Rock climbs and Fish trails

These are some of the friends I've made since coming to Utah! 

Aren't they PRESH! 

The past week I've been under the weather. I don't know if it's just because I'm living in a new place or just allergies kicking in? But last Thursday we went rock climbing and had a blast! All of my Asian friends said they would never do rock climbing again. They didn't once and that was enough. I, however, am finding a new passion in rock climbing! It's so much fun! I don't know if I'll ever enjoy indoor rock walls again. 

This past week I prepared for my back packing trip to Fish Lake. I packed up my life for the weekend and  headed out to Fish Lake National Forest Friday afternoon. 

The weather wasn't lookin too good. The thunder was rolling and we saw lightning in the distance. Not cool. It ended up being cold and rainy the entire journey. He is good though and we were safe the entire time :) 

QUAKIES: Quaking Aspens

(My new favorite tree)

This was an amazing trip and I would most definitely do it again. The terrain and scenery where unreal and nothing like the East Coast. Our first morning we heard some elk bucking antlers and we went out to watch. I tried to get a picture.  

I don't think beavers know anything about leave no trace. 

Overall we had an amazing time and I know He is leading me somewhere wonderful with this degree and hopefully one day being a leader/ guide for trips like this one. 

(just the girls on the trip)

I have been learning so much about myself and abiding. 

Abiding in the One who provides an abundance of grace and peace in a broken heart like mine. He has brought me so far and I am thankful! How could I not be when I look back at my life a year to a year and a half ago when I was a freshman in college, searching for more and more rather than being thankful for all that has already been given to me. Paul wrote to Colosse to point them back to their roots. To point them to JC. We aren't supposed to be a broken people, but we are. We search for peace in so many things but Paul wants to remind us that we are to be in Shalom (ultimate peace) with the One who created us each individually.

I'm trying my best to let go of control and just allow myself to be available and usable and to constantly give thanks.  

Much love, 

LR

PS: let me know how I can be thinking of you! Also, more pictures are posted on Facebook. 

In my weakness.

This, is the beautiful campus that I get to live on this semester. (Phot cred: Campus website)

Since being here my breath is taken away every time I step outside my apartment door! This photo does not do the campus or the mountains it's justice. I go hiking/ trail running almost every day. Every time I step outside my door the mountains are calling me to explore them. On the hillside behind my apartment there is an amazing trail. Each time I run it I feel God's presence over power me as I look out across the city and to the mountains in the distance and all I can do is give thanks and praise him.

The mountains, however beautiful, are not the only thing that takes my breath away. The altitude. I feel so weak here. My first hike I had to stop every 10 min to catch my breath. How embarrassing! I thought I was fit... but honestly this has been wonderful not being able to be in control and recognizing I AM WEAK! I must become less if He is to become greater to someone else!

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considered foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things despised by the world, things they counted powerless to shame those who are powerful.... God has united us with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy and freed us from sin. Therefore, as the scriptures say, "If you boast, boast only about the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31

He is Good! Intervaristy on campus has really taken me in and are an awesome community to hang out with and be encouraged by. I've also met a ton of international students who are here... funny thing is that ALL of the English Lang. Institute classes are where my classes are for Parks and Rec!!! Coincidence?! I THINK NOT!

There almost as many students here as there are at NCSU, but this campus is much bigger! They are the Utah Utes and the Utes have their first game this Thursday against Montana State. I wish I was going, but another game I'll go. Hopefully against Oregon or Colorado!

I have been planning adventures and weekend trips and have been trying to meet people who are crazy enough to go with me :) There are quite a few people here who are willing to do take weekend trips, but it seems that most people are waiting for snow season. Which is coming up in October! Excited, but I've never lived in snowy mountains for a long period of time.

Please keep me in your thoughts!

much love,
LR