What's one thing you took away from this trip?
| Doug: "One thing I took away from the backpacking trip was that it is genuinely freeing and encouraging
to rely on God with our lives-not such a harrowing risk as we often
make it out to be in our minds. One can't look at the power of a
waterfall or the expanse of the night sky and think that he's got his
life under control. Nevertheless, our cell phones and cities and
laptops constantly try to convince us otherwise, but this trip helped
show that humanity doesn't ever have the last word."
Victoria: "One thing I took away is that we are so insignificant. Being in the beauty of God's creation is so humbling!"
Ceci: "The backpacking trip was exactly the refreshment I needed. There is
something really special (at least in my walk) about getting into
creation, living off of the bare essentials, and experiencing Christ
there. I found I was able to hear God more clearly and had really
valuable time to reflect on the school year. The community was also great, to eat every meal with the same group of
people and to travel miles with them brings you together in a unique
way."
|
|
|
Co-ed Backpacking Trip
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Yosemite, CA
|
June 2010
|
 |
Greetings!
We recently took a group of 10 students on a five-day backpacking trip in the beautiful Sierra mountains. This was the second end-of-the-year extended summer backpacking trip we have done with the Cardinal Life group, and we hope to continue this tradition in the future.
Exploring God's uninterrupted creation awakens us to God's presence in a way that we often miss in the day-to-day. Distractions are stripped away, decisions are put on hold, and we are given a moment to rest and know that He is God. Inviting students on adventures like this is a passion that we are all excited about. A few of the students on the trip graduated from Stanford two days before we left so this trip allowed them space from the craziness of all the decisions of the post-college transition time.
We hiked many miles by lakes, waterfalls and bears (!); experienced the sweetness of fellowship and sang songs of worship under the wide open sky; played many games both on the trail and in camp; told stories around the fire, and had moments of stillness and rest in God's beautiful California mountains.
|
Dudes Backpacking Trip
Kibbie Lake
Yosemite, CA
|
May 2010
|
This year also marked the second edition of a guys trip over Memorial
Day weekend. Last year's trip with 8 students was such a hit, that 20
guys rallied for the cause this year! For many who came, it was their
first experience backpacking, and offered a unique environment for the
guys to meet with God and fellowship with one another.
As we
hiked for miles (frequently through the snow), conversations unfolded,
and bonds were formed that we trust will continue to produce fruit in
the months and years to come. One student, captivated by beauty around
us, remarked that he couldn't imagine something more beautiful than
this, and found himself longing for heaven and the new creation. As we
sat around the fire at night, guys agreed that there is a part of us
that was made for times like these! The impact of this trip will not
soon be forgotten!
|
|
|
These trips were a powerful experience for all involved. We are humbled by your partnership with us in what God is doing at Stanford. Your obedience to His moving in your life makes these and so many other experiences a reality. We hope you are doing well and having a blessed summer so far!
Sincerely,
Trent, Natalie, and Emilee
|
|
| PHOTOS |  |
To check out more pictures from the co-ed trip... Click here!
|
|
|
