Kristin's Adventures

Hueco Tanks (El Paso, TX)

2008-12-30T09:31:00.000-08:00

Our last climbing destination for our four month mission trip with Solid Rock Climbers for Christ was Hueco Tanks, TX.
It is a popular winter bouldering area. Although Gretchen and I tend to be more comfortable climbing on ropes, it was awesome to see the power, determination, and technique of those who work shorter, harder boulder problems over and over again, until they master them.

We were privileged to spend time with a Solid Rocker, Rob (pictured below with his beautiful daughter Ella). Rob is passionate about Jesus Christ and about adventure sports, and his enthusiasm is contagious! He and his wife are building a house near Hueco, and look forward to reaching out to climbers there.
We also got to hang out with some wonderful folks who are missionaries with Casas por Cristo. They partner with local Mexican churches and mission teams from American churches to build homes for needy families across the border.
For some of us, anything goes when it comes to bouldering!
Our last day of climbing on (official) mission, (sigh). My "bachelorette trip" as one friend coined it, is now over... but what a ride it has been!The great thing I am reminded of is that it is crucial for Christians to serve God through how we live our lives every day, whether we are "on mission" or not. Our mission field is right here, all around us. May we live and love as Christ did, and reflect His glory wherever we are!

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18

Saying Goodbye to the Road

2008-12-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

Joshua Tree National Park has been as much a home to me as anyplace I have frequented the last three winters. God has taught me a lot here, and I am continually awed by the beauty and majesty of His creation in this desert environment.
Friends and family joined Gretchen and I for our last weekend bash in the park. We rented a group campsite and had 30 people stop in for at least some of the festivities!

We climbed:
We hung out:We ate:
...and ate!
We worshiped and gave thanks
...and we said goodbye to our friends out west and to the amazing rocks and scenery of one of our favorite places.Thank you God!

Bishop in The Fall

2008-11-12T16:11:00.001-08:00

Bishop is the bouldering capital of California... but also has some excellent sport climbing, and trad and alpine routes nearby as well. There are amazing rocks to climb everywhere!

Bishop rests in the Owens Valley with snow covered mountains looming on either side. To the west are the mighty Sierra Nevadas (pictured below). For a desert climate, fall is beautiful here as the leaves change on the willow trees. (It's nothing like the east coast, but it does help me feel a little more at home!)

This is our friend Amy... she's buff :)
These photos are from a few sessions at the "Happy Boulders" in the Volcanic Tablelands just north of Bishop.

As we enter the last month of our road trip, I am filled with gratitude for God's faithfulness. He has provided for us each step of the way, and given us amazing opportunities to share the love of Christ with those along our path. Most of all, through hard times and beautiful times, He has drawn us closer to Himself. How great it is to rest in the arms of the Almighty!

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
-God (Jeremiah 29:13)

Joshua Tree & Halloween

2008-11-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

It feels so great to be back in Joshua Tree! The warmth of the desert, old friends, crazy rock formations and unique Joshua Trees made us feel welcome right away.

It was great to get back on lead in JTree... the routes always challenge me mentally and physically. This is me leading Pope's Crack, 5.9

Jess and Gretchen dance with Ed (the van) to "glamourous"... had to be there, I guess!
Here's me with my cousin (Ryan)'s new dog Cali. I decided to make my old hat into a visor, so here we are sharing what's left. Cali liked the remaining beanie : )
Here's Gretchen's first REAL crack in JTree, Double Cross, 5.7 We figured her winged halloween costume would help her up the climb!
Gretchen and I sandwich our friend Dora. She and her partner Andrew have been some of our favorite people on the road. We met in Red Rocks, and got to hang out again (on Halloween) in JTree.
Here's the shadow of my halloween costume in the morning light at our campsite.
Geronimo (5.7) is a crazy roof crack we climbed one day- such fun!
Campfires always draw a crowd, and provide opportunities for chats about climbing, life, and lots of good musical jam sessions.
The musical jam sessions draw in the good drummers... who draw in the fire spinners... Joshua Tree is always full of fun and excitement!

Red Rocks 10-08

2008-11-04T00:04:00.000-08:00

Red Rocks, NV, as seen through the eyes of Ed (our van)

Ed struts his stuff at the Red Rocks Campground, proudly displaying the Solid Rock Logo.

