Discomfort

Mike and I spent last Tuesday thru Thursday on the rocks at Interstate park in Minnesota. Mike had a blast getting back into the swing of climbing, which he used to do much more of before he moved to the flat state of Nebraska. It was another story for me however. Let's just say that rock climbing was completely out of my comfort zone.

The discomfort started bright and early on Wed. morning when we hauled our gear up the mountain to set the climbs. I was doing well at 4:30 in the morning but before I knew it, I began to tumble over the rocks. I believe it was the Lord that protected me from falling over the face of the cliff (literally just feet away). Instead, I landed face first in the rocks. It was a scary moment for both Mike and I as Mike was behind me and later told me that he felt helpless as I kept falling and he could do nothing. Later that morning I belayed Mike as he was climbing. When he fell, he kept falling until his feet hit the rock VERY hard. Now, those of you who aren't familiar with rock climbing, that is NOT supposed to happen. The belayer (which was me) should have caught him within a few feet of his fall. I had all the slack out of the rope, but the rope I was using had more give in it than I knew. Needless to say, the day started off with me feeling like I wanted to quite. With the help and encouragment of Mike and the specialist, Ryan, I continued on and in the end I enjoyed my time with the kids. Once again, it was only by God's strength that I managed to get through the trip...but I did...and I am alive to tell about it :-).

These next three weeks Mike and I will be leading a rock climbing unit here at camp. We will be working with campers daily as they learn to climb. Sometimes I laugh at God's humor....he keeps putting me in environments where I am NOT comfortable, where I can only rely on God and His strength...I think I am starting to see a theme in my life.

If you could, please continue to pray for safety for both Mike and I. As you can see, we certainly need it!