So it goes...

Here I am.. sorry for the delay. What can I say? I did warn you all that it'd be some time before I wrote, but here I am to share the tale of "Bridger Bowl- 2006."

Thursday was insane. It snowed... alot. I haven't seen it snow that much for months. My mom warned me, saying I might not be able to go, so I prayed to God to make it all possible. I got up super early, took my Public Speaking midterm, and because of all the snow, the other test that was going to probably make me late to the church, didn't show because of all the snow! So I actually lucked out. If it hadn't of snowed, I would have had to stay late and take a stupid test! So yay to the snow! I got back in Delano at 1:30 or so, so I ate and spent some time with my mom. But that's all the boring stuff... I'm gonna jump to the bus ride.

The drive wasn't that bad at all. Kara, Marlise, and I got to sleep in the back, but until then, Ben Bacon, John, Adam, and Lee were all in the back area, talking. I was really happy to see everyone- especially John. I NEVER get to see him, so it was just so refreshing to be talking with him for so much! We played apples to apples and hearts for a while, and then John and I went into a different seat and he played his guitar and I started to write. We watched The Rookie and The Sandlot, and it all went pretty smoothly. Adam and I were very content, who wasn't? There was no homework, no time frame, and we were surrounded by friends. Sleep... well... it was miniscule. My pillow was Marlise's bottom, and I just could not get comfortable. But as usual, it's totally worth it.

We woke up... and there were the mountains. Breathaking, astounding, gorgeous, etc. Those words don't even capture all of what I see every year. How can you see something like that and even QUESTION a God? I will show you guys pictures soon! Anyway, skis ended up costing $20 more dollars than I planned on, so that kinda took a dent in the wallet. The first day was -25 degrees! Can you believe it?! It was so cold. Your hair froze just being outside. Bridger Bowl even opened an hour later because of such severe coldness. At the end of every lift, there was a sign in the window saying "watch for frostbite." Comforting eh? Kara and I ended up going on only three runs. I know. It's pathetic. I was so angry. I didn't care about the cold, all I wanted to do was be skiing, but it was impossible. In order to stay warm, I had to wear my scarf over my mouth and nose. But then when I breathed, my sunglasses would not only fog over, but ICE over. Every few seconds I had to stop and try to fix them. It just wasn't worth it. So we tried to entertain ourselves. Lee's eye lashes froze, and some people took pictures of it. It was hysterical. Although Kara and I were inside most of the day, we spent a lot of time talking with Joe, and it made me really happy. Ever since Justin and I broke up, I just don't get to see him that much, and he is such a father figure to me, that... well... I don't want to lose him.

The hotel was amazing. They were in the process of remodeling, or building or something, but still, it was better than all the other hotels. I roomed and had small group wiht one girl: Gennie Bunting. She's a sophmore and she's really nice. She was also a strong believer, so some of the questions were kinda awkward. I mean it was nice having one on one time, but it couldn't go much farther. Oh well. We also played Dutch Blitz (My first time playing) and I did okay. It's an odd game, kinda like speed but way more screwed up! Haha. Hotel times weren't that great. They just brought sleep. So I won't go into detail about that. Except the first night, John and I were talking and then he wanted me to hear some of his music, so I listened to him play in the hallway. He got quite a crowd from that. Then some security people came by and told us to get back to our rooms, they weren't made or anything, but I didn't wanna go to bed! Boo to security.

The next day was 15 degrees warmer (still in the -10 degree weather) but it felt like heaven compared to the other day. Adam and Kara skied with me in the beginning, and it was just really nice and Adam gave me his goggles cuz he bought some new ones. We eventually met up with Joe and we all went skiing for a while. I love Joe.

After lunch, a huge group of us all went together, and Adam did some filming. I fell... down this stupid big hill... and I felt special ed. But Joe stayed by me and helped me. Then we watched some people do tricks. I was so sore by the end of the day! IT was insane, but Kara and I def. quadrupled how many runs we did that day.

We then went to the hot springs which was fun but because of the cold weather, we were not allowed to go outside. The outside is the BEST part. But we all just hung out in the pools and stuff. That place is always sooo crowded and has a funny smell to it. I take it though, cuz it def. feels good on the muscles.

The last day of skiing was the best. I always am at my peak on the last day, even though I'm tired, because I feel a tad more daring. The way I see it is if I get hurt on the last day, I won't have to miss any days of skiing, and yah. It just feels better for me. So Kara and I got some "air" (more like are skis left the snow for .5 seconds) and went through all the first powder, and on the edge of an avalance areas, and yah. It was really funny. I liked it. We also had our annual "service on the mountain" where we sang God of Wonders, Heart of Worship, and Amazing Grace. Marlise, John, Me, Lee, and Kara gave our testimonies, and I think we all brought a little something to the table to make it very solid and complete. I didn't prepare, and I was a little nervous, but when I got up and spoke, I let God speak through me, and chose what should be said and what shouldn't (we only had three minutes apiece) I felt that I touched people, and I was actually surprised to hear some things that I said. It was realy powerful and I'm glad everyone could be there.

That was the trip. The bus ride back was good too, but I won't make this longer than it has to be. I'm really thankful for John. When we are together, we are wonderful friends. I know that he doesn't dislike me, but we just are so busy nowadays, and I can't have him all to myself. I'm just thankful for everyone who came on the trip. I also loved the feeling of being a leader. I love the feeling that people look up to me, think that I have all this knowledge and wisdom, and I think some cases, you just have to wing it, and God helps you through.

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! I WOULD NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU!

So then yah.. I went back to school, my mom left for Arizona on Tuesday, and I've been stockpiled with homework, and tests, and quizzes, and articles to write, and it's just been crazy. That's why it took soo long to write again. All I know is that it's already Thursday, and tomorrow I dont' have my last class so I get to go home early! I'm also excited cuz Justin and Jake will be home and we are all having game night! YAY!! OH joy! So yes... I will see some of you soon enough! God Bless to all of your weekends!

Sister in Christ,
Amy <3