We had a great time of worship and prayer with dear friends, Michelle & Noelani (pictured here).

We love having instruments with us wherever we go, for leading worship, and for spontaneous jam sessions around the campfire.

One of our many new friends, Tom, begins the first of three excellent pitches on Lotta Balls, 5.8
Brian approaches the last Belay station on a stellar 5.8
I was so blessed to have him come and visit yet again!

Goodbye beautiful Red Rocks... we will be back!

For more photos and stories, visit Gretchen's blog: www.blindtosee.com

Time "off" - backpacking in Sequioa National Park

2008-10-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

The fearless four (Gretchen, my teammate, Darin, my brother, and Brian, my fiance and I headed out for four days of backpacking in Sequoia National Park... in weather 30 degrees colder than average!
The hiking was beautiful,
the company was great,
and when it snowed (yup... twice!) we just all crammed into one tent to play cards.
The competition was stiff, but tons of fun was had!
ahhh.... so beautiful

California 2008

2008-10-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

Gretchen, Jillian and I are sporting designer trash pick up vests for the Yosemite fall Facelift fashion line

Our beloved van, Ed, in the Camp 4 parking lot

My awesome teammate and I coming down from Monday morning slab on the apron
El Cap, just before we climbed the Nose (OK, just the first pitch!)
Climbing and having fun with the Mulkey family at Church Bowl after worship
Making pizzas at the Sapps home in Bishop
Stre in front of Fairview Dome
Climbing in Owens River Gorge

ooga!

Photo Highlights

2008-09-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

On the road in the western US... we've spent time in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Nevada so far. Next we are heading on to California. The last month has been full of unexpected blessings as we have spent time with friends, families, strangers, and lots of mechanics... in order to get our new home (a lovely old van) on the road. The cool thing about being on a schedule created by car "trouble," is that God has shown us ongoing blessings and provision, and used us in the lives of others. Praise Him!

Solid Rock BBQ after climbing in Clear Creek Canyon (Golden, CO) The Price family generously offered to help us build shelves in our van (and sleep in their driveway). Here the kids are doing some important measurements before we start cutting and drilling!
OK, so I got a little into it! Master carpenter, Jason Price

Brian came to visit, just when the van broke down... great timing honey! 16 month old Cora is well trained to "pound it" when you put out your fist. The Schaffner family (dear old friends) welcomed us into their home for almost two weeks while we waited for van repairs. Julia, fellow Solid Rocker and old friend hosted us in Salt Lake City. How great it is to laugh with friends!

Sporting the latest quick draw/helmet fashion!
My amazing teammate... she's the best and I am SO blessed to be on the road with her!
Gretchen enjoys the view from the base of Castle Rock, Idaho

Our New Home

2008-09-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here she is, folks, our new pimped out road trippin' mobile. Gretchen and I will be stylin on the road in this elegant coach. We can't wait to get on the road to climb and share God's love!Some amazingly generous new friends helped us customize by building some new shelving units and fixing up a few things. Check out the cozy living space (below)! God has answered our prayers for a vehicle that will also serve as a home on the road.

Now all we have to do is get it to start...

(this is not a joke- please pray with us!)

Solid Rock National Conference

2008-08-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Rocky Mountain National Park

Christian climbers gathered from all over the nation for a week of climbing, fellowship, outreach and encouragement. It was refreshing to meet even more folks who have a heart for Jesus and for rock climbing! (I think we all agree that if Jesus were currently walking the earth in human form, he would spend some of his time hanging out with rock climbers- OK, maybe he’d be more into the bouldering scene.)

Impacting Young Lives Through Outward Bound

2008-07-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

My summer has been spent leading wilderness trips for teenagers here in Central Oregon. There are many days when I look around me at the cliffs, the river, or the surrounding mountains and say, "wow... I can't believe this is my office!"

I am privileged to be able to take people out into the wilderness and see their jaws drop at the beauty around them. They experience challenges that will help them to develop their character and world view. We hope that they will have a better understanding of themselves and make a positive influence on the world around them when they return home. Here are some photos from the past month "in the field."

Students learn to belay each other (above) as they scale the rock cliffs and explore the beauty of Smith Rock State Park (below).

