A group of  students from The Compass Church is currently serving in Utah alongside our partners Ritch and Laura.We will be posting reflections from the students during the course of their trip. 

We arrived in Utah safety and connected with Ritch. Shortly after,we went straight to a hiking site. Ritch lead us up a path that was definitely a work out. He brought two of his adorable kids Their relationship is such an example of how our relationship with our heavenly father should be like. His love for his kids is so evident. His daughter’s big beautiful eyes just explode with joy when she sees him. He knows the paths like the back of his hand. He knows the slippery parts and he knows where it leads. When we got to the top we saw a beautiful water fountain that just dripped God’s glory.

On the way down, he held his son so tight. There was one point when the rocks underneath him slipped. But he held his son so tightly that he was safe with his daddy. Today I was reminded the reasons we go through trials. These past few months have been rough. My Mom and Grandpa were both diagnosed with Cancer. I never was mad at God but I definitely wondered why my family had to go through that. But as Ritch loved and protected his son, I was reminded that going up that mountain has a glorious ending. Right now, I may not see that waterfall, but God knows the path like the back of his hand. He knows all the slippery parts and he knows the final destination, and wow is it worth it.

After the hike, we played games and ate some spaghetti. Please pray for the kids camp that starts Monday and for God to give us the words to say to the people of Utah. Also shout-out to my parents and grandparents! Love you! Give Bentley a huge hug for me!

-Mandy