Written by Kristin Orphan,
Part 2 – Camaraderie
Last week, I told you that my husband and I went to
beautiful Colorado Springs to hike The Manitou Springs Incline.
It took us just over an hour to get to the top and then
another hour to wind our way back down the mountain. We had no idea what we were getting into
until we started heading up the trail.
We thought it was a simple hike to a beautiful view, so my husband wore
jeans and we ate a big lunch right before we left. We had been misinformed regarding the length
and difficulty, but despite our lack of preparation, we were determined to
reach the summit.
As we worked our way to the top, we began to have
conversations with other people on the journey.
Since it was our first time, I wanted to know how much farther I had to
go, so I asked the people coming down what I should expect. We shared tips and empathized with one another
on the difficulty. Veterans of the
extreme hike said, “good job,” as they trotted past us. When we encountered
people who were struggling, we encouraged them to keep going and not give up.
After all, it was a victory for all of us when one succeeded. It was a good indication that we might make
it as well.
When you share a common struggle or goal with others, there’s
an immediate bond. Relationships with
people in a similar circumstance help us know we are not alone in our
challenges and hurts.
It’s the same with foster and adoptive families. So many of us feel like no one understands
what we are going through. But, as I
said, there are SO MANY of us. Look
around. Seek relationships with people
who are ahead of you, beside you and behind you in this special calling. You will find mentors, friends and those you
can encourage to stay the course until they reach the summit.
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