Mt. Albert Edward

Hi Everyone! My name is Derek and I am a Qwanoes intern this year with the focus in the Kaléo Program! I'm excited to get to keep you all in the loop on all the exciting things that are going to be happening this year in the Kaléo program!

 

We are one and a half weeks into the program already and excited to update you all on what has been happening so far! God has brought together an amazing group of people and although it's only been a week and a half, it's been incredible to see how He has been bringing us together already. 

 On Monday we all had the opportunity to go to Mt. Albert Edward and face the most monumental physical challenge of our year. We gathered into our vans and drove North to Strathcona park where we set out to our campsites for the evening. After camp setup, we were able to look to the mountains and ponder Psalm 121 as we considered where our help came from. 

Devo Time Around Kwai lake

With four groups spread over four campsites at two different locations we were able to get to know each other in a much closer way. 

 The next morning we awoke early and met together to set out on our most grueling hike of the trip. Mt. Albert Edward looked daunting but we set out for the challenge with a very practical understanding of "Needing God". The hike that day was almost 12 km in total and appeared to be almost straight up at certain points. Ascending upwards we were even able to cross snow-covered terrain.

Next Stop! Mt Albert Edward!

With the group's effort (and ample rest times) we were all able to make it to the summit, where we looked out over God's creation and took lots of pictures. 

There was something about reaching the top that showed us God's immensity and helped get ourselves ready to take on everything that gets thrown at us this year. 

The Group Singing Together on the Summit

We all arrived safely back at camp that evening, amazed at how good canned chicken could taste and ready for bed. 

 Our final morning we set off toward the vans for another 8-9 km hike. While we were all much sorer from the previous day's journey, the last day was a lot of fun. We were all treated with visits from our favorite thieves - the Whiskeyjacks. 

We're not sure if we like these birds taking our food or not!

We all met back together at the vans where we drove our three hours back to Qwanoes dreaming of pleasant aromas and warm showers. It was an amazing trip and we were all so blessed with safety and good weather the entire time. 

Thank you to all of you who have been praying for us, we are grateful for your prayers and want to ask you to continue through the year. 

 This weekend is going to be a great one as we are able to serve both the Trinity Western students visiting Camp Qwanoes and our home churches.

 Next week we prepare for our first class as Cal McFarlane is coming from Briercrest to teach us Spiritual Formations. It's going to be an exciting week as students are going to learn foundational lessons about varied spiritual disciplines. One of the assignments the students are working on is that of intense Scripture memorization. It's been an amazing blessing to see Students hiding God's Word into their hearts this week in preparation for this class. 

 Stay tuned for our weekly updates! 

 Derek