Quote of the Day #1: “Excuse me… you’re not dead!” — Shane Campbell, the five-year-old son of one of the NCP team leaders, while trying to revive Ross Kozloski
Quote of the Day #2: “Painting with words, that’s what I think of.” — Christiaan Gort, describing the way that I talk
This will be my last entry from Colorado Springs. I have to admit, I’m not too sad to leave my job, but it’s going to be tough to leave the people. I’ve really grown close to them over the last two months. I will be leaving bright and early tomorrow morning and will be touching down in Boston at around dinnertime.
Last Wednesday I hiked up Pike’s Peak. I took Crag’s Trail, which is not the long trail; there is only a 4000 foot elevation gain. But since we had been up late the night before and because our group really didn’t have experienced hikers we opted for the short trail. We started at 8 AM and got to the peak at 1 PM. I hiked with Adam and Christiaan, the two members of my small group that I don’t work conference services with. This made the trip especially special for me. I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with these two guys as I’d like to. We were picked up at the peak by Guido and his friend Laurence who didn’t want to hike but wanted to see the top. The drive down was almost as hard as the hike up. The brakes on the car we had borrowed overheated and we had to stop to let them cool for about an hour. This hike was not as harrowing as the one done by Andy Larkin when he went to NCP last year (snow, sleet, hail, etc.) but it was still very rewarding.
The work week seemed to just fly by. Some things of note during the week: On Friday night I went to the McKinney home for dinner. Unfortunately Doug and Andy were out of town so there were just three of us, but it was still a fun evening. Saturday afternoon I met with Jim Downing for about two hours. For those unfamiliar with the name, he’s one of the original Navigators from the Navy ministry. He’s 92 years old. I have to be honest, I should have done this much sooner than I did. I really only got to get acquainted with him when I could have met with him many more times had I just made the effort. I just let him talk most of the time, really only asking questions a couple of times. He had a lot to say, especially about vision for the future. I also asked him about the book on Meditation that he wrote that I read this summer. It’s always a special pleasure to be able to speak to the author about his book.
Almost every night this past week the NCP crew has gone out together. We all feel our time growing short and are just trying to make the most of it. With the exception of Saturday night’s hike I have been to all of these things, so I’m starting to wear down. But Adam said something to me that has really struck a chord with me: tomorrow you’ll regret having stayed up this late; in a week you’ll thank yourself. Very true words.
Saturday night was our final talk from Jerry Bridges, which was once again very good. He spoke on spiritual transformation (aka sanctification). Sunday night was the last small group Bible study night. Actually we didn’t go over the study at all. Guido decided that we would pray over each member of the team individually. This was very powerful. We first spoke words of affirmation to the person, then listened to their prayer requests, then prayed over them. It was a very strong note to go out on. (Quote of the day #2 comes from this evening.)
Today was split up into three parts: time alone with God, cleaning the Timothy house, and a banquet. I’ve done the first two of these and the banquet will begin at 6 PM. This will be the last time that all of us will be together. I don’t remember this feeling in the pit of my stomach being this strong at the end of Miami STP, or at the end of my study abroad in Florence, or at the end of any of my mission trips. It’s the feeling of not wanting to let go of this moment. It feels like there’s still more to say, still more to do, still more to experience. I know these 62 other people at NCP, but I want to know each of them better than I do now and I fear that that won’t be possible after today. Somehow I need to put aside this feeling and enjoy this last moment. Tonight, however long tonight may last for me, I need to enjoy this family for the last time. Save my separation anxiety for another day. Tonight we celebrate!
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