I would like to take some time to write about my day yesterday. It was overall a funny, eventful, and joyous day. I can't say enough how much I enjoy working with Erin and Justin. They are both such lovely individuals and have made the days at Cristo Rey so happy and silly. It is so wonderful that I feel like I can be my true self around the BSC family for only knowing them for a brief period of time. Erin and Justin in particular have turned me into way more of a sassbasket than before, but have also really challenged me to become a better person and reevaluate my life and the direction I would really like it to progress towards. We have too much fun at work, and sometimes it doesn't feel like we're even working. There are those occasional moments when Erin and me (the newbies of Cristo Rey) think "Oh Sh** what are we doing here," but then we always figure it out together, and Justin is always there to laugh at our cluelessness...as well as offer us encouragement via hugs and his perky personality and phrases. For example, "Jennifer, laugh always." We took some staff pictures yesterday that are just absolute gems, and by gems I mean goofy. Erin also drove the church's giant van for the first time! The three of us drove to A-House to drop off some clothing donations. Afterwards, Rose Mary came to the church and we talked more about the program and coordinating planning. We ended the work day with a brief nap, and then mopped up the sanctuary and hallway.
After work, we had our community night, WHICH WAS HIKING! I was counting down the hours for the hike! Hannah, our boss, came over to Cristo Rey, and joined Erin, Erika, Lilly, Justin, and me for dinner. After dinner, the 6 of us headed out to Star Mountain for what was going to be the most beautiful hike we've ever experienced in the city. Star Mountain is located in downtown El Paso and it has its name because there is a star that lights up during sundown. The star resembles Texas. We drove to Rim Road where the mountain begins. We stopped real quick to take some pictures of the glorious view that Rim Road overlooks. It is a view that neither of us could ever get sick of seeing. Once we were all satisfied with the view, it was time to begin the hike up!
This hike was much easier than the last one. The mountain was not as steep. However, there were many lose rocks that overlapped the main stepping rocks. One bad step and, well, let's just say that you'd be the first one to the bottom. We were all overcome with such shock and happiness seeing the view that met us at the halfway point. We could see the mountains all around us, and the ones off in the distance near Mexico had THE MOST BEAUTIFUL sunset/colors/thunderstorm taking place that we could see. It was so stunning! I am still speechless thinking about how glorious it looked. It was wonderful how we all were so surprised by the beauty, and so much peace and happiness was felt inside that we could share that moment together. Here are some pictures of what we saw. The clouds drooping below was the rainfall. We later saw lightning! From a Christian point of view, that moment really reaffirmed to me that God's beauty is unlike any other.
We decided to continue to the top of the mountain, and by then it was pretty dark outside. Dark, but absolutely beautiful. The city was alive below us, the mountains were our conquering point, and the sky was radiating with such natural beauty. We also found the star on the mountain! It looked so cool up close, especially because we had only seen it from the city point of view.
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Justin has the star on his t-shirt! He happened to be wearing that shirt for the hike, and was so excited to finally see it up close in person! "Dreams do come true, you guys!" |
When we reached the top of the mountain, we all had our own resting places. We sat in silence and watched the beauty and city from below. It was so peaceful and felt almost like a dream.
While we were coming down the mountain, it was hard to leave that view and all of that peace that was felt while sitting on the mountain top in silence with my BSC family. Erika, Erin, Lilly, and I all admitted that this was one of the most beautiful places we've ever been to. It's hard to explain this, but I felt very much awake after that hike. I couldn't stop staring out the car window looking at the city, the mountains, and the sky. I also couldn't help but think "Man I am going to miss this place way more than I was expecting."
Hikes and community nights have quickly become one of my favorite parts of this trip. They have been so fun and memorable to experience with the BSC family as well. We have been spoiled and blessed to have these moments together. After the hike, I couldn't help but reflect about how much I've changed since coming to El Paso. This next rant relates to one change that I've noticed.
I have been really fortunate to always be surrounded by people who are constantly happy and smiling about how they're making a difference here in El Paso. Being with positivity and optimism is really refreshing and wonderful. Your attitude inevitably becomes the same, and continues to grow in that direction; finding the good in everything you see and experience. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely those moments when I think "Oh my gosh my job is so overwhelming," or, "Hmm, I wonder if it would be socially acceptable to just plop right on the floor here and take a nap?" Then, almost like perfect timing, someone does something crazy and goofy and I cannot help but smile and laugh. Sometimes until I cry, which is the best type of laughter! Wether it is Justin jumping up and down because he's like a 7 year old at heart and easily happy about everything (and then eventually gets me to his hyper level), or Amy telling one of her famous stories with her signature facial expressions... happiness is contagious down here!
This evening Erika, Erin, and me went to Sam's Chinese (funny name for a Chinese restaurant, but actually pretty good!). It was wonderful food and company! When I came back, I was pretty wiped out, but knew that I needed to clean up the office space as well as sort all of this paperwork that seems to always be piling up. Justin's family is here for a Border Immersion trip over the weekend, so we had the privilege of meeting them AND we get to come along for the trip. It will for sure be a fun time! His family is awesome and silly, just like him. I had a great talk with Justin and his sister Bella in the office, and then continued to organize. Erika then came in and we had another great heart-to-heart. Heart-to-heart conversations with these people are a very common occurrence, thankfully!
I am actually really looking forward to our border immersion time. We will be busy from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m tomorrow (Friday) to Sunday. But it will be a very rewarding time. Justin also solidified with us last night that we will be going to White Sands in Las Cruces, NM on June 23!!!!!!! You have no idea how stoked I am for this trip! For those of you who have never heard of White Sands... this is what it looks like...
Yes, those are sanddunes. Yes, we are going sledding down them. Yes, it's going to be a blast :) We have all been looking forward to this trip since we arrived in El Paso, so it is great to hear that a date has been solidified. Trips with BSC are nothing but unforgettable, bloody brilliant, and beautiful. I love this BSC life and serving the community more than I imagined possible. Te amo, El Paso!
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