I instructed a 15 day River/Mountain adventure with 16-18 year old students in June.
We started with a week of white water rafting and other challenges on the Deschutes river.
After rafting 97 miles of the river, we stopped at the local nursing home to visit for a while (Outward Bound is big on community service), and then headed to the Mt. Jefferson wilderness area for a week of backpacking.

The snow was so deep that the trails were nowhere to be found...
...but we loved playing in and navigating through the snow-covered forests near Mt. Jefferson (below).Another reason that I love my job, is the people. Below are three of the many inspiring instructors I get to live and work with. As you can see, we are all a bit nutty, but it is a blessing to work with people who are full of vibrant creativity, compassion, and positive energy.

I will miss the Outward Bound community when I leave in two weeks. However, the great thing about a large family of transient adventure-seekers is that I am "bound" to run into at least one of them somewhere soon!

Smith Rock - God's Country

2008-05-25T15:22:00.001-07:00

It's great to be back in Oregon again! This is my third summer in Redmond, and I'm enjoying the familiar faces of Solid Rock members, the Outward Bound community, and City Center Church.
My "welcome back" to Smith Rock was a prayer walk one evening with some local Solid Rockers before the Smith Rock Spring Thing. What a refreshing perspective for coming home to Smith (the place God called me to move to almost three years ago.)
The Spring Thing is an annual trail day where climbers (and hikers) come together to do service projects to improve trails, prevent erosion, and clean up the park. Most of the climbing trails and staircases around the park have been created and maintained by volunteers over the years. It was fun to come together, get dirty and do some heavy lifting with other folks from all over. Solid Rock Climbers for Christ had the privilege of providing and serving dinner for all of the volunteers.I managed to climb while having my shoes sent off to be re-soled (one foot from each pair)... it made for some interesting climbing!
This summer I will be working for Outward Bound doing some logistical work in Redmond and some instructing at Smith Rock and on the Deschutes River. I hope to spend any free time climbing at Smith, guiding at Smith, and planning for another fall season on the road with Solid Rock.
Travis, Brian and I climbed the Monkey Face last Thursday... yup- that's us just under the color change on the Monkey (below). What a great climb! You can see a photo and description of the route we climbed on my friend's website: http://www.smithrockclimbingguides.com/Guiding/MonkeyFace/default.aspx
I've done it once before, but this was my first time doing any aid climbing (I led the one short pitch of A1 - a bolt ladder just above where we are in the photo).
I was talking to a friend who owns the yerba mate shop in town about how great it is just to be out in such wild and beautiful places. Similarly, at church we have been exploring science and the reality of intelligent design. This truly is "God's Country," and I am blessed to be able to explore and share it with people of all faiths and all walks of life.

Mt. Rainier

2008-05-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

I think the photos speak for themselves...

I'll be back!

Falling

2008-05-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been at the end of your own strength, where you know you've tried your hardest and it's just not working?

It happened to me while climbing last Friday. I decided to lead a climb that would push the edge of my ability. The first 3/4 of the climb went great. I got to the first crux (tricky spot), and worked right through it. Then, already well above the bolt, I attempted the next crux move, and I fell... and I screamed... and the rope caught me (15 ft later) just as it's designed to do. I was fine. I got back on the climb and fell again (and screamed again), got back on and fell again (and screamed again). Then I rested there, hanging in my harness, frustrated and shaking. I couldn't remember the sequence I had used before (on toprope), and simply couldn't figure out the move. I knew that the fall would be good- the rope had already caught me three times- so why was I still scared? I prayed.

God showed me a metaphor for my life: oftentimes I'm afraid to really go for something if I can't see how it will work out, or that I will be successful. Life is full of risks: stepping out into a new job, moving, falling in love, and the list goes on. However, if you don't take those risks, sometimes you miss out on really living.

God challenged me to get back on that climb one more time, and really give it all I had, to dyno (jump) for that next hold, even though I wasn't sure I'd be able to reach it or even hold onto it. This time I was ready to really give it my all, for the climb and symbolically for my life. I got back on the rock. I did the first crux move again, then moved my feet around this time for optimal positioning to crouch low and then spring up for that next hold. I rocked down, let out a tarzan yell and sprang up for that hold with all my strength...

