a better knowledge of what to expect. I will have to remind Shannon next time to capo that one hymn. Whew! I didn't think I was going to make it throught the high octave. However, I think the Gospel message was clear. That's all I really care about.

I'll end on this. Today, we were on a 13 mile hike through the bottom of the Howard Eaton trail. After just a few miles, we began to walk slowly through what was once forest before but now completely destroyed by the fire of '88. Barren and desolate, the land just remains as is. Untouched by civilization, the National Park Service has done everything they can to let the natural processes take over. However, it was intriguing to me to see the life that continued to dwell there and the new growth that is spreading through these various parts of the land.

Being refined by fire in my walk with Jesus during these past few weeks hurts immensely. But He has told me the new will come. Though the ashes remain, when He establishes the abundant life He came for into our lives, people will be intrigued. They will see the ashes but smell the new growth. I encourage you, don't fear the fire. Just walk forward.

Why I haven't seen a grizzly yet. Yet.

I cannot remember a day yet during which I have not heard a conversation about a bear sighting, often within feet of Lake village. However, I am still not convinced that the grizzlies roam as wild and free as some might lead on. At least, they haven't invited me to any of their den parties yet.

You might be thinking, "Why would she want to see a bear? Or come close to it for that matter?"

Well, here are the reasons why I believe I haven't seen one yet.

Top reason: I work a lot. My many hours awake are often spent roasting beets or stirring fruit compote. I cannot even pronounce half of the dishes I serve on the line, but of course this just adds a bit of a challenge in the mix. I do love my job though. Each day has increased my cooking vocabulary enough to hold my own in a kitchen full of trained professionals. I must add that it is while I am doing these lovely things thats Mrs. Grizzly and her cub are lounging by Fishing bridge just two miles down the road.

Second reason: When I'm not working, I am hiking. Now you might say, "Well, you should see a bear easily on the trail." I respond: I have even seen the clear tracks. But not the bear. Maybe we sing too much or talk too loudly (which is the most encouraged way to warn a bear of your approach.) Amber and I have a contest going concerning who can become friends with a bear first. Unfortunately, I have to meet one to make a friend.

Last reason: I never carry a snickers with me. To some bears, this could be worth their time.

So, my goal: To see a grizzly. You might have your opinion as to what "type" of encounter might be the best, but I will leave that part open ended.

And for all you who could care less about grizzlies (which would be ridiculous!)...We start our services Sunday morning with ACMNP. We are all soo excited about the many convos taking place and the challenge we find here of what it means to love the heck out of people. Can I highlight the word "challenge"?

A taste of surrender

A quick thought...

A number of us went out to Storm Point to hike the quick loop the other day. After a few minutes of taking it all in, I soon found myself hiking beside one of my ministry team members. During the hike, we talked about a number of things, but I can remember him distinctly describing an analogy which has stuck with him for a while. And I bet it's safe to say it will stick with me for a while.

So often, we create our lives on these beautiful drawn out lists. Listed in order of importance, our focus falls right into place in the same way. Then, almost as if applying for a life loan or something, we ask God to sign off. Of course, this is all while praying he will bless it. (If that even is slightly important to us...to have his blessing.)

But, what if God walked up to you today with a completely blank sheet of paper (yes, it could be recycled if you want it to be. But that's beside the point.)...then He asked, "Are you ready to sign it? Having no clue what I'll put on the list? What did you think that word "surrender" meant anyway?

A break from chopping vegetables

Hanging out with girls from the ministry near Canyon after a brief snow.

Every morning I stroll to breakfast as the pristine ice covered body of water...which will one day reflect the Lake Yellowstone Hotel...quietly reminds me, "You live here for the summer." Granted, none of us have even begun to feel even a glimmer of what "summer" actually is here due to the constant snowfall, but it is a break nonetheless.

