just a little bit longer

I've returned home to Winder once again after a week of travels. I spent a few days at Berry in the beginning of the week followed by some quality time in Aiken, South Carolina with my Aunt.

While at Berry I was the Lead of a rock climbing day for 17 high school girls and their 2 counselors from an all girls camp in Alabama working alongside 4 more staff members. This was my first opportunity to be "the Lead" in charge of the staff and group with the most knowledge on hand. It was a phenomenal experience that I couldn't have fabricated to make it go any more smoothly. Even though I struggled for sleep the night before with nerves and all, once meeting up with my staff the day started off beautifully! Good conversation on the drive to Alabama, anchors set, lines dropped, harnesses tied in and belay anchors ready and set with the staff rearing to go. The group of fun, lively high school girls arrived and the day coasted along. The girls learned about pushing beyond fear, encouraging each other, and speaking positively to yourself when it's the last thing you can think to do. Of course we had one case of dehydration, the day was hot and humid. But as she was getting on the bus there was no doubt she had made it back to almost 100%. Good day all packed up and headed out.

A little example of my handiwork, if you can tell what it is...

Once back at good ole Berry College - I completed my tasks necessary to be considered a real Berry alumni... No I didn't finish all of my courses, nor did I make it to all of my cultural events, but I took a warm swim in the reservoir up past the Old Mill. It was the most gorgeous ending to a beautiful day with a good friend!

I spent one more day at my deer-filled campus and around Rome visiting some friends before heading off early the next morning for my aunt's house in South Carolina.

Almost at her place, I drive down this road and soak in the enormous trees enveloping the road and shading the oncoming cars from the blistering summer sun. It's my favorite part about this quaint town. The weekend was filled with really good time spent with my aunt from seeing movies (by the way, I think the Proposal is a really good film, check it out!), to cooking homemade peanut butter cookies, and browsing handmade pottery at the local art gallery. Love it.

I made it home in time to spend Father's day with my family by the pool. Well, in the pool mostly because the death index made it almost impossible to just lay around without being in the water. Got a few days to be here before helping with the rafting class in Tennessee later in the week - my favorite class of the year, might I add? Definitely looking forward to another week. Just a little bit longer until camp begins around the 4th of July...