Pictures

ICE SKATING!

so these were some pictures of me when we went ice skating the first weekend i was here. the one of me by tree and mountains are really good. just showing you what it looks like from our doorstep. the one of me trying to balance on the ice was actually a joke. haha but its funny. the other mountain picture is just another to show you what my world is like.

the picture of the girls at work and i are at the bowling pizza and beer party. haha and yes im by the pitcher. its an ugly picture of me but these are some of the girls i am getting to know. its me, eileen, kristine, and meg. =) You can pray for them to know that there is more out there for life!
Sorry it took so long to post these, but my computer didn't really like them, so jonathan ended up posting them for me! anyways i miss everyone and working alot. Hopefully Alison (the youth) and I are going to get ice cream (cuz its not cold enough already) and rent a movie!

Intern Dinner

God is absolutely amazing! He has continuely provided for me in ways I wasn't expecting or even knew I needed. Last night the interns of Summit County through NAMB met for dinner with Mike McCarthy (the missions director who also goes to my church and whose daughter is my only youth). Okay so it was Mike, me, then Naomi (who is the intern supervisor and the only person I had talked to before I left for Colorado), then the other interns: Darren -- been here over a year and is in the HR department at Breck, Jonathan -- from Texas! and is a snowboard instructor at Breck, Woody -- from Mississippi and currently the Gondola operator at Breck, Lee -- from Miss and a lift op at Breck, Ross -- from Miss and not sure what his job is at Breck, and then Jana -- Naomi's roommate who happens to work at Copper in guest services at the other village. The only one who wasn't there was Caleb who was in Las Vegas watching his cousin compete in Miss America. But the first cool part of the night was just meeting Jana. We have talked on the phone at work but never knew who she was and secondly she is in the same department as I so we will be together at events and training. the second great thing was just meeting everyone and simply being able to discuss God and life with people my age. The thrid thing was hearing the Miss. guys talking about their jobs and living situations and just realizing how blessed i am -- i love my job, have the opportunity to talk to people (they dont since they are lift ops), that I'm inside, and that I live with an amazing family (which helps financially, spiritually, and mentally). After dinner we went over to Breck and looked at the annual snow/ice carvings. Groups from around the world compete by carving designs out of huge blocks of snow/ice -- kinda like sand sculptors at the beach. pretty cool. I have pictures and will put them on here tomorrow. =)

Lunch

Well yesterday was good. We had our meeting and it actually ended up that Allison, the only youth, joined us. We talked about the overall goals of the ministry and of the church. And then we talked specifics of how to reach those goals. The hardest thing was just trying to think of ideas, suggesting them, and then discussing how in this culture that wouldn't work. And it wasn't them being mean, its just the daunting reality of how this culture works. I am praying for God to give me ideas and then let those ideas be fruitful. =) But yeah. Then Allison and I ended up going shopping (have i mentioned Silverthorne is full of outlet shops.) and hungout for a while. So thats great. One of the things we realized was that Allison is going to have to act as intern as much as I. She is the only one that has relationships and the trust of bringing kids to activities and bible studies. Once she brings here friends, I am able to build off of that and actually focus the talks on Jesus (hopefully).
So today is another day off from work and since everyone is at work or in school, I am going to explore some more. Denver here I come! =)

Bowling and Prayer

Hey guys. not alot has happened this weekend or first of the week, so sorry i havent had anything to write about, but it definitely looks as my week will be picking up now! Last night was great experience. The guest service department had an employee fun night at the local bowling alley in Dillon. So i just drove there after basketball practice (for Brittany and Andy). It was supposed to start at 6, i got there at 6:10, everyone else got there at 6:20. haha. That is one aspect of this culture i am learning -- no one is on time. So yeah. Free bowling, free pizza, and free beer -- the perfect party right? Drinking aside, it was a great opportunity for me to meet more people and get to just relax with them outside of work, since i dont live with them. So on the girls team was myself, Meg (from Australia), Eileen (who i had coffee with), Kristine, and Amy. We were able to talk and just have fun. I had been really worried about the drinking issue, but talking to Callie before I left really helped. She just shared how Yosemite worked and that there were those that didn't drink and it was okay. so while we all passed around the pitchers I just went to the bar and got a cup of water. No one asked why i wasn't drinking and no one pushed me to have some. So it was a non-issue = my goal. Anyways a total prayer answered that I didn't feel uncomfortable and they didn't feel uncomfortable. =)
And speaking of prayers, I have a big one to ask. I have a meeting with the pastor, Jeff, and Mike, the missions boss to discuss my role here. Lately I have really struggled with my position as youth minister/intern. Just not sure what Jeff wants and the few things I have gotten out of him have been conflicting and frustrating on my behalf. I sought advice from Rocky and David, which both have helped tremendously. Both gave me suggestions and questions to ask at today's meeting. But I just want to ask that you lift up my attitude and my mouth in prayer for today's lunch meeting. I want to understand and want to serve how ever that is, but i dont want to offend either or come off challenging as I present and question ideas. "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Gal. 5:26. So yeah. i appreciate all the prayers and will probably write back about how that goes. =)
love yall

