That Awkward Moment…

You know that awkward moment when you have to admit that your big brother was actually right about something?  Well, we won’t tell him about it, but he was right!

If you have ever seen the animated movie “Open Season”, you would have been introduced to a woman park ranger who absolutely loves her bear.  She lives in the mountains and takes care of him; food, medicine, exercise, toys, the works.  When my brother and I watched the movie, he turned to me and said, “That’s gonna be you one day…”

Photo Source: http://www.cineclub.de/images/2006/11/jagdfieber-3.jpg

“Na uh!” was my response simply because I didn’t want to agree with him…haha.  And realistically, what is the likelihood that I would ever take care of bears…

As I was giving my enrichment to the bears today, I leaned over the fence and called them by name.  As they came out they were begging for the goodies in my hand.  And it hit me….HE WAS RIGHT!  BAHHH!

I also got pounced by the cougar today which was precious.  Due to OSHA regulations (and plain old common sense) there is always a barrier between the animal and the keeper.  My back was to the cougar fence and I caught movement out of the corner of my eye.  Aspen our male was stalking me.  He was low to the ground playfully creeping forward.  Then he paused, did that twitchy back leg thing cats do before they jump, and then BANG the ambush predator sprang forward and hit the ground right behind me.  I pretended to be surprised and then he rubbed up against the fence and purred.  My heart melted!  Cougars are a lot like house cats (plus fangs and the ability to run 45 miles per hour…) so they are playful on those rare occasions that they aren’t being lazy.  They are also the largest cat that can purr.

Overall, I am happy.  Yes, I am sore and tired at the end of each day.  Yes, the mountains are far from all my friends and family.  And yes, it can be quiet and lonesome.  But, God is showing me piece by piece the importance of being here.  And I am happy because I know he has this.

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On one last note, my mosquito net came in the mail today so that only leaves the backpack and the immunizations to get for the mission (the sleeping mat came in yesterday).  I scheduled my appointment to get shot… L at the health department in the nearest town of relevant size.  While I am out that way next week, I will try to find a store that sells hiking packs and kill two birds with one stone.  (Or cut two onions with one knife as I would say to my friend Alesha)  Your kind thoughts and prayers would be appreciated as I keep prepping for this.

(To read about me finding a church home here in the mountains: http://carolineritchey.theworldrace.org/)