With mountains come valleys...

I miss the mountains.

I spent a couple months in Montana this past summer. We would hike and camp in the mountains quite a bit, so needless to say I spent much of my summer climbing or sleeping on the ground of a mountain. Nothing compares to standing on top of a mountain that you've just conquered with sweat and determination. You are on top of the world, and no one can take that away from you.

Each person has their on mountains they climb. Conquering these mountains is one thing we as human beings deal with on a day to day basis.

With mountains, come valleys.

Sometimes it seems as though there are more valleys in our lives than mountains. At times my life looks like rolling hills. Smoothly moving through the days. No ups and downs. Just average. Other times it's a downward slope that has no end. But it does. And I choose that ending. There are two paths. I choose. And sometimes, but not as often it looks like Mt Everest times ten. Real high. Than real low. Then real high. And so on. Rarely it is flat. No meaning. No beauty in the eye of the beholder. Nothing. Like the West Texas plains. The lowest of the lowest.

Church

Church.
It's not a place to go to be social. Or a place to fill a weekly quota.
It's a place of learning. People voluntarily go to learn about Jesus and his life. Without persecution. We are lucky in the US. Very lucky. People literally risk their lives in other countries to worship the one true God.

Some folks were talking about this at church tonight. Got my wheels turning.

Update on Montana Mission/Glacier National Park

Montana! I absolutely love it here! Everything about this place is wonderful. The church, the people, the beauty, the weather and the activities that Montanans engage in (hiking, camping, rafting, etc.). The main reason I am here as an intern is to build relationships with the people I meet in and outside of the church. So pretty much my job description is hanging out with people, loving them, caring for them, and telling them about Jesus.

I came into this summer very intimidated. I was afraid that I wasn't ready to lead people to Christ. Or ready to teach others more about Jesus and God and His unfailing love, forgiveness, and His beautiful grace. Though I have experienced all of these things, I was afraid. I was afraid to commit my whole summer to this mission trip in Montana because I "should" be spending the whole summer working and saving money for my next year of school. My personal bank account was empty when I chose to do this. ...I chose to trust God to work it all out. Because I knew that God was calling me to Montana. I knew this is where He wanted me to be.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make straight your paths."
- Proverbs 3:5-6

I got an email a few weeks ago saying that all my schooling for the next year is paid for by a grant. I trusted, and God provided. It's amazing what can happen if you do God's will instead of your own.

That's it for this update! Oh, we went to Glacier National Park yesterday. Just us interns and the Hasenyagers (Pastor Mark and his wife Sacha and their oldest daughter Hannah). It was breathtakingly beautiful! We hiked a mile and a half in pure snow! It was a blast! The whole day was consumed with laughter. We all had such a great time. The Hasenyagers have such beautiful souls and hearts for God. It's inspiring.

Peace to you all,
Kate

I hope all is well for each and every one of you.


Glacier!


Kasi and I at Glacier National Park


A beautiful waterfall in Glacier




I love this picture! Sacha (one of my supervisors) and her daughter Hannah


A wild goat!


Here's a pic of a sunset from the other night. Outside our cabin.

Camas Lake hike - July 9th and 10th, 2011

This past weekend we backpacked to Camas Lake.



A beautiful site after three and a half miles of hiking. Definitely worth it.


I ate my first MRE! It was actually pretty dang good! :)


I'm really loving Montana. I'm building some great friendships. I'm going to miss this place when I'm gone.

First night at Outdoorsmen Church in Montana - Honesty

Last night we left orientation for a bit and went to the Wednesday night service at the church we will be serving with all summer. I came to Montana knowing this is where God wants me to be. Last night I felt confirmation of that. It's a wonderful feeling to know that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. The people that make up the community of this church are the most genuine, honest people. Just spending one night with them, I can tell they don't put up a front. I believe that without honesty there's a lacking of foundation that is needed to build a trusting and meaningful relationship. It's refreshing when people are so honest that it just pours out of them. It's a treasure that is not found as often as I wish it was.

Pastor Mark and his wife Sascha are such wonderful people. Peaceful, loving, and compassionate was my first impression of them. They have three daughters between the ages of twelve and sixteen. All three of them are going on different missions this summer. It's a beautiful thing to see a family that has God as their central focus. And to see how the people in the church interact with each other and the family is inspiring. I’m excited to see what I will think when I look back on this summer. I have a feeling I’m going to learn a lot this summer, and grow in my spirituality and relationship with God.

Tonight is our last night of the Montana orientation. Tomorrow Mark and Sascha will pick us up and we’ll head to Holland Lake for the weekend to camp. About 50 people from the church will be going too. Good way to kick off the summer!

Peace to you,
Kate

Prayer requests: More humility, boldness, and confidence for me. Also, just for me to continue to spend quality time with the Lord each day. It's easy to get caught up in the days activities...especially in a new and exciting place.