End of an Amazing Year

So as we came to a close of the 2007 Softball season it's time for me to take a look back to reflect on everything that has happened over the course of the summer. Now, for the most part I think this season was very good for everyone who participated. As we saw a lot of new people come out to play and support out teams, we also had a very successful showing at the end of the year BBQ in which we actually ran out of food this year! But in all seriousness it was nice to see other teams win their respected divisions this year. It showed that any team on any given Sunday could go out and compete with the best. Even though 2008 is a whole year away, we can all start looking forward to the future and what the next season may bring. New teams, more participation, and an exciting new committee will surely bring another great year.

Being the second webmaster, the main job for me is to post my opinions on the occurrences of what is happening around CCU and what's going on in the world today. My hope is to let you, the viewers, get a taste of what goes on in CCU and what goes on outside of CCU as well. As you have read from previous entries most new posts are updates on the previous week of scores and a paragraph or so on certain games. Then there are posts where there is some thought-provoking thought. It is not my intention to show anyone up, it is my intention however to get people to start thinking. Most of the posts that I do are mainly based on personal experience rather than a general response.

For example a couple of weeks ago I was blessed with the chance to take some Young Life high school kids to a camp in New York called Saranac. It was the first time any of us went to the Big Apple and the experience was simply amazing. We were able to go to a New York Mets baseball game, and see what life was like on the East Coast for a change. Being able to ride the famous subway system was something I will never forget and seeing some sights like the World Trade Center, Time Square, Empire State Building, and Chinatown was something everyone should do one day. Seeing the rich history of New York was just simply amazing as we traveled to Central Park, The Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and seeing Yankee Stadium in the distance just showed us how there is another part of the country that is outside of our lives.

After our three day encounter with the city we all headed up to Lake Saranac where the camp was located. For those familiar with YL, this is a National Camp where clubs from all over the nation come to, compared to a regional camp like Woodleaf, or Wildhorse Canyon where clubs from the area go to. 8 hours north of NYC and past Albany, we finally arrived at our destination in the mid afternoon. There began the craziest wildest ride most of us have ever experienced so far in life. It really got me thinking that as much as I love Softball, I was being called to something much bigger than myself. Some of the activities included were things like Water Skiing, Inner Tubing, and my favorite Para Sailing. Other things included was a massive ropes course, a grueling, intense mountain hike not meant for the weary, kayaking, boating, and a huge water slide just to name a few. Kids were treated to awesome meals everyday with fun activities setup through out the week. A message came daily, along with good cabin time to help them understand who God is and how much He loves us. Being able to see a few of our kids commit their lives to Christ has to be the most humbling, rewarding moment of my life. As I formally worked with Young Life in San Francisco, it was just nice to be part of a new area such as South Bay Metro who was able to allow me to continue doing ministry with an organization I love so much. A couple of those same kids came to the decision to get baptized as well, as it was a huge step in dedicating their lives to God.

I encourage you all to get involved. Whether it is with CCU, Young Life, The Salvation Army or any other organization, let us live our lives for Christ. As the months come about, hopefully updates will come monthly but as the close of 2007 approaches, let us realize that this is just the beginning. 2008 may be just around the corner, but we all can do so much until then.

Here are some pics from New York...