...and I fell (and I think I screamed). I failed. I couldn't do it. I tried my hardest and didn't make it. So what about my great metaphor, did it go down the drain? Absolutely not. I learned that I could fail, and that was perfectly OK. The rope still caught me, and I was safe. In my life, I often fear failure and get disappointed in myself easily. However, last week I was reminded that it can be more rewarding and strengthening to take risks than to walk away from the uncertain and remain safe on the ground. God was not disappointed in me that day. He always loves me, no matter how much I mess up. He protects me from harm and encourages me to give life my best, no matter the outcome.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

Gotta Love Campfires!

2008-04-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

Once again, I've been blessed by meeting some amazing local Solid Rock climbers, and other wonderful folks as well. This past weekend we invited our campground neighbors over for a free BBQ and campfire/music circle. It's really fun to give out free food and just hang out with people! Despite the intense winds (and I mean intense!), we had a good 25 folks come and hang out Saturday night. We also got in some good climbing and had a Sunday worship service at the campground. I'll be here for another week camping and climbing with various folks.

Bishop: For All Seasons

2008-04-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

In Bishop, CA you can climb year-round! This small town is an outdoor mecca, just east of the Sierras and west of the Whites. There are more climb-able boulders here than I've ever seen in my life!

Christ going for the dyno

Kevin is having fun at the Sad Boulders

Travis and I managed to find (with Kevin's help) some stellar cracks in the Owens River Gorge

Warming up on an upper gorge sport climb

Stephanie belays Emily in the upper gorge

Joshua Tree

2008-04-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

Being in Joshua Tree is like coming home for me. However, this time I got to see the wildflowers and Joshua Trees in bloom for the first time : ) The cries of the coyote, the goofy Joshua trees, the haphazard stacks of rocks, and the quality Outward Bound friends all welcomed me with open arms. (OK, well I didn't exactly hug the coyotes or the spikey Joshua trees, but I have been known to hug a rock or two.)

I had a great weekend hanging out with my dear friend (and fabulous belayer) Jess

Our buddy Chris leads the awkward but exciting crack roof.
The book says 5.8, we'd say more like 5.10 - gotta love Joshua Tree ratings!

Becca in front of one of thousands of JTree rock formations

Jess climbing "The Exorcist, 5.10a"

Zion National Park

2008-04-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

After taking a wilderness medicine refresher course in Moab, UT I headed south to Joshua Tree. Unfortunately I did not get to climb at all in UT. (Indian Creek- I'll be back!) However, I did get to stop for a brief visit with another Solid Rock climber who is her second season guiding in Zion National Park. We climbed a couple of beautiful cracks and had a great time sharing about our lives and our dreams. It was encouraging to meet another woman who loves climbing, lives her faith, and also lives out of her vehicle : )

Janette on "Tails of Flails."

Another new friend Sarah is guiding in Zion this season as well

Red Rocks Rendezvous

2008-04-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

Over 1000 climbers came together for a weekend of climbing, clinics, and partying at Spring Mountain Ranch near Las Vegas NV. I had the privilege of volunteering for the event with six other Solid Rock members from across the nation. We enjoyed climbing, hanging out at the festival, and volunteering with registration, parking, and coordinating climbing areas for clinics. We had a Solid Rock booth at the event and worshipped together at one member's home on Sunday morning. 17 people showed up for corporate prayer and praise! (...followed by some climbing of course!)
Travis, the National Office intern, came down to help out with the event. We met lots of great folks throughout the weekend and climbed before and after our weekend duties. We did Travis' first long multi-pitch route, Birdland (5.7, 5 pitches) on Monday before he flew back to Bend, OR.

Climbing in Red Rocks

2008-04-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

Vegas 2008

2008-03-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

Friends from DC and CO met in Las Vegas for a four-day weekend climbing trip. Solid Rock climber Terence "Vegas" Kudo brought us all together and offered up his time-share condo for all of us to crash and cook together. We had a blast!

Almost half of the climbers joined together for a casual Easter Morning worship service at the Red Rocks overlook.

Left to right, front to back: Vegas, Stephanie, Kristin, Jack, Gene, Julia

The Southwest

2008-03-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

The seemingly barren landscape of the Southwest welcomes me with warmth! After narrowly avoiding snow storms on my drive across the country, it is especially nice to be back in the sunny, familiar desert, with the yucca now in full bloom.