Be a Playmaker

So at copper, employees are playmakers and we are to there to help the guest "press play" for an amazing vacation. As playmakers we are to be passionate about our work and today at an all employee training we were discussing passion and how that is a key part in our work here. On our name tags we have our name, where we are from, and then what we are passionate about. the name tag im currently wearing until i get mine says caffine as the passion. haha. kinda fitting. So when my boss asked me what i was passionate about, my first thought was "jesus", but seeing as how that wouldn't go over well, i just said "conversations over coffee". kinda thinking it would be a conversation starter and get me the chance to talk about my real passion (although i really do love conversations and coffee). But anyways during the training today we were all discussing our passions. And everyone was naming 'the mountain', 'sports', 'fun', 'skiing', 'boarding'. It was just interesting to hear all that. It is truly their passion, its what gets them up in the morning, its what they are willing to work long hours for, its their heartbeat. They spend their lunch break on the mountain, they move all over the country for it. And while that isn't that strange...its what I am doing. I have been alot of places for Jesus and i could easily spend my lunch day thinking or reading about Jesus. And its all the other things. But i was just thinking about how much they miss out on. I mean you ski/board every day, get that thrill, and then have to wake up to do it all over again. And then whats to show for it, good stories that everyone else who skis has? an in shape body? I dunno. just thoughts during my thrilling training.

Work Updates

BBrrr. Well i headed to work today for my first day at work. And it was -14 degrees. Yeah. I had on two ski jackets.
I had training on monday with the Administration kinda getting an overview of Copper and the goals of the Guest Services Department. Then on wednesday I had training at the actually Adventure Desk with the head worker, Rob. And then today I had my first day of work. I am going to be the new opener for the desk, so I had to be there at 7:45 am. So i had to leave here at 7. So it was around 7 that it was -14 degrees, but i only warmed up to about 5 degrees. So i pretty much stayed inside as much as i could. Didn't have alot of people wanting to go do stuff because it was so cold.
Umm but my day was really enjoyable once I actually got up and to work. We start off the day by walking around the "Burning Stones Plaza" (its a big fire pit/concert area) and tagging any left behind equipment. Then we do all the bank stuff and keys like any opening job would. Then as people come in looking for lost stuff (we are also the lost and found if i didn't tell you that) or have stuff they found we deal with that. And then we book reservations for the various trips as people come in or call. So it was pretty good, but it was kinda hard doing it all by myself. Just wanting to make sure i got it all right. Then at 3, I attended a training seminar, but it was for people within the department to just continue training. So that was kinda cool. Its interesting though, I'm the new (and youngest) kid and I am going to the monthly additional training seminars. Its me and the lead guy Rob. So im not sure what all that means.
But I want to introduce everyone to the guys i work with so you can pray for them and our relationships. My boss is Matt, from California. Then the lead guy is Rob from Michigan. Both are about Jonathans age. The lady I worked with today is Dorothy, who is more my mom's age, so she treated like her daughter all day -- which i dont mind, but I could later on. And she told me she was sorry that she kept doing it. And then the guy that I haven't worked with yet is Rick, who is also about Dorothys age (more like 60 something). So none of that is bad, but i have to worry about not coming off as the pretenious young kid. Then i met some other people that work in the next desk over. One named Eileen (from New York) and another Jodie (from Canada). the two of them and I went for coffee today so that was a plus. good start.
So anyways. I guess i need to go on to bed, I have to work again tomorrow at 9 (another meeting) until close at 7:15. Which makes for a long friday. =)

thoughts

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.
For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-
he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

Sunday reflections

Well today was definitely enjoyable (so far). Yesterday was good too, all the kids ended up spending the night at friends houses so last night andy, trish and I made pizzas and played yatzee and watched football. totally up my alley. =) But today was church and we met at the pastors house around 10. Time is a relative thing here. High County Church (HCC) is planning to go to a multi-meeting site setup in about a month. They are trying to be relative and meet the various groups of people here where they are at. So the church is having small groups meet at their homes or at starbucks or whatever for bible study and fellowship, instead of a sunday morning meeting. Jeff, the pastor, talked about how we are trying to meet the county's needs and views, and how that has to start with the Word. I thought it was nice but basic. Kinda wanted more. Met the worship pastor today, Tyler, and he and allison (one of the youth's i would work with) and myself went to this sushi place. I didn't have sushi but we had this lunch special that had all kinds of stuff on it that was really good. so yeah it was a great lunch and got to know them better.
on another good note, while we were at church, Jeff told us that HCC was getting another semester missionary to work as the children's intern. So thats going to be great, just having another person there to talk to and share ideas with. Not really sure of anything, think her name is shanna. And she should be here around the 1st of Feb. so yeah thats cool! And I start training tomorrow, so im excited about that. =)
anyways its been good, i miss yall, but so excited to be here.

