Go Beyond!

I'm here! I have very little time on the internet...even less than I anticipated. So I'll try to post updates as often as possible, but it could be somewhat infrequent. Letters are thus the best way to get in touch...

Kate Reynolds

c/o Beyond Malibu

P.O. Box 49

Egmont, B.C. V0N 1N0

Canada

A brief update...I've been here for 2 weeks exactly. The first week just base camp was in camp, as all the guides were in the mountains training. It was a great time to bond as base camp staff and get to know each other & our jobs. The guides came back and we had a couple whirlwind days to get everything prepared for campers. Our first trips are in the mountains now and get back tomorrow...Saturday our 2nd week trips come in!

I feel more alive here that I have in a long time. It's difficult to describe, but I feel like there's a purpose here for me. There are a number of girls who are either going through things I relate to or girls who I've connected with and am able to provide some support to. On a whim, I brought up a book that I skimmed through a couple years ago when I was in a tough place, called "Healing for Damaged Emotions"...it's caught on like wild fire and there are a number of girls who are reading it or wanting to read it. It's great for me to really read now that I'm in a better place, as well. In addition to feeling like I'm here to walk alongside a number of women, my hope is that this summer will bring clarity and further healing for me, too! Each day we have an hour quiet time and throughout the day conversations are rich...please pray that I'll be able to provide some strength to those who don't have it, as well as to be fed by the Lord, myself.

A few word pictures to describe what I've experienced so far:

* We don't have electricity in all of the buildings and get all of our power from a hydro system up the hill. Therefore, we don't have running toilets. My favorite BIFFs--Bathroom in Forest Floor--(yes, you can have favorite bathrooms, I've discovered!) doesn't have a door...it faces into the greenest, lushest forest. It's like taking a mini quiet time every time I go to the bathroom! Maybe too much information, but still great!

* I thought taking showers was going to be a chore. To get a hot shower, we make a fire in a wood stove that's hooked up to a water tank which heats the water up. Turns out it's a pure joy...the shower is outdoors so you get clean while looking up into the mountains! It's complete with a slate floor made of slate from nearby quarries.

* Bear in mind that I'm not a writer...but this is a short reflection I wrote that captures somewhat the location I get to live in this summer:

It's so peaceful, sitting here on the dock looking out toward Malibu

The water is still, with just the slightest movement

The clouds hovering down into the hills are friendly

just waiting to be blown away by the slight breeze

Blue sky and sun are ready to burst out in glory at any moment

Barely a sound--the gentle lapping of water on the shore,

The rush of a distant waterfall and an occasional bird call.