Life lessons learnt from climbing a mountain

Two weekends ago I had the pleasure of climbing a mountain in Norway with my high school friend Jaemie and her 7 year old daughter Jahzara. It was a spectacular experience - the pictures here really don't do the actual scenery justice - and afterwards as I reflected on the memories I realized some of my observations are applicable to navigating through this journey of life.

The climb!

* Don't let the weather stop you from beginning

The weather forecast for Saturday was rainy all day, but the sun came out in the morning, so we made plans to go on our mountain hike. However, just as we were getting ready to leave the house, the weather changed and it began to rain lightly. We decided to go ahead with our plan, even if it meant us getting wet along the way.

Sometimes in life we wait for the ideal set of circumstances before we make a move. The reality is that life is full of unexpected surprises, and situations around us are always changing. If we allow external factors to influence our decision to move forward, we would never go anywhere.

Blue skies on the way

* Choose your mountain wisely

I know that I am not as fit as I used to be in my younger days ;) There are many mountains in Norway that we could have climbed, some that would have taken us 4 hours each way. I asked Jaemie to choose one that would not cause her to have to carry me on her back because I passed out from fatigue.

Even though it is good to challenge yourself with experiences outside of your comfort zone, you should be realistic about what you can handle. If not, you could end up having to abort the mission halfway through, or being an unnecessary burden to those around you.

At the start of the trail

* Pace yourself and make time for recharging

At the beginning of the trail we had lots of energy but as we began the climb it became more and more challenging to keep going. Jaemie had to keep reminding Jahzara to slow down as she just wanted to get to the top as quickly as possible. We stopped for a snack along the way up, and make sure to drink water all along the way.

Many times in the excitement of moving forward, especially when we are fresh and full of energy, we end up pushing ourselves without taking the time to recharge. If we continue at a rapid rate, sooner or later will end up burnt out. We should take time to take care of ourselves along the journey, to ensure that we make it to the end.

Jahzara showing off the quality of their mountain spring water

* Take time to enjoy the views along the way

When we were going up the mountain, we were facing forward most of the time. The first time we stopped and turned around, I was almost blown away by the beauty of the view behind me. There were also some spectacular displays of nature that we passed along the way that we could have missed if we were only focused on getting to the top.

There is a danger in being so focused on your goal that you miss opportunities to appreciate the beauty along the way: relationships that could have been enriched, experiences that could have been enjoyed, life lessons that could have been learnt.

Breathtaking view

* It helps to have people with you

The trail leading up to the top of this mountain was pretty straightforward and clearly marked out, but I am so glad I did not have to climb it alone. Having Jaemie there to look out for me and Jahzara there to entertain me was a great motivation for me to keep going when my muscles were crying out in pain.

It is always easier to endure the trials and overcome obstacles we face in this journey of life when we have people who are walking alongside us. It is a tremendous encouragement when we know that we are not alone. Having people who are supporting us and cheering us on is great motivation for us to continue persevering.

Steep parts along the trail

* Celebrate your victories

When we got to the top, we celebrated our accomplishment with hot chocolate and chocolate bars. This was actually motivation for some of us who felt like we couldn't go another step further. We also signed our names in a book for all those who had made it to the top.

We should never think it too extravagant to celebrate milestones in our journey. If we have accomplished goals we have set, this is a reason to recognize that achievement. There is a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that comes when you persevere to the end, and this should be commended.

Enjoying a "Quick Lunch" before heading back down

As soon as we got to the top, the rain started falling lightly, and by the time we were ready to go back down, it started hailing so we quickly made our way back down the trail. Thankfully it eased up so we were not completely soaked, but even it if didn't it would still have been worth the climb!

That view!!!

* Listen to the advice of those who know better

On the way back down, Jahzara was jumping and leaping over the rocks along the trail. It took multiple warnings from her mother, outlining the possible injuries she could acquire to get her to slow down.

Many times, especially when we are moving at a quick pace, we may be likely to feel like we know better than those who have gone before us, and can see dangers that we are oblivious to. We should be open to the advice of those see dangers that we are oblivious to due to how easily and quickly we are progressing.

We all made it safely back down in one piece

As with any journey, there were difficult points along the way, but at the end, the wonderful moments made it all worth it. It may not be smooth sailing all the way -  there will be painful moments, times when you feel like giving up, but there are good times as well, and the lessons learnt along the way form part of the reward.

Enjoying the spectacular displays of nature along the trail

Before they call I will answer

Before they call I will answer

While they are still speaking I will hear

Isaiah 65:24

One of the amazing things about the God that we serve is that He knows what we stand in need of long before we recognize that need, and He makes provision for that need many times without us realizing what is happening. This is exactly what we experienced in the preparation for and execution of Ekklesia Camp 2019!

Some of the 300 persons who were at camp this year

Ekklesia Camp was started by Uncle Terry and Aunty Carol 38 years ago as an outreach day camp on Carnival Monday and Tuesday to the community of Point Fortin. It is a free  day camp that is open to all ages in the community. We use the opportunity to share the Good News with all who attend, using practical truths they can relate to. Lunch is provided to all who attend, and the expenses of the camp are covered by donations. It was first held in their home in Harriman Park, but when the numbers started crossing 300 we moved to the nearby Egypt Village Primary School. We remained there for years, and when the school was renovated a couple years ago, we enjoyed the new and improved facilities immensely.

