Day 9: Monday, May 30th

One thing I've learned from this trip is that my body is actually pretty impressive. I don't know HOW I've hiked so much for days at a time, in the woods, and without my usual diet. I could say that it's my perseverance and still, but I can't believe how my body has adapted to such new conditions without much struggle. I've definitely been challenged more in this week, in every way than I've ever been challenged before, but I haven't been starved (all the time) and sometimes I'm not completely physically exhausted as I would think I would be considering how much I'm doing. Today, the devo was about some lion shedding it's skin or something (from some Narnia book). This definitely seemed applicable as my skin is destroyed right now. I wish I knew how to change everything I wish was different about myself (not looks or anything, but things or traits I would like to improve upon). I would love to let go of my "old skin" and work on parts of myself that will make me a happier person. I know La Vida is helping me and continues to teach me, I'm just not sure how it's exactly doing that yet.

Personal notes:
So this is a typical lunch:
- 7 stoned wheat thins (on these crackers you can put any combination of peanut butter, hummus, strawberry or grape jelly, "freako-butter," Nutella, honey, or mustard)
- 1 slice of pepperoni
- 1 slice of cheese
- 1 fig newton
- 1/12 of a can of tuna
- 1/12 of an apple or orange
- 1/6 of a carrot

Today we got mini candy bars!!!!! Also, hot chocolate, apple cider, pink lemonade, Tang, Gatorade, scrambled gingerbread. Pretty much every dessert that was left over or we forgot to have before. I also had about 7 fig newtons today at lunch. So good.

Day 8: Sunday, May 29th

Prompt for the day: Read Daniel 6; Describe a leader who you trust.

I trust my parents as leaders--typical answer, I know. I always ask my mom for advice (whether I take the advice of now) on various things including school, friends, whether I should do something or not. I think I depend on other people too much--this has become apparent to me on this trip. I too often have the mindset that the task will be done... just by someone else. I really admire people here that always offer to help with tasks around camp as they honestly want to help. I really want to adopt that sort of attitude while I'm also frustrated with myself that I haven't been helpful as much as I could have been/be. This devo is definitely applicable since I'm one of the Leader's of the Day today (this makes me nervous but I'll glad I'm with Matt because he always makes me laugh). 

Sunday night: So unfortunately I started to cry today when I realized that my poison ivy is so much worse and it was really itchy and bubbly (gross). Caroline asked if I was okay and hugged me which of course made me cry because she was so sweet. Franklin gave me some of his pants and they really helped because they were slippery/thin and clean. I'm incredibly thankful that I'm a part of this group because everyone has been kind and I was reminded of that today. 

near our last campsite

Personal notes: oatmeal + brown sugar + raisins = SO GOOD. Slept terribly last night, felt like I was upside down, prayed at breakfast today after saying it 3-4 times, bad cold + snot = wish I had tissues. It was fun leading with Matt today. Very unfortunate that we got lost... but wonderful that La Vida finds it necessary to have a ranger and/or bail-out spot in case of emergencies every day. Good job, La Vida. 

Day 7: Saturday, May 29th

Prompt for the day: what is the purpose of suffering and how have you responded to suffering on La Vida?

Sometimes I think the purpose of suffering is to inspire appreciation for things that have previously been taken for granted. For example, when I'm dying of itchiness and black fly venom, I'm dreaming of home with no swarms of the little creatures, me laying cozily in my bed with a temperature control right by the door. I know that when I get back, everything will seem SO WONDERFUL. Meals that aren't mush, more anti-itch cream at my disposal, tweezers, oh and maybe running water too. In addition to appreciation, suffering definitely works on your ability to persevere. I've never felt so much discomfort in my entire life as I have this week, and with that comes the realization that yes, I am still alive and yes, my hair is still curly.