Middle of somewhere, Utah

Forrest (my trusty steed) and I are glad to be back in Red Rocks, NV

Yucca

On The Road Again!

2008-03-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

Visiting w/ Mike and Liz in TN

Meriem & I in front of the capitol building in Lincoln, NE

I'm wearing little Adelynne's cowgirl hat to try to fit in at the Denver Horse Expo

Daddy Darrin shoes horse for a demo clinic

Leanne with her youngest, Cora (also wearing Addy's hat)

Chillin' in Denver w/ Jess & Bella

It's been wonderful to see old friends, make new friends, and explore different pockets of culture as I drive across the US. I have been blessed with the generous hospitality of many friends, and am grateful for the opportunity to establish and re-establish connections with so many people.

I have a tendency (along with our culture) to be task oriented in my life, but I am reminded that our relationships are truly what matter in life (and after life). I've gotten to do a little bit of climbing, and met some amazing Solid Rock members along the way. However, after spending time in VA, TN, KY, NE, and CO, it's time to head to Red Rocks where it's 70 degrees and sunny- no snow to keep us from climbing there- viva Las Vegas!

Climbing in Mexico

2008-03-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of spending two weeks in El Potrero Chico, Mexico. The weather was phenomenal, the people were amazing, and God worked in beautiful ways. I enjoyed lots of great climbing, a slower pace of life, ministry opportunities with Solid Rock Climbers for Christ, and a renewed sense of vision and passion for the coming season on the road.

My new friend Hannah North, on a 7-pitch route called Satori.Dottie, myself, Abel & Roger at the entrance to the Potrero, attempting to hand out water, juice and cookies to climbers before the dogs (Floppy, Biscuit, Sparky & Genevieve) ate the cookies!

Solid Rock member Roger Kubly shared the good news of Christ with Abel from Hidalgo, Mexico.
Abel was excited to hear and accept it!

Leading my hardest on-sight yet: Fat Boy Slim (5.11b, sport) - Yeehaw!

My host and friend, Dottie Cross with part of our favorite Mexican family- Esau & Deveny.

Climbing friends from Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ontario : )

Dating God's Way

2008-03-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

Well, folks, it's true. The girl who didn't date for ten years actually found somebody special!
I met Brian a few years ago in Virginia, and we recently started dating. He's a guy who loves Jesus first and foremost. We pray that our relationship strengthens each of us to serve God and others better than we would on our own. It will be challenging with me on the road and him in Virginia, but God can do amazing things. I mean, he is God after all!

Home Sweet Home

2008-01-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

home (noun) -the place where one lives permanently; -the family or social unit occupying such a place; -a place where something flourishes, is most typically found or originates.

In the past two years of wandering, I have explored the definition of "home" a bit more thoroughly. Is it really a place? Is it a feeling? Is it the people? All of these aspects contribute to a home environment. I have found temporary "homes" along my journey: captivating places of natural beauty that I return to again and again, the nomadic community of outdoor educators, churches I have been a part of, and family members that I have visited.

This winter I came back to the place where I originated from in the hope of being renewed in an environment surrounded by loved ones. Here in Virginia I have enjoyed time with my immediate family, my church family, and my climbing family (at the local gym). I have been so blessed and refreshed by my time with them, yet this is not the place I "belong" anymore. The hustle and bustle of the DC area does not bring peace to my heart.

I do look forward to "settling down" in a physical place that I can call home someday. However, it has become more and more apparent to me that I will never truly find that place here on earth, because the place I originate, flourish, and dwell most often is with God in Heaven. I like the last sentence of Oxford's definition of home: "a place where something flourishes." That is what a home should be.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.
Psalm 84:10

Happy New Year 2008!

2008-01-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Nate, Brian, Saro & Erin

Erin, Brian & I

As midnight approached, we worshipped in song and shared communion to begin the new year. May God be glorified on earth in 2008!

Road Trip - Virginia or Bust!

