Day 9 and 10 – SOLO
As part of our “final” for La Vida, we are required to do a solo. Basically, for two days we are on our own in the woods and during that time we do a fast from food. The night before solo, we as a group decided to have a vow of silence during the morning of solo and the morning when we would return. We would end the silence with a song of worship.
Getting up that morning, we all packed up our things – in silence – and soon enough were led away from camp. When we were about 100 yards or so away from camp (close enough that our leaders could get to us in case of an emergency and such), I was led to my spot. The group continued on, leaving me to start looking for a spot for my solo tarp. For the first few minutes I found myself wandering in circles trying to find a good clearing where I would leave my gear and sleep for the next two nights. Once I finally discovered a good spot, I got everything set up and am pleased to say, I set up quite a lovely solo tarp.
When all of that was said and done, it was time to explore. We were only allowed to stay within a certain distance of our solo camp, but were permitted to go down to the water – thank God! Down near the water, I was blessed with the perfect spot. A nice birch tree that had a thick branch hanging low to ground provided me with my sitting spot.
The mornings of solo were easier than the nights. The second day was overall easier than the first. Each day I wrote in my La Vida journal, prayed, read my Bible, memorized scripture, and worshiped. I craved GORP (Good Ole Raisins and Peanuts) as well as other yummy foods, there were moments that I was rather tired, and at some moments I found myself at a loss of what I wanted to do. Fasting out in the wilderness is much different than fasting in the comfort of your home where you have more things to do to keep you occupied (like reading a book). Besides the struggles that I meet over those two days, I also had some wonderful moments that triumphed over them. To sit on a tree, look out over the lake, and talk to Jesus, it’s a special thing. He brought me through things over that time. I ended that solo all the more excited for Gordon.
Day 11 – The last bag of GORP
Getting up that morning, taking down my solo camp, and walking back to the campsite with the rest of the girls (we would meet the boys at the campsite) was rather hard. We were all lightheaded and tired.
When we all meet up together and sat around the campfire, we each placed a natural object (a leaf, rock, a stick, etc) in the middle and said something about our solo time. After we sung our song, chatter broke loose and we over a nice breakfast of soup, shared our experience.
Camp was taken down, things were packed, canoes were loaded, and we embarked on our quickest canoe voyage. After pulling in, we found ourselves along a road. As we waited for the van to come and pick us up along with the canoes, we sat in a circle, dined on our last bag of GORP, and shared our ACE’s with another (Appreciations and Challenges/Exhortations). Arriving back to base camp was interesting, eleven days ago we had all started out there, to be back and to see how different we all were as individuals and as a group, it was awesome!
Getting some logistics dealt with (returning some gear, setting up the campsite where we all start out at, practicing a skit), we eventually got to do what we were all looking forward to, eat some FOOD food, and this wasn’t just in our group of twelve, but with all the canoe and hiking groups – the reunion was lovely. Walking into the room where we were to get our food, all the Sherpas served us – the room was CHAOTIC but WONDERFUL, Sherpas screaming at students if they wanted a burger or a hot dog, barbecue chips or Doritos. Another fun memory was when all the Sherpas came running at us with buckets of ice cream, and we all wondered, were they going to throw it at us or give it to us to eat? It turned out to be the later; though I’m sure a food fight would have been rather delightful.
After some down time, though for our group it was more active time (we were playing soccer and throwing a Frisbee), we all gathered in the barn for worship, skits, and testimonies. Worship was delightful, our skit went pretty well, and the testimonies were encouraging.
The night was the first time the whole twelve of us slept under the group tarp. We all decided as a group that if we had done that every night, we would have never slept. That night as we finally went to bed, many things went through my mind. It was our last night. The next day we would be leaving. Also, the following morning would hold our last physical challenge – an 8 mile run.
Day 12 – A heartfelt goodbye
As part of our “final” for La Vida, we are required to do a solo. Basically, for two days we are on our own in the woods and during that time we do a fast from food. The night before solo, we as a group decided to have a vow of silence during the morning of solo and the morning when we would return. We would end the silence with a song of worship.
Getting up that morning, we all packed up our things – in silence – and soon enough were led away from camp. When we were about 100 yards or so away from camp (close enough that our leaders could get to us in case of an emergency and such), I was led to my spot. The group continued on, leaving me to start looking for a spot for my solo tarp. For the first few minutes I found myself wandering in circles trying to find a good clearing where I would leave my gear and sleep for the next two nights. Once I finally discovered a good spot, I got everything set up and am pleased to say, I set up quite a lovely solo tarp.
When all of that was said and done, it was time to explore. We were only allowed to stay within a certain distance of our solo camp, but were permitted to go down to the water – thank God! Down near the water, I was blessed with the perfect spot. A nice birch tree that had a thick branch hanging low to ground provided me with my sitting spot.
The mornings of solo were easier than the nights. The second day was overall easier than the first. Each day I wrote in my La Vida journal, prayed, read my Bible, memorized scripture, and worshiped. I craved GORP (Good Ole Raisins and Peanuts) as well as other yummy foods, there were moments that I was rather tired, and at some moments I found myself at a loss of what I wanted to do. Fasting out in the wilderness is much different than fasting in the comfort of your home where you have more things to do to keep you occupied (like reading a book). Besides the struggles that I meet over those two days, I also had some wonderful moments that triumphed over them. To sit on a tree, look out over the lake, and talk to Jesus, it’s a special thing. He brought me through things over that time. I ended that solo all the more excited for Gordon.
