Women Experiencing the Wild

There's something particularly rewarding about taking a group of women who are not accustomed to the woods out into the wilderness. I think it has to do with the confidence I watch them develop. They come in uncertain and leave with a great sense of accomplishment for trying something new and succeeding at it! The young adult women from Bellefield Presbyterian Church were no different. I was privileged to lead a group of them this past weekend in Clear Creek State Forest. Really, it was Joy & Kristin who did an excellent job of designing and leading the trip. I was simply there as an experienced presence.

I was also struck by how we managed to talk non-stop all day Saturday while hiking (except for the very steep hills). The connection between the women was so great. Besides talking about our lives, we discussed the topics of finding our value solely in what God says about us, being real and vulnerable with others, and giving honest feedback to others while not placing our worth there. It was incredible to listen to these women, most of whom are graduate students, and realize what a critical message this is in a competitive world where personal worth equals academic and occupational success.

Listen to what Amy & Billie have to say about their first backpacking experience!