So this is it. This is the day when James, his co-worker Patrick and six students pack up their van and say bonvoyage to Geneva as they head to Pisgah National Forest. I am so excited for what lies ahead and, of course, I’m sad to see James go.
Spring break trips are pivotal in the lives of students and the leaders as well. I went backpacking with Pisgah my sophomore year of college, at Geneva. I still hold on to that experience and reference it often. I can honestly say my trip that year changed who I am and how I look at things now. I cannot think of a better opportunity than to go into the woods, live in community, and learn what it means to be out of the normalcy of life and learn how to lead. So with all this to say, I am so excited for James and these students.
I realize that God has already hand picked these students, gave them leaders, and already has a plan for each one of their lives; how exciting! I pray that God will grant them guidance, wisdom, and discernment in decision making. May the Lord keep them safe, and may their hearts be open to hearing and seeing God in new ways. May their trip be filled with “a ha” moments, and may they be challenged–even if that means some growing pains. This is it, off they go!
In my last few minutes in talking with James I was able to receive a small itinerary and also was able to find out that it will be sunny and in the 70’s all week:
- Friday: Depart from Geneva
- Saturday: Arrive & relax
- Sunday: Rock Climbing
- Monday-Sunday: Backpacking from place to place
- Sunday: Celebration meal with Patricks family in North Carolina
- Monday: Departure for Geneva
The theme of their trip is Playful Leadership. May they have fun, may they play as they learn to lead and find restoration in God’s wonderful creation!
Thank you for stopping by and for your prayers!
Hi Al! What a great idea. I like that I can keep up with what is going on in your ministery. Thanks for including me!
Ahh Pisgah National Forrest! I do miss it! I hope the trip goes well! The Blog looks great by the way!
Sweet Blog. I am excited to read it in the future. I will be praying for you and the trip! Love ya bro, Greg
If you get bored or lonely I am just a phone call, email, or blog away 🙂
Same to you!
What a fun idea!! Where are they climbing at? Have a fun trip 🙂 We will miss you at our wedding but can’t wait to get back and see you SOMETIME!!!!
look forward to your updates. and fun to see your wedding site too – we’re in the midst of planning our wedding and it is fun and interesting – to consider all the ins and outs – way to go! deep Love to you both!
It’s wonderful to see your 2 lives & 2 worlds (personal & professional) collide in this blog. Blessings to you both.
Dear James and Allyson,
Well the blog is a fun idea and I am interested in what you find on your trips into Pisgah. I have had some good times there. I am curious about your statements that God brought the students to you, that he (or she) has a plan for the life of each student. Does this mean that you do not accept the concept of free will? Do you consider that all our actions are preordained? What of individual responsibility for each other? Do you believe that God sent my son-in-law into Iraq three times and planned is mental breakdown as a result of battle stress? Do you think God planned that Ed’s breakdown would lead to my daughter’s mental breakdown? What kind of God is that? Not a good one in my view. Well, there is something to think about anyway.
Dr. Burtt thank you for your thoughts and reactions to the blog. I cannot speak for James, for I wrote this as he was in the woods. However, I am not saying that I do not accept the concept of free will. I believe that we have decisions and choices, and I also believe that God allows suffering. God is omnipotent and all knowing, unchanging and omnipresent. Our sin and our evil from generations past until now have stirred a lot of suffering and grief…it is not God that makes these things happen but He allows them to happen because there is a deeper story than just us in this moment. We are living out a narrative that is far greater than 2009.
With all this to say. Yes I do believe in free will, yet I also believe in a God that sees the whole picture and has decided to give us grace amongst or ruins. He has decided to love us and use our weakness for His strength; to come as a Man so that we may live in freedom. And I think we often look for happiness instead of righteousness.
I am sorry for your son’s breakdowns and your daughter’s. As well as what you may have and are going through.
Thank you again for your thoughts and I’m open to hearing more.
James and Allyson,
Glad to hear of your blog. I pray that your trip is very meaningful and fruitful.
Steve