2007-12-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

On December 15, 2007 we left sunny 29 Palms, CA for a 3,000 mile adventure across the nation. I traveled and climbed across the country with a friend and fellow Outward Bound instructor, Scott Shepherd, who was also headed to Virginia to be with family for the holidays.
Destination #1: Lunch with my aunt and uncle in Pheonix, AZ.
We had a great time visiting, and then my aunt loaded us up with goodies for our journey. As we were traveling on a budget, we only ended up only having to stop at one grocery and one fast food place on the whole eight day trip. Thanks Aunt Sylvia!
Destination #2: Climbing in Cochise Stronghold (AZ) with friend and local climber Justin.
I was awestruck at the beauty and majesty of the rock and surrounding scenery. We could have stayed and explored for weeks, but I admit, it was cold!
Destination #3: Enchanted Rocks State Park, Texas
We enjoyed going for runs in warmer weather after a lot of driving, and a mellow day of bouldering (sometimes it's nice to leave all that gear behind), followed by a couple of trad routes the next day.
Destination #3.5: We drove an hour and a half to stay with an old friend of Scott's in Austin, TX. We enjoyed a night out on the town with live music in Austin before we started the last leg of our journey.
Destination #4: Blacksburg, VA
Done with our climbing, we decided to high-tail it: 19 hours straight for home! We had plenty of coffee, good discussions, silly radio sing-alongs, and road trip games to keep us awake.
Destination #5: My parents home in Alexandria, VA
After dropping Scott off in Blacksburg (and a good nap), I drove the last 4 hours home to spend Christmas with my family.

Solid Rock Climbers for Christ

2007-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

It was a privilege to be on the road with Solid Rock this past fall. I was encouraged and impressed by the Christian climbers I met at Joshua Tree (CA) and Red Rocks (Las Vegas, NV). We met together to climb and fellowship, and to share the love of God with the climbing community. In breathtakingly beautiful settings, it was my "job" to share the best news I've ever heard, the coming of Jesus Christ, with people from all over the world. How cool is that? I thank God for an amazing fall season, and all of the people who helped to make it possible!

Climbing in Joshua Tree with Solid Rock member, Travis Wilcox

Solid Rock Coffee Outreach

Solid Rock members worship together in Red Rocks

John is camping out and working in Las Vegas to earn money for his family back in Chicago. He was grateful for the opportunity for fellowship.

The Klein family, Kurt Wedberg and myself at 13 Mile Campground

Climbing with Friends

2007-12-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

This past fall I had the opportunity to spend time with some amazing people. Most of them work for Outward Bound or other wilderness education programs. Whether we were climbing, sitting around the campfire, or making dinner together, we enjoyed sharing our lives and appreciating the beauty around us.
Here are some highlights:

Jess staying warm between climbs at JTree

Climbing Wantanobi Wall (my hardest trad lead in JTree)
Ralph & Mick around the campfire before a crazy game of charadesWe attempted to escape the downpour at Hidden Valley Campground by hopping into Mick's Volkswagen

Mick and I always settled our disagreements like adultsCori, Mick, Liam, and I after a day of climbing in Red Rocks

Thanksgiving

2007-11-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

Photo: Me and my big bro : )

As we drove back from Thanksgiving at my aunt & uncle's home,
we listed what we are grateful for. I am thankful for:

-forgiveness, grace, and freedom afforded to me by Jesus Christ
-a loving, supportive and generous family
-my friends, who I can be myself around
-the abundance that exists here in the US:
I never lack food, water, clothing, shelter, or any other needs
-the beauty and complexity of the natural world
-little things: cups of tea, walks on the beach, dogs, good chats
-people and circumstances that challenge me
-the way God always provides
-diversity
-music
-climbing
-good health & the ability to run, jump & play
-my car/home
-my work: being able to make a difference in the lives of others
-my computer & e-mail (which keep me connected)
-dancing
-fellowship with other followers of Christ
-giving: bringing joy to others and glory to God

JTree Photos

2007-11-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

Chadwick Outdoor Ed Instructors

Jess visiting my cube...
office space is hard to come by on the road!

The welcome desert glow of sunset

Quality girl time: Jess, Hana and myself
climbing in costume on Halloween

Outward Bound Women's Rock Rendezvous

2007-11-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

You gotta love climbing with twenty other amazing women who work for Outward Bound! The rock rendezvous provided a safe and unique environment for women to enjoy one another and the rock, and to grow and challenge their own perceived limits. Last year, it was a chance for me to gain more confidence in my trad leading. This year, it was my pleasure to empower other women to do the same. There was a lot of laughter, energy, and gratitude for such a unique program offered to Outward Bound staff. Many of these women have become my dear friends, and together we are each other's families when we work courses or live at base camp together. I treasured my time with these awesome ladies!

