Trust In Your Heart

This past March, I was faced with the toughest decision I have ever encountered.  I had to pick between the two things that mean the world to me, figure skating and Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp.  I had sacrificed so much for figure skating and spent countless hours on the ice, did I really want to give it all up?  However, Rainbow Trail was a place that was home for me and a place I had dreamed of working at since I first arrived there as a camper three years prior.  After hearing many opinions from my parents and friends, I realized that I needed to follow my heart and before I knew it, I began my journey working at Rainbow Trail for the entire summer.  The time I spent at Rainbow Trail this past summer became an experience I would not trade anything for.  Although too young to be a counselor, I was given the opportunity to work with kids as a counselor for a week!  It was such a joy and rewarding experience to have a cabin full of eight and nine year old girls.  It was amazing to see them grow in their faith and closer to one another in just one week.  Also, I was given the wonderful opportunity to go to Centennial for a Day Camp (like Vacation Bible School).  I had a class of nine darling second graders.  It was awesome to see them grow in their faith as well.  After working with kids all summer, I have realized how much I enjoy it and would love to do something with kids in the future.  This summer I also grew very close to the other staff that I had the pleasure of working with.  We went from not knowing one another at all, to a family. Each and every person I was blessed with knowing this summer certainly had a huge impact on my life.  As I reflect on my summer at Rainbow Trail, I cannot even put into words how amazing my experience was.  It truly changed me.  Follow your heart.  You never know where it will lead you.

Just a little bit about the place I call home...

A few pictures from my wonderful summer...

My True Colors

Ever since the very first time I set foot on the ice at the age of 10, I fell in love with figure skating.  Whenever I am on the ice I feel like I am where I am supposed to be, it is my home.  My favorite part of figure skating is the immense amount of dedication, determination, and hard work it takes to achieve goals and competing.  It has taught me so many life lessons and about who I am and want to be.  One of the most beneficial lessons I have learned is to never give up.  There are many times (especially in skating) where I fall down, but I have learned to always get up and try again and I love the challenge of always being able to do better.  Sonja Henie once said, "It's a sense of power, of command over distance and gravity, and an illusion of no longer having to move because movement is carrying you."

This is a video of me skating.  It is a little bit outdated, but still shows me doing what I love! :)

Another one of my favorite things is the Bible verse Proverbs 3:5-6.  It truly represents my life this past year and, especially, this past summer.  This verse has helped me get through many tough times and has helped lead me to where I am today.  When I am having a tough day or need some inspiration I always come back to this.