Wonder Voyage 2008 Summer Blog

When the All Saints J2A pilgrims arrived in the Tetons, the sun was shining, and the prospects for amazing outdoor adventures were good. A turn in the weather, however, presented them with the challenges ofstaying warm and dry.

Our focus this week has been what it means to have a higher perspective. In Colossians, Paul speaks of the need to focus on the heavenly things not the earthly things, and by the end of the week it is apparent that these students are looking to the higher perspective.

It has been amazing to watch the students as they reach out in love for one another, having and sharing all things like the early church in the book of Acts.They selflessly gave up their free day so they could fulfill a service commitment to the National Park Service that had been rained out earlier in the week. They encouraged, shared, and rose to the daily challenges with nary a grumble or gripe.

As we end the week in the Tetons we have sunshine to bookend our adventures. Whitewater rafting and a riverside Eucharist remind us of the beauty AND challenge of this life of faith.

So far, the All Saints pilgrims here in the Grand Tetons have had plenty of time to ponder the contrasts that
sometimes exist between expectation and reality.

Our journey began with the expectation of a grand adventure where the greatest challenges would be hiking in the mountains and staying in the boat while whitewater rafting.

The reality is, our greatest challenges have been staying warm and dry.Who would have expected a 2-inch accumulation of snow overnight in June?

One of the core values of Wonder Voyage, though, is to expect the unexpected. So while many folks would not expect teenagers to rise to the challenge of camping in the snow, we know that the reality is that they can, and they do. The All Saints Youth have certainly shown us. they can rise to the challenge.

They worked, in the snow, to serve a local church that had shown us real warmth & hospitality, and then chose to make a hike in the falling snow because they didn’t want to miss the opportunity. Many people expect teenagers to be selfish & self- centered, but here in the Tetons the reality is they take care of each other.

As the weather here begins to clear and the sun gamely tries to. establish dominance, we can’t wait to see what surprises await us. around the next bend of the pilgrim path we share this week.

The J2A group from All Saints Episcopal in Western Springs, Il arrived safely and ready to explore here in Grand Teton National Park. Here in the Jackson, Wyoming area they are experiencing what is called a “lingering winter.” What that means is that it too cold for the average summer tourist, and that snow is still a distinct possibility!

Nevertheless, our quest for a ” higher perspective” will go on as planned, with a few adaptations, because we are here, after all, as
pilgrims, not as tourists.

Our first afternoon gave us the opportunity to hike the Colter Bay
area a bit; already we have seen loads of cool wildlife: bison, elk,
pronghorn antelope, and a moose and her calf. We hope to catch a glimpse of more amazing animals as the week goes on.