Day 11 – The last bag of GORP
Getting up that morning, taking down my solo camp, and walking back to the campsite with the rest of the girls (we would meet the boys at the campsite) was rather hard. We were all lightheaded and tired.
When we all meet up together and sat around the campfire, we each placed a natural object (a leaf, rock, a stick, etc) in the middle and said something about our solo time. After we sung our song, chatter broke loose and we over a nice breakfast of soup, shared our experience.
Camp was taken down, things were packed, canoes were loaded, and we embarked on our quickest canoe voyage. After pulling in, we found ourselves along a road. As we waited for the van to come and pick us up along with the canoes, we sat in a circle, dined on our last bag of GORP, and shared our ACE’s with another (Appreciations and Challenges/Exhortations). Arriving back to base camp was interesting, eleven days ago we had all started out there, to be back and to see how different we all were as individuals and as a group, it was awesome!
Getting some logistics dealt with (returning some gear, setting up the campsite where we all start out at, practicing a skit), we eventually got to do what we were all looking forward to, eat some FOOD food, and this wasn’t just in our group of twelve, but with all the canoe and hiking groups – the reunion was lovely. Walking into the room where we were to get our food, all the Sherpas served us – the room was CHAOTIC but WONDERFUL, Sherpas screaming at students if they wanted a burger or a hot dog, barbecue chips or Doritos. Another fun memory was when all the Sherpas came running at us with buckets of ice cream, and we all wondered, were they going to throw it at us or give it to us to eat? It turned out to be the later; though I’m sure a food fight would have been rather delightful.
After some down time, though for our group it was more active time (we were playing soccer and throwing a Frisbee), we all gathered in the barn for worship, skits, and testimonies. Worship was delightful, our skit went pretty well, and the testimonies were encouraging.
The night was the first time the whole twelve of us slept under the group tarp. We all decided as a group that if we had done that every night, we would have never slept. That night as we finally went to bed, many things went through my mind. It was our last night. The next day we would be leaving. Also, the following morning would hold our last physical challenge – an 8 mile run.
Day 12 – A heartfelt goodbye
That morning we had a nice light breakfast to fuel us as we would being running soon. A nice thing about all the challenges that we had (low ropes, rock climbing…) was that they are considered a “challenge by choice.” I knew I could not run the whole 8 miles, physically my body couldn’t do that; however, to walk and jog it, that’s a different story. And that was what I did.
After picking a spot, like a mail box, a sign, or a house, I would then jog to that spot. Two hours and about twenty minutes later, I had jogged and walked back to base camp. Praise Jesus! There were moments along the jog/walk that I felt like the Lord was placing this on my heart: “You have turned to others for answers, for support, now it’s time to turn to me for the solutions to your problems, to be your support. Let me carry you.”
After we had finished gather all our things together, had lunch, exchanged info to one another, it was time to board the vans and go home. Our Sherpas, Steven and Sarah, were incredible – wouldn’t trade them for nothing. They encouraged, motivated, challenged, and supported us. They were patient with us and listened to us. They modeled servant leadership. It’s been more than week since La Vida ended, and I miss them already.
The van provided a good means to transition back to the world, especially when those who were controlling the radio kept letting it play Lady Gaga. Soon we halfway there, and then, we were back at Gordon. Photos were taken, loving words were exchanged, and hugs were given.
I hopped into my mom’s car and we drove back to her apartment where I got to take a delicious shower and sleep on a bed (aw, the luxury).
The physical experience of La Vida had ended, but La Vida continues through my life. The lessons I have learned go with me now throughout my days. Now, my heart is at ease knowing that I have friends waiting for me on the day orientation begins. Friends who will support and encourage me. The trip has given me a closer relationship with Jesus and has given me who I consider my La Vida family - to you lovely people, I love you all!
I could go on and on about La Vida, and there are still so many stories to share, but for now, everyone can at least have a small idea of what went on during that beautiful time.
After we had finished gather all our things together, had lunch, exchanged info to one another, it was time to board the vans and go home. Our Sherpas, Steven and Sarah, were incredible – wouldn’t trade them for nothing. They encouraged, motivated, challenged, and supported us. They were patient with us and listened to us. They modeled servant leadership. It’s been more than week since La Vida ended, and I miss them already.
The van provided a good means to transition back to the world, especially when those who were controlling the radio kept letting it play Lady Gaga. Soon we halfway there, and then, we were back at Gordon. Photos were taken, loving words were exchanged, and hugs were given.
I hopped into my mom’s car and we drove back to her apartment where I got to take a delicious shower and sleep on a bed (aw, the luxury).
The physical experience of La Vida had ended, but La Vida continues through my life. The lessons I have learned go with me now throughout my days. Now, my heart is at ease knowing that I have friends waiting for me on the day orientation begins. Friends who will support and encourage me. The trip has given me a closer relationship with Jesus and has given me who I consider my La Vida family - to you lovely people, I love you all!
I could go on and on about La Vida, and there are still so many stories to share, but for now, everyone can at least have a small idea of what went on during that beautiful time.
Choose Joy!
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