At home in Joshua Tree National Park

2007-10-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

It is great to be back on the border of the Mojave and Colorado deserts where the sky is wide, the stars are bright, and the landscape is quiet. Desert solitude is unique, and though foreign to me a year ago, it feels comfortingly familiar to return here now. I look forward to exploring more of the desert landscape and living things, and to climbing it's amazingly abundant, though somewhat haphazard stacks of rocks. The trees in the photo are the park's namesake Joshua Trees.

Red Rocks

2007-10-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

Red Rocks was a blast! After being humbled by Yosemite's long trad* routes, it was fun to hop on some sport routes in Red Rocks. Three friends from the gym back home came out to climb with me for 5 days (2 days in JTree and 3 in Red Rocks)! We had a blast camping, climbing, and riding around in their rented red Mustang convertible (go figure- it was the cheapest rental car they could find!)

Highlights included running into other Outward Bound folks, campfires with the Spaniards camping "next door," climbing with Bob (local Solid Rock climber), encouraging all three friends as they gained comfort with leading* and cleaning routes outside, chats with Brian, prayer/worship times with Gretchen, and running the 13-mile Red Rock Canyon scenic loop with Cole.

I look forward to going back to Red Rocks for more sport climbing, and to do some of the stellar multi-pitch* trad routes that I have heard so much about. However, it won't be quite the same without the company of friends from home.

*CLIMBING TERMINOLOGY IN BRIEF:
-The belayer is the person who uses a friction device to hold onto the other end of the rope in case the climber falls.
-The leader starts with the rope at the bottom of the climb and clips it into protection she (or he) places as she climbs. Lead climbing is different from Top-roping in that one does not set up an anchor at the top of the climb before climbing (Like you might see in a gym.)
-Trad is short for traditional climbing which requires equipment (or "pro," short for protection) to place in cracks in the rock and clip a rope into as one climbs up, in order to protect a fall.
-Sport climbing refers to climbs where permanent bolts have been placed in the rock by climbers to clip their rope into for protection. Red Rocks has both sport and Trad routes, but Yosemite is famous for it's long, "sandbagged" trad routes. Sandbagged means that the route is probably harder than its published rating.
-Cleaning a route refers to the process of following the climb to take out the protection that the leader placed and/or clean the anchor at the top of the climb.
-Multi-pitch climbs are more than a single rope length, so they are split in to sections where the leader climbs the first pitch, belays the second (who cleans the gear) up to the anchor, then leads up the next pitch, belays the second up to the next anchor, and so on...

Yosemite Facelift (September)

2007-10-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

The 4th annual Yosemite Facelift, sponsored by climbers, was a great success! Thousands of volunteers picked up garbage and assisted with special clean-up projects that the park service does not have the resources to complete without volunteer help. The Yosemite Climbing Association arranged all kinds of sponsors (including Solid Rock), raffles and events throughout the week. I was inspired by presentations/slides/films from Tommy Caldwell and the Huber brothers (famous climbers). For me, it was a unique glimpse into the international climbing community. (Click on title above to find out more about the project.)

Yosemite's Camp 4 (the climbers campground) is a humbling place. Climbers from all over the world gather there to prepare to climb El Capitan and other famous big walls. Many others travel from nearby areas for a weekend of cragging. I got to climb a number of routes there, and was encouraged to meet up with Shirley and Melissa, two other Solid Rock climbers, as well as multiple outdoor educators who ended up at the same campsite! I enjoyed climbing routes, one day with Shirley, and a few days with Mick (an OB friend). The climbing community is strong in Yosemite. It is such an amazing place to meet and hang out with people you don't know. We are all there, packed into sites in a full campground, with a common passion and respect for the rock and the natural beauty around us. Everyone is welcoming, generous, and eager to chat. I look forward to returning for years to come: to be humbled by the rock, to gather with other climbers, and someday to climb a big wall myself.

(1) Photo of Shirley and I on our uplifting day together. We enjoyed picking up trash, sharing our life and faith stories, climbing, and representing Solid Rock to the climbing community.
(2) Photo of Mick and I climbing the "central pillar of frenzy" just across the valley from the famous:
(3) El Capitan (The Nose). Someday...

