June 5, 2017 by Garrett Koepke Leave a Comment

There and Back Again

I got off the airplane and walked through the Reykjavik airport, kept awake only by the movement and bustle of people around me. My body told me it was midnight; the local clock said 5am. Just as I had been ready to go to sleep on the plane we landed and an entire night passed. I found a piece of ground and laid down for the 45 minutes I had till my next flight boarded but before I knew it I was on another plane, taking off, and leaving Iceland behind as I sped towards my destination: England.

High Elms Country Park, Kent, England

In 2014 I moved to England for a 9 month internship with Hope Church in Orpington, England. From September of that year to June, 2015, I lived with a wonderful English family, helped run youth programs at the church, and became part of the community. It was one of the best decisions of my life! Those 9 months changed my life in many ways (full reflection: I’ll See You Again England). I remember thinking when I first arrived there, “I’m sure it’ll be hard to leave, but after 9 months I bet I’ll be ready to go home.” But when the day came to leave I found myself in tears. Ever since then I’ve wanted to return and visit the people I got so close to over there. Last month, after two years of looking for it, the opportunity came.

As I traveled over I was a little nervous. I had questions, wonderings about what was ahead. Will it be awkward, or easy to chat with people? Will they be the same? Will friends be around to hang out? A lot can happen in two years ya know? I wanted things to be the same, yet I understood that there was no way they could be. People grow and develop one way or the other, and when you’re not around to see it happen reality can be quite shocking. I eventually came to realize that the trip couldn’t be about reliving old moments for the fun of it, but instead had to be focused on literally catching up with people. I had a picture of life as a race where at one time I was running alongside the Orpington community and then we had gone different ways. Now was my chance to catch up and run beside them for 10 days, finding out how their race had been going and gain an understanding of what the past two years had brought their way. And so I did.

It was 10 days of beers, coffees, and dinners with friends. Meetups and conversations filled every day (with a walk here and there), and it was SO GOOD. Every moment brimmed with goodness! Amongst it all there were a few moments that stuck with me. My brother Joel from my host family in England, the Sanders, picked me up from the airport. We drove to the Sanders home: 38 Darrick Wood Rd. I walked in, gave Monte (the dog) and big furry hug, shared lunch with Joel, and took things to my old room. This is nuts. I’m actually back! Eventually all the family returned and the house was full once again. In conversation, Jon (the middle brother) commented, “I came home and saw Garrett and it seemed totally normal.” Becky (Momma Sanders) agreed, “It’s like family really.” Oh man, did my hurt burst with joy to hear that.

Watching the Sunday Match with the Family

A few days into my stay my host family had a few friends over to their place for a barbecue. I was talking with Dan Thorpe, one of my best pals from my time there, and as we talked I was overcome with the joy of being able to talk with him in person. As he told me a story I couldn’t help but smile and think, I’m in the same room as Dan! And he’s talking to me! And I’m talking to him!! It was a great conversation, but more powerful to me than the words shared was the time spent with him and everyone else in the room.

A couple nights later I found myself at the dinner table with the Carvosso family. Gary, Andrea, and their family are one of the pillars of the community I got to know while there. Leaders of the church and friends of all who cross their path, it was an absolute pleasure to share dinner with them that night. We sat at their table, catching up about the last two years. When the food was gone and the plates were cleared we didn’t move. The conversation kept going and soon there was coffee involved. We chatted about things past and future, great memories and promising dreams. In the midst of it all I realized how at peace and content I was. I hadn’t really talked with these folks since I left in 2015, yet there was never a point where our conversation felt hampered. It’s like I never left, I thought.

These were some of the moments that were most revealing to me. They showed me two things. First, friendship is very powerful and yet so mystifying. How can it be that when I sit next to a certain person, my heart is filled even if we don’t share a word? The very presence of a person can bring joy and so many other emotions and revelations. It’s CRAZY. How is that possible???!!! My mind is blown every time I think about it. Day after day, time after time I experienced this as I spent time with my friends. It revealed to me the truth that our hearts are made for relationship. There’s a part of us that can only be filled by being in relationship with people. Of course the power of this truth is abused and people can make life really hard for one another, but when relationship is done in an honoring, loving, righteous way…wow can it be amazing. We can be springs of living water to each other if we draw from the right source and give with pure hearts.

