Panera Bread patrons must have been a bit curious last Monday when they saw several tables pulled together and covered with papers, books, and laptops while five individuals engaged in some apparently intense conversation. In reality, it was only the LDW instructors and manager meeting to continue planning for the upcoming trip. With less than 6 weeks until students show up, meetings like this are increasing in frequency. Time together discussing curriculum design, text selection, and wrestling with the ever changing itinerary is just one aspect of preparation for LDW. (Leadership and Discipleship in the Wilderness. Please reference the "What Is LDW?" post for more info.)
We also need to make sure we've got the right gear. Last Tuesday Jamie, Kelly, and I took an inventory and created a "to fix" and "to order" list.
(We discovered the original Outdoor Leadership Team hats! I would have loved those when I was 10.)
There is much other preparation to complete before this trip will be ready. Our minds and hands will be preparing lessons, collecting resources, praying for students and the trip, completing paperwork, corresponding with students, collaborating with fellow instructors, and much more. Our bodies will be running stairs, hiking hills, and lifting weights to prepare for heavy loads, altitude and rough terrain. Students will be finishing college classes, raising money, reading pre-trip assignments, and also preparing physically. Please keep us all in prayer!
