Thursday, June 19, 2008

Wednesday - Lots Going On

We have a few posts today from students. The first is from Ryan B and Sean:

In the morning it was very hot and humid. After a breakfast of cereal and fruit we sat around the camp and waited for everyone to wake up. When everyone was ready, we started to pick rocks and pull wild mustard out of the arena. After that we dismantled the horse pen stables and loaded it onto the back of the truck. Then we headed towards the indoor arena and our hosts introduced themselves. While in the arena we introduced ourselves as well. After that we brought three horses to the outdoor arena that we had cleaned earlier that day. Then we took apart the horses holding pens and moved them to another less dusty area. When we were done, we had a nice meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and watermelon. After our meal we hiked one of the several of the hills that surround our camp site.

And now a word from Michelle:

Today we got to do horse chores in the morning or pick rock. I think the people working here, Sierra and Judy, really appreciated our willingness to help. I really felt happy helping the ranch workers and owners. I enjoyed spending my time helping others.

After horse chores some people helped pick rock and pull weeds in the arena. This arena is used to do the therapeutic treatments. Judy and Sierra were very happy that we take time out of our lives to come across the country to help them. These weeds were around the arena and inside. Taking these out made the arena look better.

The people not picking rock and pulling weeds were helping take apart an old barn. This barn is located by the horse pens. We took apart the panels that were still usable after the fire. The panels that can be used we piled up to be taken away. The pipes used to hold up the panels were piled up because they can’t be used again. The workers were really appreciative of us helping clean up the ranch.

In the afternoon, we moved the horse pens so the ranch can have somebody level off the ground. There are six horses owned by Cornerstone. Their names are Gem, Laddy, Slick, Daka, Sakari, and Ramon. My personal favorite is Slick. We moved three horses into the arena and the other three into other pens. Most of us helped put up the pens on a higher level. Then we moved the horses back.

A couple kids including Amber, Lucas, Mac, Joel, Blake, Jacob, Holly, Michelle, and Matt were accompanied by Pastor Kirk as we climbed one of the hills surrounding us. We enjoyed the adventure of climbing up, but once we got up and got pictures, Matt, Blake, and Jacob climbed across to a different mountain before going down. Mac, Holly and Joel stayed at the top for a couple minutes as Amber, Michelle, Lucas, and Pastor Kirk tried to go down. This part was more difficult but we all enjoyed it. There were many big rocks in our way. Pastor Kirk was very brave to lead us down. We came to a big rock we needed to get down past, so Pastor Kirk decided to jump first then to help us. Pastor Kirk jumped and as soon as he landed this rattling noise sounded. One girl screamed and the three that stayed back could hear her. Let’s just say it scared us all. Pastor Kirk jumped and landed about one foot away from a rattlesnake. We all asked him to move, but he insisted on taking pictures first. We finally agreed to take some after we noticed the snake wouldn’t move. After taking many pictures we decided to move on. Let’s just say it was an exciting experience and a GREAT adventure.

And finally for today, this contribution from Matt H and Ryan O:

As you know, it is hot. But we are starting to get through the days. People are hacking at branches and some are trying to phone home. And some of us our food is melted. Yum! At midnight, the moon peeks over the hills. I think we are lucky for the water we have. Some of us have the record of most injuries in one day (Matt has the record). As Matt’s choice of words for today, he said hurtful, bloody, fast, hot, and grateful. Some people were in the medical area. Some people have major sunburns and some are not too severe.

4 comments:

schroeder_1000 said...

Wow...it sounds like you guys had a very busy day! It also sounds like you guys are working really hard to help as much as you can...even through the heat! GREAT job guys! God Bless!
Cassandra

Bergerson's said...

We enjoy reading how things are going for all of you. By the looks of the blogs you are all staying very busy. Sounds like it was a brutal day today with the heat. Heard the weather next week is not supposed to be so hot. I bet you are all looking forward to Saturday and Sunday. Keep up the good job you are doing and remember what you are doing this for. It will all be worth it in the end.

Dave & Cindy

the Hansens said...

Hello All... I love this site so we can see that all is going well,!~~ exceot the rattle snake, bumps and bruises, sunburns, no sleeping bags the 1st night, 106 degree temps :o) You guys are all awesome for doing this! can't wait for the next update...
Love ya Whit, Trent and Lindz
Gary and Cindy

Tami said...

Hey Minnesotan's , I heard its pretty hot out there and yes Boe we did see your nice haircut. So how much did you have to pay for that? I hope you are staying nice and cool and you better tan that head its pretty white. And we're so glad Boe didn't see that rattlesnake or he'd be still running ! We love this site so keep us updated. Sandy, i did talk to John and he is going to try something to see if it works. Well, hope everyone had a good week and tomorrow is Sea World so enjoy your day off the ranch. Boe, have a good weekend, we will be at the lake with our cell phones on if you want to call us. Love ya !!
Mom and dad.