Learn by doing

Week 3.
Our intern training is officially complete and I feel sore, bruised, scraped up, and accomplished.  I am certified to belay climbers, facilitate the giant swing, the zip-line, and the high ropes course... also I can tie all sorts of knots that I didn't even know existed.
To sum it up in one word: intense. 
It all started in the classroom where we learned the goals and philosophies behind outdoor adventure  ministry.  We talked about the importance of challenging participants to overcome fears and hesitations and encouraging growth physically, mentally, and spiritually through these struggles. It sounds good on paper, but does it really work?
Well hook them up to a couple ropes and send them 50 feet in the air to complete a series of seemingly impossible tasks (in the pouring rain). That'll do it. I can tell you from experience.


Walking up to the high ropes course, it is easy to miss the boulder with "Col 3:2" painted on it. This is what the verse in Colossians says "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Pretty appropriate.
The course is intimidating.
Because we will be coaching kids and groups through all of these activities, we had to successfully and safely complete them all. I was challenged. I was scared. I was hesitant... and I even know how it all works! It was intense. I was pushed. I grew. And I was joyful in victory at the end. After all of this, I truly believe in what this ministry does and am excited for all the kids and groups who will get to push their limits here at The Ranch. Can't wait.


We have had so much fun together as interns helping, encouraging, and laughing at one another. I learned that everything is more intense in the rain. I learned that shouting "I am intense!" when you are scared helps. I learned that it is more than possible to have fun even when you are terrified. I learned that your friends will laugh at you when you are stuck upside down with rain in your eyes. I learned that the knot that you/your friend tied will hold you if you did it right. I learned to trust myself and my friends. I learned to trust the Lord in all things.


The best part are the very real and uplifting relationships that are being formed through it all. What a gift from God.

This photo is partially similar to last week's, but I wanted you to see what the river is supposed to look like.