In late morning, the group went back downtown to complete a process that will have lasting meaning for us all . In our previous foray into Sedona's shopping district, Ben had spotted some beautiful turquoise jewelry; he later proposed that the whole J2A group buy rings to express our bond with each other. Everyone thought this was a great idea and so we went back and each picked one out. Back at the hotel, Ben then led a ceremony where he spoke about how rings have been part of religious and cultural traditions throughout the centuries, and among other things, are a symbol of committed relationships. We then put our rings on all at the same time.
After lunch, the group was taken out to the edge of Sedona to gain some experience climbing with ropes. Our trusty guide, James Gregory, and his two assistants provided lots of support as we learned how to face our fears by scaling down a rock face.
Haley
Josh
Robyn
4 comments:
You are all so brave! Please tell Emoli that her Mom and Dad and Charlotte will be looking up at the stars tonight and thinking of her as she spends her night alone in the beautiful desert. We love you Emoli! Charlotte says "I am so jealous, you'd better not get abducted by aliens, I love you Buntoo!
What a great idea - the rings! It warms my heart to see how close you have all become to each other, since we all need to know that no matter where we are or what we are doing, there are people out there who really care about us. May you all know that not only do you have that amongst your J2A group, but that you have an awful lot of people back home at our First United family who care about you all and are cheering you all on - and praying for you as you head out on your all night vigil - wherever that may take you. May God whisper in your ears tonight!
I'm looking at the stars too right now! And Jupiter (the really bright one to the South). It's 3am here, midnight in AZ. The moon should just have set there so it will be getting even darker. I imagine those who wanted out of their comfort zones have left them back at the big white vans. It's just you and the scorpions now - Pretty good conditions to glimpse God and answers about yourself. Remember that tons of people are thinking about you and sending their love and prayers. Your trip looks amazing. See you soon.
at 6 a.m. (3 a.m. arizona) this morning, I stood at the edge of a mist-shrouded lake as the sun slowly warmed the treetops. I wondered when the sun would greet you, reminding you that the night is over and a new day has begun. Sending you all lots of love and light on this new day.
Alyson
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