For the Mountains in California. . .

When I was twelve and we had just left Indonesia we first went to California so that my Dad could finish his PhD. I had big hopes for California, most of which led to disappointment, but the one thing I wasn't expecting was the joy I would find at the Church we attended. It was a huge Church - the grade 7 and 8's of which I belonged had their own building as did the high school kids because of the large numbers. When I joined I learned about listening to God's voice and responding and it was at this time that I heard God tell me to go on the trip the group was having that year, a back pack trip up the mountains. My parents were very concerned understandably because I never walked anywhere and hated walking with a passion. They couldn't understand what would possess me to want to suddenly climb this mountain. What they didn't realize was that it wasn't out of desire but a belief that this is what Jesus wanted me to do so I felt compelled to obey. I went door to door in our apartment complex raising money, and getting things like tents and equipment for my trip. I endured much razzing from my sisters about how they would have to send the search and rescue to get me out because I would not last, but I persevered and went anyway. The trip itself was one of the hardest trips I have ever been on. I froze the entire time, I was scared and very confused as to why God called me to this mountain. I persevered. Our team got lost, a girl fell and broke her femur, we camped on a hill and kids slid out of their tents, most kids had trouble carrying the huge backpacks, but I never got help and persevered no matter how tired I was. Years and years later I figured out the reason I was there, but in the immediate I thought it was to show me that with God I can get through anything. I may not be strong, but He is strong because I never needed help with my backpack. I may be cold, but I can keep going if He is with me. I'm sure that was one reason too, because when I go through hard things, or face things that scare me I remember that I conquered that mountain. That with His help my critics were silent and I remember that with Him my fear doesn't matter because he can help me be strong. I am grateful that God gave me this lesson, and that years later He felt pleased to show me the other reasons too.