Sunday, August 2, 2009

Xperience the Difference 09

This past week was girls camp. I was the YCL (Youth Camp Leader) Leader and I had a blast! It was an amazing week - I think I learned more then the girls did. It was such an amazing learning experience (no pun intended). There was certification day, the hike day, jamboree (games galore), and firesides. I had some amazing spiritual experiences with the YCLs and learned some great lessons.
So the hike...I decided to do the hike that was only for 4th years and YCLs (and of course leaders). The hike was to...Mt McLoughlin! What an amazing day it was for me! We started at 6 30 am and got to the summit at noon. 5.5 miles and 5.5 miles down. We left the summit at 1 and got to the bottom a little before 4. I had such a great time and to tell you the truth, going up was much easier than going down. Going down was hard on the tired legs, knees, feet (hence the swollen ankles below), and who knows what else. I still can't believe that I made it to the top! :) I don't mean to brag, but I truly am happy about it. I actually started crying when I made it to the top. 9500 ft - it was a spiritual experience. I absolutely loved every minute of it! All in all it was an amazing experience. I did miss Nic a lot. It was hard being away from him for 1 whole week - I'm kind of pathetic. He missed me too though. He came and picked me up, because my mom left on Wednesday because Dani had her baby. We all missed my mom at camp. It was sad not to have her there, but she was where she was supposed to be. I started laundry the minute I got home and took a shower. I do have a confession to make...I hadn't showered in 42 hours. After the hike on Thursday, I took a shower at 4 30 pm and then didn't take one until Saturday. haha Needless to say, I needed one - I literally had no time to take one. Nic and I watched a movie and relaxed for a little bit. We then headed over to Cherise's house for dinner and fun with Michelle, Craig and their families. It was great to see them all. :) After we got home, Nic gave me a yummy massage. :) How lucky am I?! It was a great week, but it was even greater to be home. That was my Xperience at girls camp - Be Thou an Example!

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Ali,

You are an amazing eXample! I can't thank you enough for all of your hard work and commitment. No one else could have even come close to filling all of the hats you had to wear those last few days! Your Fantastic! Love, mappah ;)

Sumo @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff said...

Way to go Al! You should definitely be proud of yourself!

Anja said...

you are so cute! I'm telling you, I was a leader in YW right after I was married as well, and I learned soooo much. YW has been my favorite calling, the funny thing is, they think your so much older than you really are!

mom-jayne said...

Isn't camp just the best???!! I'm so glad you got to be there and I know the girls probably just loved you to pieces. They always gravitate towards you young, beautiful, and amazing leaders. Congrats on the hike--way to go!! That really is quite the accomplishment. So happy all went well. You'll have to give me more details next week...get down here already. Loves....

KP said...

hey girl! ummm yes i am dating someone................. :) :) :)
you will meet him when you come! which, by the way, i CANNOT wait for!! yay!

Rachel Garcia said...

EEEWWW on the shower part no wonder you had dirt in your neck creases!! I can't wait till next year!

Dani said...

Sounds like an amazing week. The hike looks awesome!! Way to go!! And sorry for stealing Mom away... I felt really bad she had to miss the last few days. But I did provide you with another cute niece! That has to count for something. PS... when are you going to see this babe?!