February began with simultaneous feelings of settling in and gearing up. Returning to Colorado and the town I’m proud to now call home was comforting after having driven and flown across the continent. It was wonderful getting back into the routines of my Bible study and newly minted book club, and I’m continuing to enjoy the community and friendships I’ve developed here.
CCCA Rocky Mountain Sectional Conference
On February 22 I met with Col. Kim Hawthorne, the director of Spring Canyon, a local camp and conference center owned and operated by the Officers’ Christian Fellowship. Col. Hawthorne was kind enough to give me a tour of the Spring Canyon facilities and we discussed all of the ups and downs of working in hospitality in central Colorado. I was able to get the lay of the land prior to the start of the CCCA Rocky Mountain Sectional conference, which ran from February 26 – March 1.
Volunteering at the conference was inspirational and refreshing. Not only did I get to meet great new friends who are passionate about outdoor ministry and wilderness medicine but I also attended some stellar seminars on exceptional guest services, horsemanship ministries, and liabilities as it relates to equestrian businesses. There’s nothing like 120 of my favorite kinds of people all in one place worshipping, learning, and serving alongside one another.
Updates from Deer Valley Ranch
I’ve been tackling issues surrounding our new online booking system this month, and we’ve made great progress thus far. Our launch date is approaching so we’re wrapping up all of the details and taking care of loose ends. It is our hope that this new system will allow our guests to experience a streamlined reservation process while still receiving a high level of personal attention that is customary at Deer Valley Ranch.
Our great friends David and Amy Lively have been working with our team to revamp the website and enhance our digital marketing efforts. I’ve been writing weekly posts for the newly-created ranch blog, be sure to look for updates. It’s a great way to keep our audiences updated while simultaneously enhancing my own writing skills.
As of March 1, we were 90 days away from the official start to our summer season! Brainstorming, problem-solving, and enthusiasm are all running rampant in the offices. We’re working on refining our summer schedule of events to create stellar opportunities for guests to experience the love of Christ through fellowship while enjoying the spectacular Colorado environment.
Praises
- We have hired a chef for Deer Valley Ranch! He starts on April 1st and will be with us through the fall. We’re excited to have him join our team (and weekend groups no longer have to rely on my pancake making abilities!)
- Many of my friends from Pennsylvania will be coming to visit in the coming weeks and I’m excited to show them around Colorado!
Prayers
- For continued determination to make progress on my latest project idea (more details coming soon!)
What I’m reading
- Dr. Michio Kaku’s The Future of Humanity – yet another insightful book by my favorite astrophysicist
- Paul Tremblay’s A Head Full of Ghosts – it’ll certainly leave you with more questions than answers
- The Magnolia Journal Issue No. 6 – of particular interest was the feature on letter writing!
What I’m listening to
- Chasing Ice soundtrack – great music to write to!
- Daryl Hall & John Oats – in preparation for their collaborative concert with Train I’ll be going to in May!
What I’m watching
Rebecca Sheriff - Reflections 