The first Sunday

Today marked my first day of formal ministry in the park, and it was a wonderful experience! Our team of nine leads services at three locations each Sunday, with three services at each location: Bridge Bay Ampitheater, Lake Hotel / Lodge, and Fishing Bridge Ampitheater. I spent the morning and evening at the Fishing Bridge Ampitheater where it was about 45 degrees with a cold, blustery wind ripping at us from Yellowstone Lake only twenty feet away; but it was all worth it. People from all over the country and world attended the services, and I even met someone related to my high-school math teacher! After working in housekeeping for even a day, it was wonderful to be able to speak with guests in the park and employees from around the world I don't work with. I look forward to next Sunday already, but this time with a twinge of nervousness as it will be my responsibility to preach at the prestigious and historical Lake Hotel and Lodge. I've never preached to a general public before, so it will be quite the experience... one that I am looking forward to!


Everyone with ACMNP has every Sunday and Monday off, so tomorrow we're heading down to the Tetons for a hike! I am so stoked!

Here are some random pics from the week so far... mostly animals! I'll get some of my housing, hotel, and lake up soon!

Bison are everywhere. Even blocking my path to the cafeteria in the morning!

This was the second bear I saw! We debate whether it is a grizzly or black bear, but I think grizzly. It's neck lump was larger with its head up.

Rescue Creek Trail... my first hike in the park!
Myself and a co-worker with an Elk skeleton! It died this spring sometime.


This is the third grizzly I have seen! The ranger said it is female and about four years old. Pretty sweet.


The "locals" in Mammoth Hot Springs... village in the north end.

A common sight in the park.