New Job

well, I got a job! haha. I know that I shouldn't be that surprised but I am. =) God was just so in control it makes me laugh to think how i was so concerned. But He has definitely provided for everything above and beyond!
The job is at Copper Mountain, which I think is an incredible place. I will work at the adventure desk, which is where guests can come to book other activities such as dog sledding, tubing, snow walking, bungeeing, snowmobiling, and whatnot. Haha I'm definitely asking if I should try all of them out so that I can offer opinions and background information to the customers. =) i hope it works! But there will be me and another person at the desk and then next to us will be another desk that has like 4 people working at it and then another person at a 3rd desk across the room. So hopefully can have some contact with several people. Its a part time job so I am supposedly working Thurs, Friday, and Sat. for like 7 hours each day. Which gives me the first part of the week to figure out ways to hang out with the employees, ski, and hangout with the youth. I am possibly looking into another job so that I can meet more people but we will see if that happens or not. haha. But Im excited about the one I got. Oh and ps. if anyone wants to come visit me, I can ski free anywhere in Colorado basically, but I get 4 day passes for my friends and family at Copper. So....yeah feel free to visit! =)
Things are starting to fall into place though. I got the job, I talked to my actual boss for the missions - Mike and we are meeting for lunch tomorrow, I have visited both walmart and target (sadly nac's is way better) and starbucks -- so I'm learning my way around town! haha So yeah. its all good. Ready to get to work and make some friends!

Pictures and Prayer Requests

THE MOUNT

Hey guys, these are some pictures from around the area. I went on a drive yesterday (it was actually sunny) and took pictures as I explored. Very pretty place! Alot are random pictures of mountains. One is a picture of the chapel at Copper Mountain. I know that doesn't mean its any kind of church, but it at least gave me hope that people are searching and possibly open to suggestions. haha. Umm then one picture is a picture of the Berrys. Thats the amazing family that I am staying with. Its not the best picture but it should give you an idea. Andy and Trish are the parents: He drives a cool Catepillar snow plow and does carpentry work as a hobby. He also coaches and leads cub scouts. Trish teaches the gifted and talented program for the area. The oldest son is Nic -- he's in the 7th grade and enjoys sports and tv. =) Then Brittany (5th) she is so much fun. She is quite the artist! And then Nathan is in the 1st grade and is too cute! haha Pretty fun family in all. They love games! haha =) oh and the dog Ellie. Lerin, its a chocolate lab. haha. But I also want it to be a visual reminder to pray for them. They have truly opened their house and family to me and I am very grateful. Just pray that God will bless them abundantly in their efforts to serve Him. You could specifically pray for Trish's health, she is awaiting a liver transplant and it would be amazing to see that pray fullfilled while I am here (and able to take care of the kids). anyways. Umm and please continue to pray for a job. I visited Copper Mountain yesterday and completely fell in love with it. I want to work there so bad. I dont even know why -- other than God has just continually placed this place on my heart. I got a call from one of the jobs I applied for before I left, but the guy wasn't there when I visited. So pray that we are able to make contact and then able to interview today!

Address

Oh and I forgot. Here is the Berry's address where I will be staying for the semester. You can send me letters here!

or you know big packages!! =) haha just kidding! a letter is great!

546 Cartier Ct.
Dillon, CO 80435

10 inches of snow

Well I have arrived! I managed to make it to Hays, Kansas and spent the night there. Knowing a bad storm was headed to Colorado, I got up early the next day and started driving. I made it to Silverthorne around 11:30 and snow had just begun to fall, so I thought I did pretty well. =) I spent my first night in Colorado with the pastor of the church I will help out -- Jeff Estes and his family. When I woke up, I definitely had a surprise -- the ground and my car had been covered in about 10 inches of snow!! I felt so bad for my car. The first night it spent in the cold air and all you could see of it was like a foot along the doors, even the tires were covered. I started to take a picture of it but realized my camera (along with my snow shoes and gear) was in the car. haha. so we dug out my car and got all that out. Umm so Sunday, today, began with that, but also church. The church has recently started meeting at the pastor's house, so this morning all I had to do was walk upstairs for church! very nice. We had about 20 people -- about 10 adults and 10 children. We sang songs along to an ipod -- it was great! And then Jeff preached from Lamentations and Daniel, which I enjoyed. After lunch I had another adventure: ice skating. on a frozen lake. yep. it was fun though. I just tried to think that I was roller skating (which none of the kids had really done). I only fell down twice, but that ice is hard!! Alot harder than wood! But we skated for about 3 hours and I had a blast; and wasn't miserably cold either! After ice skating I was able to move into the house where I will be staying for the rest of the semester. I am staying with the Berry's -- Andy and Trish. They are a fabulous family! Andy drives a snow plow (way cool!) and coaches both football and basketball and does custom carpentry on the side! Kind of reminds me of my dad so thats cool. And then Trish works with the gifted and talented student of summit county so thats also fun. They start school tomorrow so pray for all that! They have three kids: Nic (7th grade), Brittany (5th), and Nathan (1st) -- who are also amazing and fun. I am sure we will all be better friends after this! =) So yeah everything is going great! I am loving being here. Its definitely hard to drive in the snow...my poor car is freaking out! but I do miss everyone and hope that all is well for you!

Love you!
Becca