I'm actually really grateful that the Sherpas are super obscure and don't tell us everything even though it's driving me crazy. I hope I can move away from my habits of being scheduled and concerned with the time, the next activity, and tomorrow. It's so weird that I've been with these people for about a week now. Everyone and everything else feels so incredibly far away and it's hard for me to remember anything or anyone from school or home. Like it's vaguely familiar to me but it's hard to remember what things feel like. I really do muss home though, especially when I'm feeling quite miserable. But I know that I'll have fond memories of La Vida (I hope) and that I'll wish I could relive some of the moments. I'm not going to miss having a constant, dull ache in my stomach almost all of the time though. Okay, maybe not all the time but I get super hungry about an hour before we eat a meal. I've been carrying the snacks though--quite strategic on my part so I don't have to ask anyone else if they have the snacks during the day (heh heh heh).

Meacham Lake (see previous posts)

Me (obviously) on top of Debar Mountain

Personal notes: Last night was the scariest thunderstorm EVER! Had to pee and couldn't find my headlamp so I peed right outside of our tent while holding onto the side of the tent because it was pitch black and I didn't want to wander off too far and not be able to find my way back. Couscous for breakfast--I'm not really a fan. Hiked Debar today--beautiful weather and view, Amy: "I don't think I've ever felt such utter despair," sometimes I wish everyone liked Harry Potter, sometimes I am puzzled by the homeschooled way of life (stereotyping here a bit), thankfully for me a lot of people didn't want their lunch crackers today so I made out with about 14 crackers (yahoo!).

Day 6: Friday, May 27th

So I've realized that my calling includes a pair of hedge/brush clippers or whatever you call them and some overgrown trails. Initially, I felt bad for killing the trees after all this "Leave No Trace" business, but then I realized how satisfying it was to demolish everything that is not in it's place. I feel like I should figure out what it means if I love to do this, along with organizing, cleaning, or lining things up in an OCD manner. I mean, there must be some occupation (besides a personal house cleaner) that employs all of these weird organizing obsessions.

I'm really grateful we did the service project. It was such a nice "break" from the hiking, branches whipping you in the face, etc. It was weird/unusual though because we went from knocking down ferns and dead trees with our hiking boots just to get to our destination... to fixing up and widening a trail so that others can use it and benefit from our work later on.

Psalm 100:1-3, 5 - "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. Is is he who make us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture...for the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

I got a bug bite today that swelled up to be the size of a quarter. My Sherpas drew this line around it to make sure it didn't swell anymore that this:

Personal notes: Day 6 and my hair is still curly when I take it out of my bun! It actually still smells pretty good (the part that's been in the center of my bun). It poured last night and I was sorta in a bad mood because everyone was talking in the other tents and giggling. Considered getting ugly. Granola was good this morning although I wanted more. I'm carrying the snacks for today--yay! Idk how some people only take 4 (or less) or their allotted 7 crackers for lunch. Crazy. More for me though. Bugs attack when I try to use the facilities aka stumps. Almost lost my bug net this morning and died. My poison ivy looks wretched and I'm wondering if my parents will pay $$ to have the possible scars removed. Sigh. I miss my parents and this lake reminds me of camp. No one else really looks at the lake too much but it's so beautiful! I keep leaving the group to go look at it.

Day 5: Thursday, May 26th

Last night it felt so good to be warm and cozy, not itchy in my tent. I was too excited to sleep! I think I only woke up briefly last night but I'm pretty sure I was smiling both times because I was so comfortable. I can't get out of my grumpiness though when I wake up every morning at 5:30. Maybe it's the bug net, but I my eyes are constantly cloudy and all fogged up. I was in a terrible mood but after restlessly write with everyone else during out quiet time, I though I was going to die of the bugs. I'm sitting in the woods now and they appear to be not as vicious (the bugs, not my group).

I really don't know how I'm going to get through today or the rest of these days. Sounds dramatic, I know, but I wish there was some wind or rain to get these bugs away! I'm also so nervous about my poison ivy continuing to get worse since I'm done with my prednisone. 

Romans 5:3-5 - "Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Star Mountain

Meachum Lake

Meachum Lake, the next morning

Personal notes: bushwacked up Cherry Hill, hiked Star Mountain but there was a thunderstorm so we couldn't stay at the top for long, back rub chains, "where is the lake?", Franklin falling twice during the bushwack and looking like a green giraffe, cream of rice for breakfast (GAG). 

