Friday morning started for me at 4:30am, as my roommate Becca and I left campus for "the Incline" - 2000 ft climb to the top of a mountain at sunrise. It's usually part of our marathon training, but this morning it was strictly for fellowship. We promised each other we wouldn't even break a sweat.
(1372 is the stair-count up the mountain, marking the 1/2 way point. The last picture is the incline shown from Manitu Springs)
The fellowship continued as the team was taken by surprise to the Broadmoor Hotel - a beautiful, luxurious and world famous hotel. Our daddy treated us to ice cream (Isaiah wanted to make sure we knew it was a blessing from God, and not his own pocket) as we toured around the magnificent grounds and pampered ourselves in the plush furniture and danced on the freshly waxed floors (which were perfect for spinning, too)
(I'm pictured there in the ice cream shop with my roommates, Amber & Becca)
Saturday a few of us set out to tour Manitu Springs, a cute, old town outside of the Springs. The sun was hot, the shopkeepers were welcoming, and the laughter was contagious.
(one of our favorite stops was the world famous Penny Arcade, where we played old arcade games for 1 - 10 cents each. The games were incredible, and cost us less than $1! - & the last picture was taken at an old antique shop. As you can see, I was left alone and not happy about it)
Saturday night was my first backpacking trip in the mountains. We hiked up with only our packs for a night under the stars. From the top of the mountain we played cards & dice games, made a campfire, told stories and watched the most amazing lightning show over the night lights of Colorado Springs. In the morning we were pampered with hot chocolate and oatmeal before we hiked back down to the noises of the real world. It was a night filled with memories I won't soon forget.
(the crew hiking up, and playing Greed once we unpacked our sleeping bags on the mountaintop)
(the view from the peak, including a top view of the Broadmoor Hotel and sunset)
(our amazing fire, late night popcorn snack, and true colors unveiled during our hike back down Sunday morning)
I'm so thankful for the friends that I've made here. For the laughter. For the memories. Some days are really hard, but then I have weekends like this that just rejuvinate my spirit. I have a daddy who is pouring out His love on me, simply because He can. I never want to forget the simple joys that come with life. They're what make it worth living :)
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