Camping with U squad (well more like 4 of us) but still U squad in all it’s splendor. We had so much fun! We spent most of our time sitting together just getting to know one another. We had lots of laughs and I am happy these people are on my squad!!
As I camped this past weekend with Trent, Libby, me, and Kyle (order above) I definitely learned some things about myself. First of all, I am an extrovert! I love to relate to people. Any time I experience something, whether profound or minute, I want someone to be there with me. This way we can bond/talk about the experience. Camping over the weekend, I felt very aware of my extroversion. Libby, Kyle, and Trent are all introverts. Now I’m not saying this is a bad thing. I’ll give an example to illustrate my point. On Saturday we packed a picnic and headed out to find a good location to each lunch. We found a giant tree in the middle of a field and it was wonderful. We sat under the tree for about an hour after eating, just laying around, staring into the sky. I lay there quietly as to not disturb the peace, but inside I was going crazy. “What is everyone thinking about? Okay focus I should think about God as I look at nature. How can they just lay here and not get bored? Okay think deep. [Enter song lyrics that randomly pop into my head] Seriously, what are they thinking?” I had to learn to be patience with all my questions and not “overwhelm” them, for lack of a better word. Inside me I desired to learn everything I could about Libby, Trent, and Kyle, but had to rest in knowing that it will eventually come. I felt a little nervous at times that I was asking too many questions but they will learn I love to ask questions. Curiosity is definitely something rooted deep within me and I love to get to know people.
Despite all those thoughts, song lyrics, and movie quotes running through my head, I was able to relax. Just getting to know all of them and talking throughout the weekend was great. I learned a lot about who they used to be and who they wish to be. We talked about family, and dreams, and the upcoming adventure. It is awesome how quickly people can bond who share a common interest.
I loved that all we did was sit around. We conversed about serious things, to farting, to nothing at all. I enjoyed watched a bunch of 20 somethings try to live life. The last morning I got up a bit before everyone and sat out be the fire pit (no fire). I journaled a bit to get my thoughts together. Trent woke up next and started marking a fire. As I watched him make the fire I thought, “when did we become self sufficient?” I have to remind myself a lot of times that I am 25 and fully capable. I looked around and there were no parents there to wake us up or make us breakfast or recue us. All weekend we had shopped for groceries, shared the responsibility of cooking, cleaning up, and making the fire. This is what the Race will be like….a bunch of 20 somethings trying our best to live life to the best of our ability. Trying not to make to many big mistakes or cause permanent damage to others. I enjoy seeing this play out in the fall.
