Great Hike

Saturday I went for a hike with my friend Subaas about halfway down the canyon to a place called Indian Gardens which is like a little oasis down in the Canyon. The hike down was Ok there are rest stops with water and shade every mile. As we got further down the tempearture began to rise and we noticed that our fingers were swelling probably from a combination of the temperature and altitude changes. The trip back up was a little intense ont the way up there was a mule tour stopped on the trail and we found out that someone had fallen off their mule and the tour guides were trying to get help. When we were finally able to pass and I started to walk up the trail I heard my friend Subaas ask the man if wanted us to pray for him so I immediately turned and we laid hands on him and prayed. It was a very intense but fun day we completed the trip in about 6.5 hours and were very hungry, tired, and dirty by the time we got back to the top and as we ate out lunch we both agreed that a hot shower and a long nap were in both of our futures. 
Tonight I preach my first sermon on the rim at sunset a friend of the pastor here is bringing a group of about 40 kids to the service. I am looking forward to it. Below are some pictures from the hike  

My first week

This first week at the Grand Canyon has been amzazing I have had a great time experiencing one of God's most impressive creations. The wildlife here is remarkable I've had the chance to see several herds of elk as well as deer. Yesterday there were several elk along the shuttle route they are just starting to grow there antlers back. I also started my job yesterday working in the reatail warehouse it seems to be a pretty relaxed working enviroment, there's always something to do, and the people I'm working with are very friendly.  I went with a group of folks on the Hermits Rest shuttle and got to see some incredible views including the Colorado River below are some pictures from that tour. I am still getting familiar with the area and I will have many many other pictures to share.   

first couple of days at the Grand Canyon

I got here on Monday and every minute has been amazing. I saw the Canyon for the first time Tuesday morning and it literally took my breath away. It is so overwhelming there aren't words to express it. I went down in the canyon later that day for a short hike with some friends I met here and it was very humbling exxperience mot only because of the physical strain of hiking but also the experience of being surrounded by one of God's greatest creations. I know this summer will be a great experience for both my growth as a future pastor and my life. I took lots of pictures and will be taking many more and will post them ASAP.

Will