Boys, bears, and bow drilling

So I survived my first shift in the woods. And what an experience it was! We started off at what they call the second base camp, Sky Valley. I was with the oldest boys group, Bravo. The majority of these boys are there for substance abuse along with all of the things that come along with substance abuse. Sky Valley is sort of an in between camp, not quite as rugged as expo but still no running water. We slept in yurts or canvas structures with wooden floors. My first night we were visited by Jughead, the local bear. Not more than 50 ft away I could hear this bear ransacking the bear barrels that weren't fully closed. You better believe my heart was pounding. The next day we moved campsites after the bear continued to come back and was not being scared off. We stayed in Sky Valley for two nights before being transported back to Base Camp. Here we slept in cabins and had access to running water and indoor plumbing, what a treat! Our group grew to eight boys after we got three new students. During the week we worked with horses, went to "school," did yoga, fed snakes at science center, and worked on phase work and bow drilling. I am so excited that I completed my first bow drilling set! It was a long process but it was also nice to have a little project to be working on during my "free time." I was humbled when I finally completed my set and gave it a shot because bow drilling is HARD. I am looking forward to getting better at it and hopefully busting my first coal soon! When you bust your first coal you get to name your bow.. it's kinda a big deal.

This week was extremely hard, there were lots of highs and lows, but the experience overall was incredible. Working with those boys was challenging and you learn to love the smallest of accomplishments. My bosses and co-staff told me that I killed it and did better than expected. I still have so much to learn and improve on, but I think that I am in a good place and most importantly, ready for more! I will be working with Bravo again this coming week and we will be out on expo, so camping and actually roughing it. I was talking to one of my co-staff before coming off shift and I said, "I don't even know how I'm going to explain what I do to my family and friends. I feel like there is no way for me to explain this job." He could only agree. The job that I do is weird and more elaborate than I could ever explain. Every minute of every day is a trial, every moment of silence is cherished, every small break through feels like gold, every ounce of sleep is coveted, every situation is a learning experience. This list goes on and on. I could not do it with my own strength and am grateful for a God who provides me with all I need to be the best I can for this kids. One of the kids quoted a rap song during the week saying, "Everybody's somebody's something, I know you right, nobody's nothing, that's right."When you think of it in those terms, every one of those boys is so important to someone that they were sent there to "get better," but so much more importantly, each one of those boys is a child of the Most High. So regardless of what they have done, they are loved by the one who created them. I'm just trying to show them that love and that they matter more than they can ever imagine. 

As for being back in "real life" I have come to feel more comfortable in my apartment. I have been exploring around Asheville, I am currently in the public library were I just got my library card! Woop Woop. My apartment is pretty close to downtown Asheville so I am able to walk to most places, which if you know me is a huge life change. I am excited to learn more about this place I now reside. 

I'm still looking for some part time work to help cushion my bank account and keep me busy in my off days. I'm still looking for a place to get connected with other people my age. But I have found so much in the short time that I have been here and can't wait to see what the future holds. 

I miss my family and friends, the community that I had at Timber-lee. I miss my Wisconsin runs because Asheville is kicking my butt. I miss having internet and being around animals. But I love this adventure that I am on and figuring it out as I go. 

Until next time friends, may the sun be on your face and the breeze on your back.