Personal Narrative: My Road Trip To Colorado

A near-death experience is not what I would have expected when I embarked on a road trip to Colorado with my church group. It was supposed to be one of the best weeks of our lives, and it was. We still reminisce about Colorado and talk about going back and visiting almost every single day. The experiences we gained while working with others is one that taught me valuable lessons. Up until I went on this trip, I was a sand-in-your-hair, sand-on-your-feet, salt water type of person. I could have lived on the beach my entire life and still never feel as if I’ve had my fill of it. After this trip to Colorado, I now realize that I am a lungs-burning, heart-pumping, hiking type of person as well. The changes that I experienced in Colorado is something that I hope everyone is able to experience in their life.
Seeing my first mountain in person was a breathtaking view.
We were driving up the mountain on a thin, rocky road in a van filled to the brim with people, pillows, blankets, and suitcases. All of a sudden, we were thrusted into sunlight with an open view of the mountains. None of us could have gotten closer to the windows, even if we wanted to. We continued to trek up the mountain, and when we finally arrived, we were itching to get out of the van and run around in the grass. Little did we know, we should have taken that time to take naps or relax, because we would be on our feet for the rest of the day, staying up until one in the morning to help set up the stage, speakers, and decorations in the worship
room. On one of the last days of our trip, we an obstacle course called “Around the World”, where stations were set up all around a huge field. The activity hadn’t been going on long when something went horribly wrong. Out of the corner of my eye, I witnessed a teenage boy drop to the ground and he began to convulse. A staff member was alerted right away, and we were able to obtain help for the boy. We found out later that the boy was dead for a minute or so before they were able to revive him. All of us were frantic, trying to pick up all of the obstacles to get them out of the way for the paramedics barrelling down the street. When the boy was in the car, the shock engulfed us. We were all praying profusely, with all of the groups around us, and we were all trying to calm down and move on from the event. Although we were absolutely not in the right mindset to complete the day with other groups, we had to put the obstacles back in their original positions in order to continue. Despite the shocking event and its severity, we all agree that it was something that brought us all closer together, mentally and physically. Overcoming the sorrow and shock together was a bonding moment for all of us. The entire experience taught me that no matter how worthless life seems, it is worth living. There is always something to see in the world that has the ability to take breaths away, whether it is a mountain, the beach, or something as simple as playing with puppies at Petland. Take advantage of each breath and never miss a beat of life. There is so much life out there, and it is our job to go live it.