With a change of administration late last year, we were concerned that it would not have been as easy for us to access the venue for camp this year. The new administrator was only willing to grant us access to the auditorium and about 5 classrooms, which would not have been suitable for our needs, so, with just about one month to go before camp began, we started the search for an alternate venue. Our search led us to Point Fortin East Secondary, not far from our old venue, where the Principal was willing to allow us to use the school, even though there were 4 other groups who had requested it.

One of the classrooms at our new venue

Apart from being an older school in dire need of an upgrade, there were many challenges associated with this new venue. Teachers had to be very creative and innovative to enhance their classrooms to make it appealing to their campers. The school was huge, so we needed to restrict access to areas where we could monitor the children. The biggest hurdle, however, was the lack of kitchen facilities, which is essential for the operation of our Tuck Shop where we sell fish pies and pholourie made hot on the spot, and also for the distribution of lunch to the campers, and breakfast and dinner for those who were sleeping at the school. All we had to work with was an empty room. Thanks to our God who went before us and knew what we stood in need of, one generous sponsor donated $10,000 which was enough to purchase supplies for all the electrical and plumbing work needed to transform the allocated room into a functioning kitchen!

Washing up in our makeshift sink, resting on a iron frame placed

on ply boards which covered the drain where the water ran into

Three weeks before camp started, we found out that the couple who normally head the kitchen staff would not be available to serve this year. It is a major responsibility to cook for the 300 persons who would be at camp on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, and also the additional meals for the 20 persons who sleep on site. We had one person who had committed her time, but needed at least 2 others to assist. One day I was thinking about who we could ask, and an idea came to my head to ask a friend from a church in Point Fortin if she and her husband would be able to help. When I called, her husband asked about the menu and the quantities we normally cater for. He said he would speak to his wife and call me back. When he returned the call, he informed me that not only would he and his wife take responsibility for cooking lunch on both days but they would also purchase the ingredients from their personal funds! So instead of just getting cooks for camp, we got the next major expense of food totally covered!!! Talk about a God that provides for ALL your needs.

Ava enjoying her pelau lunch

Seeing the way in which God provided for this camp in the weeks leading up to its execution, we knew it was going to be epic. The theme chosen for this year - God's Followers - explored the world of social media. We have seen the impact of social media on the world we live in today - how many people get their sense of validation and identity from social media influencers. We wanted to use this theme to encourage campers to find their security, satisfaction and self worth from God, and to follow Him rather than who society says they should follow. Our Expo Center explored the dangers of social media, examining the impact of cyber bullying and fake news, among other things. The content was very practical and relevant to all age groups that passed through camp.

Chart in Expo showing how to be safe on social media

I had the pleasure of teaching the 3 and 4 year olds at camp. Some people do not think children this young can learn, but through story telling, drama, videos, songs, craft and puppet shows, these children learnt about the importance of following God's voice rather than the voice of the enemy, the role of Jesus in paying the price for our sin so we can be in fellowship with God, and how to live if they want to be God's followers. 

Craft showing how sin entered the world

Zaccheus collecting more money than he should before

he decided to follow Jesus

Totally engrossed in the puppet showing how to live in 

obedience to God

For this age group a lot of planning is needed to keep them engaged. Because of the number of activities we do, preparation beforehand is quite labour intensive, mostly involving cutting out items for the craft and object lessons. Thanks to those from my church who stayed at my home, I had lots of hands to help put together folders and make name tags and make posters and cut out all the materials necessary for craft. On the second day, 2 of our assistants were not able to attend, and God graciously provided 3 additional persons who were able to help manage the children. It was truly amazing to see how God put the right people in place just when we needed them.

The life of a teacher of the 4 & under class -

cutting and sticking

Apart from ministry on camp on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, we had devotions at home for those who stayed in my house. We spent time every morning studying the book of Ephesians, looking at what the verses taught about our identity in Christ, and how that was relevant to us in our daily lives as Christians. It is my prayer that the youths in particular would have recognised from that devotion that their identity should be defined by God's Word and not society, and that they would be challenged to study scripture for themselves and see what truths they could apply to their daily living.

The youths from my church who camped over at my house

A lot of seeds of truth were planted in the hearts and minds of the 240+ campers who attended Ekklesia Camp 2019. We pray that as they continue to engage with social media, that their mindsets would have shifted and their behaviour on social media would be more in line with the guidelines outlined in the Word of God, that those who claim to be God's followers would demonstrate this by obedience to His commands, and that they would influence others to follow the way of truth.

Impactful times of worship

                           May the words of my mouth

                            And the thoughts of my heart

                            Bless Your name, bless Your name, Jesus

                            And the deeds of the day

                            And the truth in my ways

                            Speak of You, speak of You, Jesus

                            For this is what I'm glad to do

                            It's time to live a life of love that pleases You

                            And I will give my all to You

                            Surrender everything I have and follow You

                            I'll follow You