Abides Farm Reflection

      Before going on this retreat trip I wasn't having the best time in college. A lot of things were going on in my life and I felt suffocated in my everyday life. Being able to go on this trip during those troubled times was a blessing. As soon as we reached the mountain air, I felt like I escaped the world to a new place. The mountains were beautiful. It felt like I was riding in a painted picture of the wilderness that I have always seen as a child. The autumn leaves swaying in the wind showed me another beautiful image of nature. 

       At first we were a little afraid to meet the people that were described as "anarchist hippies." When I introduced myself to them and made conversation, they were so easy to talk to. They were open to new things and point of views. I was afraid that I wasn't able to talk to them due to our age gaps. Throughout the weekend, we found out about each other's backgrounds and cultures that made us different. Even though we were all different from one another, but we all connected because of our differences. I was able to get to know new people I haven't gotten close to yet. During our free times, we explored the woods and played games together. I love the night when we cook a meal for them. I enjoyed my time preparing food and talking with everyone. 

       When we left the farm, I felt that everything was a dream that was going to end after we past through the gates of yellow trees. I hated the fact that I had to come back to my normal life. I rather stayed there longer because I didn't want to deal with everything back home. But the trip there helped me relaxed from all the things that was going on around me and I was truly thankful about that. I hope that I will be able to come back one day and enjoy my stay once again. 

Black Mountain Reflection

         The road was treacherous. This was my first time ever to going on backpacking trip. It was quite difficult carrying a big luggage on your back going up a hill. On my way up the mountain I was definitely not pleased. I kept complaining to myself and wishing that we could be there already. It was like every other day where I just past by my surroundings without even noticing. The fresh air, green trees, and silence were not yet visible to me at the moment. 

         When we got to our campsite, I was so happy and relieved to be there. I was finally able to rest and catch a breath. While setting up our tents and eating snacks, I was able to communicate with my classmates that I never had the chance to talk to before. I laid in the tent to chat with a friend later that evening. We both looked at the peaceful blue sky and we realized how beautiful it was. After our temporary rest, our class set off to watch the sunset. The wind was blowing and the sun was slowly descending. The cool breeze around me freed my mind and soul at the moment. We soon reached the top of Black Mountain. Everything in my sight looked different. The vibrant colors of the world opened my eyes that evening. Something that I never took time to take a second look at was actually so beautiful. I felt how big the world was. I had realized that there was so much more in the world for me to explore. As the sun set, the Earth and I became one. Its presence coexisted in mine and we were inseparable at that moment in time. 

           As we watched the sun set, it was now time for our class to head back to our camp. We all chat some more about the most random things amongst ourselves. Our chats made us come closer together. For the first time, I ate coo-coos. At first, I was quite skeptical about it, but it actually was a very pleasant dish. Finally, the night was over and we all got ready for bed. Although our resting place was not the our usual comfy blankets and sheets, I was able to sleep really well with the sounds of nature during the night. 

           Soon, the sun shined above our heads and I knew it was time to wake up. I smelled the fresh cool morning air and got ready for the day. We ate our meals and packed up our bags. As we headed down the mountain, I felt that I had seen the world in a new way. I had discovered something meaningful about nature. Nature and humans are align as one. Without nature, humans will cease to exist. Sometimes, we need to take time to appreciate the Earth and take care of it before disappears in front of our eyes. 

Journey to the Universe 9/5/14

           A million years ago, we all were from the same species. Overtime our ancestors traveled to other the places in the world to create a new race and culture. Humans can adapt to new environments around them. We have a flexibility to change our behaviors for survival. Culture soon developed a hierarchy in society. A structure was created to maintain peace and order in our communities. We question old beliefs and able to find out facts about them. Science emerge and we started to understand more about world. Once we gain more knowledge about ourselves and the universe, we gain more acceptance to new things around us.

         

Journey to the Universe 9/3/14

         


       T he universe is made up of different planets, stars, and galaxies. Everything is all interconnected with one another. We all live in a world that can do fascinating things. Time and the galaxy are within control of itself. Starting from atoms to cells, they developed our world today.

        Life itself is a miraculous creation. Cells and membranes are part of our body. It functions every part of our body. It amazing how living things use the sun's power as energy. Photosynthesis gives plants life as well as all living things on Earth.

        There are so many things occurring around us every second. I've realized we need to take some time to appreciate our surroundings. Because of obstacles in our daily lives, we struggle to appreciate what nature have offered us. Due to lack of attention, nature is slowly dying and one day we too will vanish like the rest of the universe if don't take care of it.
               

Yay I'm done!