Wait, I live here?!?

I find myself saying that almost daily.  I can't believe that these mountains are mine for the summer.  People come into our Welcome Center at Focus on the Family from all over the country.  They have to go back to their homes after a few days.  I get to stay.  Well, at least until August, but I'm not ready to think about that yet...

Bear Lake--Rocky Mountain National Park

Working full-time at Focus has been incredible, but it sure has been keeping me busy.  However, I pack the weekends full of touristy activities, so I've been able to get out and have some fun in Colorado.  A few weeks ago, my sister and my friend Allee flew out to visit for a few days.  It was incredible to have them here.  We spent a day in Denver shopping on the 16th Street Mall and enjoying the city with Becca, my friend and fellow intern at Focus.  There were no Tim Tebow sightings while we were in Denver, but that's okay.  The summer isn't over yet.

Lauren, Allee, Mattie (my host mom), and I took a road trip on my day off.  We enjoyed the shops and restaurants in Estes Park and then drove around in Rocky Mountain National Park and hiked Bear Lake.  There was still a ton of snow around the lake, and despite the fact that I was wearing sandals and was not prepared for a hike, I did it anyway.  I'm not sure if that makes me stupid or tough.  Probably both.  Actually, probably just stupid.  I hope to go back there before the summer is over.  I LOVED it.  It's by far one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.


We also went to the Flying W Ranch, which is a chuckwagon dinner and show.  Think Dolly's Dixie Stampede on a smaller scale.  It was Branson-style cheesy, but I had such a great time!

I am so blessed to have made some of the most incredible friends out here.  We've been all over the place!  We've climbed the rocks at Garden of the Gods (something Mom and Dad weren't too interested in when we visited) and explored Manitou Springs.  We've had movie nights and long conversations in Old Colorado City.  We've been to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.  We've visited different churches in the area on Sunday mornings.  We've played Pickleball.  We've eaten Father's Day lunch together and introduced some of the interns to Chik-fil-a.  We've made ice cream runs to Rock House in Palmer Lake.  I'm so grateful for great friends!  I know that my experience here wouldn't be as wonderful as it has been without them.

Getting ready to climb at Garden of the Gods

Petting a baby wallaby at the zoo