Breckenridge - Adaptive Sports (1)

 “ I want to live slow.”
            Driving though the flat lands of kANSAS and entering the majestic state of Colorado was an experience by itself. Our twelve hour drive in our twelve passenger van (Patrice) built up endless anticipation for an amazing trip.  We found ourselves getting closer to one another as we co-napped and co-sang.  You would be surprised what these kids can sleep through!  After we decided that post-MAB we are starting our own acapella group, we finally arrived in Breckenridge.  When we got here, we realized how spoiled we were, as we are staying in an amazing condo right at the bottom of the mountain!

(The gang riding in Patrice)
    Our “day off” consisted of spending the whole day at the place we were going to be serving at.  We became familiarized with BOEC (Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center) building, and learned about the different types of adaptive equipment and become familiar with the way the program works.  We also got to show off our skills to our trainer, so they could make the best pairings possible for our volunteer days.  We finished our day going out for an amazing dinner in downtown Breck.

(our view isn't too shabby, huh?)
    Our first day with our adaptive ski buddies was amazing. We made instant connections with our partners and instructors. At the end of the day everyone had a smile on their faces. When we talked about highs and lows, most of us experienced both a high and a low. There were things that happened that made the day hard, but they were learning experiences. They enforced the MAB principles such as “Be Gumby” when we had to do what we are asked or "Communicate Love" when the participant we were working with was nonverbal.
    ​These people were strangers to us at 9 am but by the end of the day they had touched our hearts immensely. Some of us followed behind sit skis, three track skis or even just skied with students who have autism. As a team we worked with a wide range of abilities. Adapting implies meeting people where they are, and it implies flexibility. We were expected to abandon our expectations that we had coming in. Many of us learned things from our students today but one lesson from a student really stuck. One of the students was talking to Kelsey and the lead instructor after his lesson and Kelsey asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up.  The boy said he didn’t know and the lead instructor said “You’ll want to live something fast” and the boy answered by saying “No I want to live slow.” That lesson really stuck with Kelsey and it made the rest of us think too when she shared it during reflection.  This boy was only 12 years old and had already learned life lessons that we were far from thinking of.  As a group we want to “live slow” and enjoy our time here and savor the moments that we are learning. 
    Our night ended with finally getting some TAX EXEMPT groceries, a delicious dinner made by Lillie, Maggie, and Nicole of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and a good laugh playing cards against humanity.

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