just jump

Today marks day #10 of ranch life for me. Seems like I've been here a heck of a lot longer than that, though (in a good way). Wind River is a wonderful place to be. Not just because it's nestled in the Rockies (at something like 9200 ft elevation) and I get to wake up every morning to the beauty of the mountains but also because the people here are great, staff and guests included. I've had fun getting to know everyone so far, and bonding with the guests is a highlight - though it was really sad when I had to say good-bye to last week's guests. One of the girls just hugged me and cried, saying that she just didn't want to leave (this was one of the girls who nicknamed me "Los Dos Italianos" - not quite sure they understood the meaning of the word "dos"). I got to know a great bunch of fun-loving tweens and teens, too. We did the obstacle course multiple times, did a scavenger hunt and archery, and went to putt-putt, amongst other things like Bible studies, olymypic games, a kids' rodeo, and square dancing. And because I actually ended up working more with the teens last week, I went with them to coffee in town and also enjoyed the antics of the game Mau (if you've ever played you know it's simultaneously frustrating and hilarious). I'm with the younger and more energetic tweens this week, though; they're a hoot.

When not hanging out with the tweens/teens, I wore many other different hats. Everyone does a little bit of everything around here. So in the afternoons I weeded and watered flowers, made beds, folded towels (I know how to make a fancy towel set now), washed dishes, waited on tables, and - as of today - mucked pens. But it's not "all work and no play" around here either. The first weekend I was here we (meaning the staff) went to Boulder to hang out and have a nice dinner. And this past weekend I climbed up the Twin Sisters peak (it's conveniently in the backyard of the ranch). Hiking is so gratifying because 1) you feel accomplished afterwards and 2) the view is absolutely gorgeous from the top.

At any rate, ranch life / counselor life is fantastic. As with anything there are highs and lows (and up here that's not just figurative) but I love the kids and I can't get enough of the scenery. I'm constantly humbled by the majesty of God around here - be it from looking out at His natural wonders or looking into the eyes of His precious children.

One last thing (I promise it's related): On my flight to Denver I met an older woman who was going to a week-long women's expedition for hiking and biking. I asked her how long she'd been doing those things and she said only in the past few years had she gotten into it. How neat to still be living life to the fullest and starting new hobbies and adventures even in the latter years of life. Move forward to the arrival of the guests last week: I met a girl my age from Australia who'd come to the US and Canada to travel for 6 weeks - by herself and just because. I admired her bravery for doing so. And even though she came without family, she said that everyone at the ranch became like her family. Why do I mention these two ladies? Because they both had courage to step out and do un-ordinary things and achieve their dreams. They didn't let fear or "what if's" hold them back. They just went. Thinking of them actually reminds me of a Norman Rockwell painting I saw once of a boy hanging on for dear life onto a pool's high board. He was too scared to jump, and I wanted to get into the painting and tell him "just jump!" But, ya see, often I'm like that little boy who was too scared to jump. So meeting people like those two I mentioned reminds me that sometimes I need to take my own advice and "just jump." To go and do those things that I want to do but am maybe a little apprehensive about - like going out to Colorado to work on a ranch (don't get me wrong I was excited to come, but every new experience has its uncertainties). I've learned, though, that in the end those things you're scared to do at first are usually the most life-changing.

Well, time for me to be getting off to bed. Bright and early start tomorrow.