Day 4: Wednesday, May 25th

So when we were being told about the ensuing rock climbing, I was getting sick just thinking about it. Flashbacks to middle school gym, class rock wall... ugh. after waiting for what felt like years, my bladder and other things started to kick in (WHY is it always at the most inconvenient times, once again!). Surprisingly enough, I didn't think about it until a few hours after the rock climbing (until now--no success though). In response to the actual climbing, IT WAS FUN! I felt like I was moving my heavy booted feet quite swiftly, and the trickiest part was right at the end! People kindly used my camera to take pictures of me, even though I mentioned that I might now be too impressive up there. So I would consider it a success! :) My group was so encouraging, especially Matt and Jacqueline. I felt myself freezing up initially as a was repelling down (this was after I made it to the top!), because I had to lean back over the cliff. THe bugs chose this as an ample opportunity to attack, and my right upper arm was SO SORE. This made me annoyed, because I felt that all my track workouts with those dumb power cleans and bench pressing should have kicked in. Anyways, I feel that I am now an official rock climbing, bandana-wearing, dirty hiking booted woman after just a little session of hardcore climbing. I feel very empowered, which is unexpected considering I'm not a fan of adventure (or risk-taking adventure, at least).

Almost to the top!

Personal notes [this was at a point in the day was I was NOT very happy, as you can see]: I hate these bugs. This is officially terrible. My poison ivy is still on the rampage and I'm gonna die. This backpack makes me feel like a pack mule. Just killed a bug and got blood all over my new pants. I've been wearing the same shirt and underwear since Sunday and I don't even care that my hair is dirty. 

Day 3: Tuesday, May 24th

I've been having a lot of those moments when people are talking/discussing/ and I finally think of something I wanted to say, but it's hours later and the conversation is well over. I hate not knowing what the say with new people and I think it's definitely affecting how I begin friendships. It sort of feels like the field hockey preseason from last year when I vaguely know of people, but not well enough that I could make jokes with or have open conversations with them (easily). I wish I could skip the awkwardness and more right along to the cat jokes and dumb facial expression stage. Unfortunately, I feel like time is crucial for relationships to really evolve. I really really really enjoyed making the covenant with everyone today! I agreed with pretty much everything that was said.

The whole group before our first hike!

Waterfall near our 1st campsite

Personal notes: car ride to NY ("Ohh you can't get to heaven in a Kleenex box cuz God don't like no little snots, "Ohh you can't get to heaven in a mini skirt cuz God don't like no little flirts"). This morning I was sort of negative, but today I was actually (dare I say it?) having fun! I'm not sure if that's a feeling of newness and perhaps it will wear off, but I have enjoyed being this little camper-Megan. Two boys here have baseball fleeces on and I want to pet them because sometimes Jeff allows me to pet his fleece without too much annoyance. Success #3 peeing behind another tree! Used a fluffy green leaf but it didn't do much. So hungry for chicken and rice tonight.

Day 2: Monday, May 23rd

Unfortunately, I just wasted half of this journal time with a much needed bathroom break and poison ivy anti-itch cream application. IT'S STILL SO ITCHY THOUGH! I'm wearing my tight long underwear pants so I think that's why it hurts so much, I don't really know what to think now. It's pouring. My mouth is dry from the frosted mini wheats we just ate (not sure how I was the last one eating...)

Successes so far:
- collected a bunch of nice sticks for the fire
- I'm going to open a note that my mom left me soon :)
- didn't die overnight
- the tent stayed pretty dry even though it was ringing
-I got to see Julie in the bathroom last night and I gave her one of Grammie's cookies

Things I want to concentrate on:
- being more positive
- trying to be friendly
- not worry about now having my phone (I keep checking for it... sigh)
- stop judging (I'm not really doing it right now but I definitely have a tendency to judge people, especially those I find to be annoying)

