Happy Monday!

Running early in the morning along a trail that is covered in bear tracks (hmmm, could that have been a clue), I came around a corner to a very surprised bear. We didn't talk much, instead he showed me his sprinting skills. A talent I have always been amazed with, considering bears usually weigh an average of 350 pounds (slightly more than me--I can't run that fast even when I'm thinner). The bear pictured was a bit slower (it is a mount in our dining hall).

I was wearing a heart monitor (it tells me my heart is beating), and it had jumped to 171 beats per minute. One of those wonders of creation, that just the sight of the bear caused my body to flood with adrenalin, and my heart accelerated just in case I wanted to sprint, too.

I didn't. I chose to freeze instead. A tactic I had seen just moments earlier upon surprising a small covey of quail. One small baby simply froze in the middle of the trail, allowing me to take its picture. (This same tactic is often used by super models and actors when they notice a photographer.) In this case, since the baby can't possibly out run its predator, it simply freezes so that it blends in with its surroundings.

None of this has anything to do with a busy week at Hume, I just wanted you to know the incredible risks I assume to bring you this week's email. Risks that were worth it all once I reached the top. I take a few moments looking down at the camp and pray for the week ahead. Once again, we covet your prayers as a new batch of campers come in again this week.

Kept,

Jeff Lilley
Executive Director
jlilley@humelake.org