Unexpectedly, I received three full days off work to become a kid again in the playground surrounding me. We hiked Elephant Back trail where the lake screamed at us far off in the distance...an unexpected but incredible sight. The waterfall at Canyon filled my mind with pictures which photographers from all over the world seek to capture.Yesterday we watched Old Faithful erupt as she always does...nothing new in that one. Yet, even a trip to Walmart in Cody today proved to be an exciting adventure.

And early in the morning I will clock in for my shift in the kitchen pantry. A day full of chopping vegetables and hastily following recipes, many of which I have no idea what the finished product should look like. (Wouldn't you love to eat in our restaurant?) 

Above all, what a great thing to remember that the pressure is off. In my job. In figuring out plans. In every conversation with every other person who seems to be from North Carolina. I walk ahead knowing He goes before me and behind. Heck, the Lord made those oranges which I am dissecting in order to serve with fancy salads. Love it. 

Road Trip Rules

After 3 days, 32 hours in the car, and at least 2317 miles driven...I can confidently say that my summer adventure in Yellowstone has begun.

As a small caravan, we trudged through the windy mountain roads of Tennessee, barely stopped to say "Hi" in Kentucky, straddled Illinois and Missouri in Kansas City, rode astounded by the beautiful terrain of Colorado, became even more astounded by the Rockies lining the hills of Wyoming, and finally placed our feet down in the grand state of Montana. Whew. I still get tired thinking about it.

We sought to present ourselves with motivation through allowing for various stops such as Cabela's in Kansas City and a few restaurants...which includes 17th Street near St. Louis which is very well known for it's nationally famous ribs (as seen on Food Network and Travel Channel). We also had the opportunity to visit Little Bighorn Battlefield where Custer last stood.

As crazy as it sounds, I honestly would drive 32 more hours to see the sunrise painted across the mountains which Amber and I saw as we drove from Billings to the north entrance of Yellowstone. I just kept imagining God laying out the land and pressing his fingers into it. Each time we would come around a bend, just as we were almost speechless, God just gave us another set of mountains to look at. (As if He was saying, "In case you just aren't sure yet." The mountains claim his majesty.

So now, I have a uniform (complete with a chef's hat like the one from Ratatouille, yes! It's pretty sweet.) and a meeting scheduled for the morning. And one thing I have learned quickly: There is something so interesting about living, working, and eating with the same people all summer. I'm sure I will have more stories to come.

Pictures later! I promise.

I hear them.

In the words of John Muir, "The mountains are calling and I must go."

I don't know how much more I could prepare for a three day road trip to Yellowstone. But what I do know is, I can't imagine what the frontiersmen felt in their veins.

After three days and thirty something hours in the car, I bet I will have a few more things say. Until then....

Chapter 67: Yellowstone!

Without a doubt, my journal over this past year has been filled margin to margin with an intense dialogue between Jesus and me. Sometimes my response to His words were based upon open agreement and then willing obedience, and other times, I sat with hands cupped over my ears knowing I did not want to hear His very words which would bring to my life purpose and peace, mainly because they did not fit in my own plan.

However, through desiring a relationship with Him characterized by more consistency, I know it is only by His grace that this is even possible. And so, He continues to write my story for me. Due to all the unexpected events which would take place, I determined to give Him the pen a long time ago. And I claim that this makes the plot line much much better than I could have ever figured out myself. (I am sure He laughs when I ask Him if I can have the pen back just for a little bit. Really thinking about it, that idea just seems so ridiculous.)

As I turn the page, yet a new chapter begins (Hmm...We can call it Chapter 67. Although, who knows how many books He writes about us. This is just my very limited guestimate.). I leave for a long drive to Yellowstone National Park in just a few days. There, I will be volunteering under "A Christian Ministry in the National Parks" (http://www.acmnp.com/). Briefly explained, my team will be leading inter-denominational worship services in our location as well as focusing on relational ministry through my full-time employment in the kitchen crew of a hotel. 

Of course, it did not take long for anyone to convince me that living a summer in Yellowstone would be well worth-it. But I will definitely admit to the various fears and reluctancies which have inundated my conversations with the Lord recently. The good thing is, His promises always seem to far outweigh my own worries.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3