Romans 15:7 - Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Monday night (still at Gordon):
I'm actually sort of excited to share my life story now. If given the opportunity tonight, I definitely could have said most everything I think has been influential in my life I'm jealous of people who "found Christ" at age 2. That doesn't seem fair. All I wanted to find at age 2 was the snack cupboard and where my parents were hiding the raw corn for dinner. Lunch was good. Got seven crackers with various toppings and it actually got me pretty far! Probs because it took so long to assemble everything so I had to eat slowly. I LOVED seeing Julie today on the ropes course. Must tell Mindy, Jeff, and Ashley that I did the catwalk! Sometimes people in my group are surprisingly nice and ask me questions while I'm staring off into the dirty water with lily pads, wondering how it is possible that my leg thinks it feels my phone vibrating. Just washed my face with a make-up remover wipe and it feels GLORIOUS. Unfortunately, my poison ivy is still on the rampage but instead of itching it, I've resorted to "petting" it as if to soothe it. The best thing so far is to just ignore it, sadly. We just went to the bathroom in Jenks today. Never again will I complain about the nasty smells protruding from the Jenks' bathrooms again.

Personal notes: Unfortunately, I am still a learner when it comes to peeing in the woods (WHAT IS THE TRICK??). I have peed on myself both times, all in my pants. Mosquitoes attacking my bare skin, and it's not like I have stop peeing or anything because I gotta go!

Lah Vee-duh

Yes, unfortunately (and tragically) I have not posted anything in forever on here. My new idea is that I'm only going to work on this when I'm not at school (1. I have ample amounts of free time, 2. Strange things always happen to me at home, as well as at school, 3. I've already been doing this so I'm going to pretend that I meant for it to happen this way). 

Also tragic is the fact that I'm leaving for La Vida tomorrow in the wee hours of 5pm. While I've been excited about this little wilderness expedition for weeks now, the tragic part is that I have massive amounts of nasty poison ivy on my legs, I have a weird rash on my thighs (this can be attributed to my allergies/cold, according to my doctor). Apparently my body didn't know how to handle my allergies/cld so it decided to backfire and give me a rash. While I'd like to say I'm tough when it comes to these things, I've been laying around in my room watching Glee quite pathetically.

Thankfully, I have efficiently packed up all of the 5 things I will need for this trip, including the following: hiking boots ($90 of waterproofed durability), running shoes for the ensuing 8 mile run, 3 pairs of wool socks, 3 sock liners, 4 pairs of underwear for 12 days (..............), especially stylish hiking cargo pants, my wind pants that go up to my belly button (not sure why everyone laughs when I wear these...), Underarmour pants & 3 shirts, 2 t-shirts, winter coat, rain coat, fluffy beige wool sweater thing, gloves, a plethora of tie-dye bandanas to conceal my 12 days of greased up hair, Bible in a bag, water bottles, Michael's head lamp (LOL), plenty of bags to put my garbage in, sunscreen, insect stuff, my numerous medications thanks to my body backfiring on my these past few days, and CAMERA to capture all the beautiful moments I shall have on my journey.

Did I mention that I'm not shaving my legs for over twelve days?

Good news: I will see Julie on the first day of the trip and the last day! (assuming we're not in the same patrol)  

Bad news: not eating every hour of the day and night

More good news: It will be an ADVENTURE! :)

No worries, I will be writing of my trials and tribulations in a neat lil journal so that will be posted here when I arrive back to the real world on June 3rd. I know, you're anticipation will be heightened by that point as I could be eaten by bears by that time. Or my poison ivy has possible taken over my whole body. Or I've decide that I love the wilderness so much I want to live there for the rest of my life, sacrificing all comforts including hazelnut iced coffee and sleeping comfortably (just kidding on this last scenario). 

I'm mostly just being dramatic. I really am excited for this! :)

2010 in pictures

Now I know there's a lot of them, but I tried to cut out the unimportant ones (even though I love them all!). I'm not sure what happened between the months of February and May, but apparently nothing interesting happened as I can't find any pictures from that time period.

Christmas & New Year's with Andrew, January

National Honor Society ball, February

senior class trip, May

prom, May

Award's Night, graduation, graduation party! June

York Beach in Maine, end of June

Lake Winnipesaukee, July

Goo Goo Dolls concert, August 6th

hiking Mt. Major, August

apple picking, September

field hockey, October

Harry Potter 7 (part 1) with Olivia! November

Winter Ball, December