Grand Canyon August 09

So, This weekend I had the most amazing trip to the Grand Canyon with my beloved Revolution Youth. I learned amazing things about myself and others, and had the time of my life.

On Thursday, I was a little sad, and didn't want to go on this trip, most honestly because I knew I would be missing out on an opportunity to spend time with an amazing guy. But God had different plans. On Wednesday night, I learned in the amazing Esther Bible Study that just because we can't see God in the story doesn't mean He is isn't there. And this is what I remebered on Thursday.

On the way to the Grand Canyon the Yellow Spanish church van broke down in the middle of the desert. It was well over a hundred degrees out there, and I was slightly worried. Shortly thereafter I got a text (my very first) from Eric asking me how the drive was going. I told him about the situation, and after expressing concern, he told me to keep him updated. After a bit of tinkering it seemed like we had a fix, but about ten minutes later the van stopped working again. I texted Eric and told him we were broken again, and after a myriad of texts, he told me that if I wanted him to come out there, he would. I protested, telling him I didn't want him to waste his day off rescuing us. Eric informed me that he would not consider it a wasted trip. Then I talked to Nate and told him of the offer. I then extended an invitation for Eric to join us on our trip. After a few more texts it became apparent that Eric was coming to join us. This ended up being a miracle. The van was not going to be fixed and we didn't have enough seats or room for everyone to be in the one van. So, after a whole long confusing riddkulus mistake with the tow truck resulting in us being in the middle of the dessert for over six hours. We were towed to Needles, where, because of the difficulties with the tow truck, Eric arrived about 30 minutes after we did. We piled people in his car, and the van, and finally made it to the hotel around 2 am.

The rest of the weekend was pretty much as planned, with lots of fun, and excitement. I was able to spend some time getting to know Eric better during the drive, and while the youth were swimming at a local pool. And I was able to see how he interacted with people I care about. I learned things about myself that are going to result in some changes (all for the better I assure you) and I was pleasantly delighted in how the weekend ended up. I appreciate that Eric understood that the youth were my priority, and that he wasn't overly clingy. He was helpful, and had independent conversations with people on the trip. He treated me with respect, and all in all I am still amazed that a guy as great as him could have any interest in me.

On the way home we stopped at Cracker Barrell which is my favortie chain restaurant, and Nate had them sing to me for my birthday because he knows of my love for the place and because the closest one is something like 5 hours away from here. It was a little early for the birthday greeting, but appreciated nonetheless.

Here are my pictures from the Grand Canyon, the rest of my day is crazy, but I will try to get my Aquarium and Whale watching pictures up from Sunday later today or tomorrow...

Nate and Carlos trying to fix the van, roughly halfway between Needles and Barstow



Eric and I standing by the Grand Canyon



It really is pretty amazing there.



Amazing Lighting at Sunset



Sunset at the Grand Canyon



Group Shot



Kenny and Eric inspecting a hole in the dam



Nate and I




The Lake by the Dam



Driving with Eric to Dogtown Lake



A heart by Dogtown Lake



Llama!



The High Elevation equaled amazing weather.



Cracker Barrell <3

Update

I am beginning to get ill, I think. I feel blechy.

I am also trying to organize a quick trip to my aunt's this weekend. I haven't seen her since July and this is going to be my last chance to visit, because my schedule for the next few months is going to be insane.

On top of getting to see my aunt, this will be an amazing opportunity to get away from all of the external noise, and kick it with Jesus. I have some really big decisions to make, and while I could totally seek Jesus here, I know that I get distracted easily and being in the middle of no where will help.

That means I need to find a sub for Sunday School, but I am sure it will all work out in the end.

I found out yesterday that I am now going to be working 20 hours a week. This is good, but I am having a hard time with fitting all of my new hours into my already packed schedule. It means I am working all day every Friday and Saturday, as well as more hours on Wednesday. This makes me cranky, but I need to start saving some money for next year.

Winter camp was good. I learned a lot, and I think God really spoke to our kids. I am excited to see what the future will bring.

Winter Camp!

I was on here to see what exactly I had posted before winter camp last year, and I saw that I hadn't posted anything. What I did notice, was my post winter camp post from last year. I really want to do a follow up post but I am going to wait until I return to do it. This is mostly a public reminder for me to do so.

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So. On to business.

Once again I am asking that you pray.

Pray that God speaks to the youth in a new way, that He grabs their attention and moves mightily this weekend. Pray for them by name: Travis, Kaleb, Tarah, Jessica, and Lizette. They each have travelled different journeys, and I ask that you pray that God meet them right where they are. And that they be open to the things of God.

Pray for traveling mercies, and cooperative weather.

Pray for the leaders of the camp to be open to the direction of the spirit.

Pray for our leadership that are going. for Nate, Lizzy, Kasey, and I. That we get some good bonding time with the teens that are going, and for God to use us to impact lives.

Pray specifically for Nate, that as he leaves Hattie and Caden at home, that he will be able to know that they are in good hands and not worry about them. Pray that Hattie has a smooth and hopefully restful weekend.

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I know I am excited, but because of some things going on in Stacey-land am pretty distractable right now. I will update soon after I get home, but have an insanely busy week ahead of me upon my return.