Blessings: experiences and people

I am officially home. I remember writing my first entry on my journey out west and thinking that this experience could turn out terrible and maybe I wouldn't think it would be worth it. And looking at it in retrospect, it was some of the most difficult times of my life, but also held some of the richest blessings. I cannot explain in words how enriched my summer has been with both the experiences in the mountains and the memories with the people I have had. Not that I ever thought I was going to change the people I came into contact with, but I am realizing more and more how they changed me. I have been so touched by the people I lived with. It was the people who didn’t believe in God who encouraged me never to be ashamed of what I believe in. It was the people who didn’t share the same moral values as me who showed me what it means to serve people well and show hospitality. And it was the people who I had absolutely nothing in common with who showed me the realness of every human heart. I am convinced, more than ever, that everyone has something so unique to offer the world. In the midst of every experience, hardship, and trail in a person’s life, there is something to offer. I believe in the good in all people. I believe in the value of every human heart. And I believe that a crazy-loving and passionate God is pursuing them.

I feel like my life is rich. Just rich. Not by any amount of money or ranking in society, rich because of the memories and the experiences that I will hold so dearly in my heart forever. Nothing can take that away. I wish I could share some of these things, but I know my attempts would fail—words just aren't enough.

I am thankful for safe travels, amazing weather all summer, and the challenges that I learned so much from. Thank you so much for those who have feverishly been praying and supporting me all summer.   

Ali

How Much Do You Love Me?

It is now official that I will be leaving Glacier National Park on Tuesday the 20th to return home to Grand Rapids. It is the best decision concerning my health and also to figure out some other school stuff. This is the last thing I want to do considering I am leaving the place I call home and also the people I call my family. This is going to be extremely difficult for me. I always knew this summer was going to be difficult, but I have been challenged in ways I have never been challenged before--things that have really challenged my worldview and what I believe. This is the hardest stuff I’ve ever faced, but the whisper I keep hearing is this: “How much do you love me, Ali?” As I am the only Christian out in my area, I have challenged this question the whole summer. God is purging me of everything that is in the way of making him number one. I believe that’s what he’s doing in all of our lives—in this sanctification process. He’s not only making us more like himself, but he’s doing it in a way that allows us to love him more freely—to fulfill his greatest commandment for us: to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. That has never been more clear to me as it is right now as I struggle and struggle to discover how strong my love for Him is. And I’m finding that my love for him does not stand alone. My love, our love, for him is rooted in his infinite love for us. Rocks my world. 

A few days ago I had my first taste of authentic raw fish from fish we caught in the lake. We fried them in the frying back over the back country stove and ate them...probably the best fish I have ever had. Then I spent some time up in Waterton Lakes, Canada with Brooks and just relaxed, walked the beach, and grabbed some dinner out on the Patio.  This picture is is just a little taste of the beaches up there. Yesterday I hiked this lake called Shangrala, which isn't even on the map, but it felt a little like heaven. It's one of those lake you have to climb up over cliffs to get to and it sits in the chasm of a range of mountains. Spending the afternoon swimming and cliff jumping was exactly what my soul needed. This weekend I will be getting my 250 pin for miles hiked in the park--it's been wild. 

So now I will be road-tripping back to Michigan starting on Tuesday, please pray for safe travels as well as some good alone time in my own thoughts.Thank you thank you thank you for all your prayers.

Ali

Always Ready

Last week I was planning on doing this intense hike called the skyline. You’re not going to find it on the map or in the hiking books; it’s one of those hikes where you have to know people to find out about it. It’s a 20-mile hike that encompasses 4 summits and an incredible ridge walk.  I was supposed to do this hike and was really excited about it, but wasn’t able to go. As I got up early to start the hike, I went over to the sink and thought I was going to be sick—and that’s the last thing I remember. My roommates tell me they woke up to a super loud thud; the thud being my head hitting our wood floor. I found out later I had passed out, hit my head really hard, wasn’t breathing, and didn’t have any eye movement for 2 minutes. One of my roommates ran into the kitchen screaming that I wasn’t breathing and needed help right away. Rangers with sirens, ambulances, and even a helicopter was called in (they cancelled that one though) and I was taken to the ER in Browning, Montana. Anyways, they still don’t know why I passed out and what happened when I hit my head, so this next week and when I return home to Michigan will consist of multiple appointments with neurologists and cardiologists. So I wasn’t able to hike that amazing skyline. As I was bumming about this, and now not able to drive or do any strenuous hiking, I was reminded that I must, at any time, be ready to give up what I had planned. This event happened so fast and I was not prepared to deal with this at all, but I know from past events that must not bank on anything to happen. I was reminded that my life consists of moving to the rhythm of God’s grace. I don’t know what will come out of all this, but I do know that there is a reason, and if I have to leave Glacier National Park because of it, I could do that knowing God has blessed me with many amazing experiences all ready. It’s not easy to think about our lives changing so fast, but it also keeps us in the present—exactly where God wants us, and being thankful for what he is blessing us with in each moment. I hope I don’t have to return home, but if that is where God is calling me, I’m ready.

Last week a guy that I called my friend died on the mountain from a fall. It's been difficult around here dealing with 2 employee deaths in a 17-day span. Please pray for healing for his family, especially his brother who is also working out here in Glacier. This is another example of how things change so fast. One minute we are all having fun climbing mountains and the next we are grieving the death of a friend. I am becoming more thankful each day God blesses me with knowing that he doesn't owe me, or anyone else, another breath on this earth. Thanks for all your prayers already.

Ali