Simplistic Thoughts

Stick Shifts and Safety Belts

Posted by simplisticthoughts , Saturday, August 14, 2010 9:02 AM

So, I have been gathering a list of personal accomplishments from this summer's endeavors- a list of things that a year ago I probably never saw coming. It does prove to me that ALL things are possible through Christ...you can call what you will, but in my minds eye, that's how I perceive it to be. Here is a brief list of challenges, firsts and tasks I learned/accomplished this summer...

*Moving somewhere out of state on my own for the first time.

*First time in Alaska

*Wilderness Responder certified- how to treat and rescue people injured in the wilderness.

*Emergency Trauma Technician certified- how to bandage and treat trauma victims.

*Advanced First Aid and CPR certified

*Swift Water Rescue certified- rescue victims in whitewater including how to tie different knots, make Z drags, flip rafts, etc...

*Studied and passed all my written exams for certifications, Alaskan Driver's license, Commerical Driver's license permit and Passenger Endorsement written test.

*Passed my CDL driver's test.

*Learn how to drive a bus, dock a bus and parallel park a bus.

*Degrease bus engines

*Learned and trained to be a guide.

*Hiked MT Healy

*Had an encounter with a grizzly bear and lived to tell about it :)

*First time in a small engine plane

*Got to fly around the largest mountain in N. America- Denali/Mt. McKinley

*Got better at driving a manual :)

*Experience daylight 24 hrs a day

*Finally can back up a trailer!

And most importantly, I truly realized my dependency on Christ- He is my source of all things. This list may not seem like much to some people, but it means a lot to me. My, how four months can fly by when you're having fun and being challenged. I recommend that all of you dream BIG, recount all that you've accomplished and reflect on who was your source of strength, encouragement and wisdom. Denali National Park, Alaska- Summer of 2010...you will forever remain in my heart!