Day with the boys

Saturday was an amazing day with my three oldest. We were up relatively early for a Saturday to meet some friends at 9:00. From his house, we went back to Kootenai Creek (see last week's post), but hiked less than a mile this time. By 10:30 we were roped in and ready to go rock climbing. It was an amazing thrill to watch Matthew, then Mark, then Michael each rope in and experience real rock climbing for the first time, and to see their different reactions to different parts of it. They were all scared, but each was willing to take different coaching, and try different things, or not try. The climb was about a 5.3, so it had plenty of holds, and each of them made it to the top of the first climb. Lowering them down was a bit more of an adventure for them. Matthew practically climbed back down, not really wanting to trust the rope. Mark sort of did half and half, while Michael was actually lowered, and had moments when he actually got it. Matthew and Michael did the climb twice. I think they both wanted to actually master the thing rather than just feel like they'd just completed the exercise. After that climb, we went to another one that wasn't so much a climb as it was a very high swing. The goal was to climb as high as you could, then let go and swing out over the creek raging a good 100+ feet below. Matthew went first, and ended up not wanting to swing. Unfortunately he slipped, so he ended up swinging anyway. I'm not going to say he enjoyed it, but I think he enjoyed being able to say he'd done it. Mark refused to swing, didn't climb very high either. Michael swallowed his fear and tried it, and I think it was his favorite part of the day. As for me, those who know me know my fear of heights is pretty strong, but I was able to set the example (albeit, after they'd gone) and actually lower myself off the first climb w/o holding the rope, and swing over the creek... though I had a death grip on the rope for that one. It's amazing how unrational our fears can be over reality. Anyway, as we walked back down the trail, each of the boys were able to talk about their favorite parts, and they all had a great time.

That evening, Michael played his final ball game of the season, losing 16-6. It's like his team didn't fully show up, moving lethargically and making sloppy throws. Michael played center and third base, and did well, only making one error. He was 1 for 3 at the plate, but that one was a beauty. It sailed out into right field, landing just inside the foul line, and only about 15 feet away from the fence. He made it to third, and got an RBI in the process. While we're glad the season's over, it was also a sad ending to a difficult season. It was sad, too, because it was another closure for us, another milestone in our leaving process, an activity that had helped to keep Michael focused on still being here than the future of leaving all his good friends.

I want to end this post on an up note, though. Yesterday was amazing for the time I got to spend with the boys. It's been a long time since I was able to spend that kind of time with any of the boys just playing like that. It was a wonderful time, and I look forward to more of those this summer in between pursuing the right location for where God's calling us to minister.