Dog-sitting: just what the doctor ordered

2007-09-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Picture this... you wake up on a cold fall morning in a spacious canvas platform tent, your face completely inside your sleeping bag. You peek out of the bag just enough to see three noses and some whiskers beckoning you to wake up, cuddle and rub them behind the ears.

Maggie, Stella, and Nibbles greeted me with affectionate nuzzles and a few sloppy kisses (and one or two paws in the eye) to start out each day. Dogs are effective alarm clocks- they come with a built in snooze button feature.

After a great summer of leading wilderness trips for Outward Bound in Oregon, the past few weeks have been a welcome time of refreshment! I worked part-time, climbed a lot, and enjoyed the rare privilege of being in the same place for more than ten days. I spent quality time with family, friends, God, a local church, and three wonderful dogs!

Their demands were simple: "feed me, play/run with me, and love me." I loved watching the three unique personalities come out in all of them. (I nick-named them Classy, Sassy, and Spunk.) I started thinking about which one was the closest to the ideal dog for me someday. And then I realized, each is amazing in their own way... much like we are as humans. We were all created so differently and each have qualities that make us incredible individuals.

God always seems to know exactly what I need. Pooches just have a way of making you feel loved and needed. They listen without giving advice and offer the gift of an innocent and thorough snuggle. They lay a head on your leg or just snuggle up beside you, sharing warmth and a steady, calming heart beat. There must be dogs in Heaven. Now I feel ready to move back into my car and face the next big adventure of my life.

On The Road With Solid Rock

2007-09-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today I started my journey working part-time with Solid Rock Climbers for Christ. I am excited to combine my passion for climbing with my love of God, and my desire to share the love and light of Christ with others.

Goodbye Smith Rock

2007-09-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Smith Rock... it has been wonderful to explore your magnificent walls!

A Passion For Climbing

2007-09-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

I relish the combined smell of musty rock, sweat, chalk dust, and dirt. I love being outside with the rocks, trees, and the rivers. I love the feel of my body on the rock; I balance one foot on a small nub and glide over onto it and turn as if dancing on a vertical ballroom floor. There is a charge of power as my muscles engage and I reach through a hard section of a climb, having to remind myself to breathe.
Being out in the middle of the forest, the canyon, the valley, or the gorge brings peace to my soul. When I reach the top of a multi-pitch climb I feel like a bird soaring over the land below. The beauty before me inspires awe. I contemplate the greatness of one who designed all that I see around me.
Climbing is an individual sport that requires a team effort. When I first started climbing, I was amazed at what I was able to accomplish with the help and encouragement of those around me. For this reason I also love to teach climbing and see people overcome challenges to achieve heights and feats they perceived as unattainable.
I began to pursue climbing on my own about seven years ago. For years I considered climbing to be a selfish pursuit that did not have much purpose. Recently I have come to realize that doing what I am passionate about not only brings me to life, but also has a positive influence on those around me. Therefore, I plan to spend more time pursuing climbing as a sport, and also as a teacher.

The Call

2007-09-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful fall day two years ago, my friend and I were praying together. That particular day our prayers had no agenda, other than to enjoy time with God and to sit and listen. That’s when I heard God say, “Oregon.”
Six months later, I packed up my car and drove across the country to Oregon. I sent in a few applications before I left, but had no job to greet me when I arrived. Looking back, it is amazing to see how God planned and supported me every step of the way! He provided friends and family to stay with, campgrounds when I got tired driving, fellowship when I was lonely, jobs and food when funds were low, and much more. Most of all, God has given me the gracious gift of His forgiveness, through Jesus Christ, who atones for me, despite my daily transgressions. Thankfully, the master plan did not end at the cross, but allows us to experience eternal life, living each day in relationship with Him.
Admittedly, there are many days when I do not feel God’s presence. However, it is His love and promise of a close relationship that keeps me going each day, and fuels my desire to share that hope with those around me. Sharing Christ’s love can be done in so many different ways, and he gives each person unique passions and gifts. I have been working, learning and training in the field of Outdoor Education for the past nine years.
Now I am thrilled at the chance to hit the road doing some outdoor education instructing, and some ministry to the climbing community. My work this fall will combine my profession, my passion and my calling!