Countryside Jumps in County Kent

The second thing I’ll remember from this trip is that feeling of being welcomed back. The scary thing about relationship is that it requires sacrifice. We give to others without knowing if they will give back. When love and generosity to others is returned in kind it’s the most affirming thing we can experience as humans (cause we’re made for it!). And when our giving returns to us in abundance, it’s humbling, because what did we do to deserve such love? Imagine with me: have you ever been in that place with friends that is so good you don’t want to leave, but you have to? You gave so much and they did too and all you want is to carry-on, but life says otherwise. Then the day comes when you finally get to return and pick up where you left off. You wonder, will it be the same? Could it ever be as good as it was last time? But then you walk through that door and there’s a friend, a mother, a father…with wide open arms and a big smile, ready to wrap you up in the biggest hug ever and say, Welcome back friend.

I had that experience a lot the first few days I was in England and it will stick with me. Coming back to a place and people you love and having your hearts desire be filled like that is the most wonderful thing! But it confirmed to me as well that my community in Orpington is one that will last. Two years is a long time and people change (no denying that), so to return after two years and have the experience I did is re-assuring and encouraging. My friendships over there aren’t just really good because I happen to have found nice people. The element that I think has kept our bonds strong through the years is faith. As a Christian, I believe that the Spirit of Jesus fills every person (heart, soul, mind, and body) that asks for it with sincerity. The faith I share with these people is something that unifies us beyond human understanding, for we share the same Spirit and purpose. I felt and knew it to be true the whole time I was there.

My visit last month was worth every minute and penny I spent on it. I encourage you to plan a visit to some of your old friends, or be on the receiving end and welcome someone back with hugs and words of affirmation. It can seriously change the course of your life and theirs! Happy visiting, friends.

April 13, 2017 by Garrett Koepke Leave a Comment

England Bound

In 2014 I graduated from college and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after my summer job ended. I found myself deciding between a great sounding job and a youth internship in England. One I had expected, the other I never thought would happen in my life! It was the biggest decision of my life. After some deep soul searching and drawing advice from every source I had, I decided to go across the world to England. It was my first experience over seas and it was not a quick summer vacation. It was 9 months spent in the outskirts of London, serving the local and church and joining a community and family.

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That internship turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life and sparked some of the most adventurous and challenging years of my life since. I grew so much as a person at all levels, made life-long friends, and discovered many truths about this world and the God who created it. I could write many pages about the experiences and revelations I received during my time in England, and maybe I will someday.

Since leaving the UK in June, 2015, I have not returned. It has been two long and yet incredibly quick years since I last embraced my dear friends, sipped an English ale, or rode on a train to the heart of London. But, praise the Lord, that will change in just a couple weeks. Yup, I’m going back to England for a visit!!

On April 27 I depart from Boston, USA, and will be in Orpington, England, till May 8. I am ecstatic about the chance to reconnect with people I grew so close to a few years ago. Friendship is the point of this trip. I won’t be exploring new places too much I don’t think, but instead intentionally meeting up and hearing about what my community has done and experienced the past two years. I know it won’t be exactly the same as it was and in some ways I’m nervous about that. But that’s why we need those “catch up” times isn’t it? Our lives move at different paces. I think it’s part of being in community to reach out to those dear to us and pull each other back into a place of understanding and closeness. If that means flying across the world people, it’s worth it. So worth it!

If you are going to be in England (especially the London area) during the first week of May let me know! It would be really great to see you. If you want to be part of this trip in any way, you are invited! Come with me, send some cash, tips, inspiration, contacts…you name it I’ll take it! I hope you’ll be part of this trip in some way. And maybe ask yourself, who is someone you can reach out to and reconnect with? Let me know how it goes!

February 15, 2017 by Garrett Koepke Leave a Comment

Life Update – 2.15.17

It’s hard to believe it’s already half way through February! The year is speeding by. Last month there were some exciting developments in the near future for me and, as in the past, I want you to be aware of them. So here it is, the latest life update from yours truly!

View from Runde Island, Norway

Currently I am a Program Instructor at Berkshire Outdoor Center in Becket, MA. February marks the fifth month of my position here and I am loving it! There’s always something new and challenging about my work and the community here at camp is as fantastic as ever. The northeast continues to present lots of exploratory opportunities and I have barely scratched the surface. Most recently, a number of us staff members stayed at a couple rustic cabins for a night at a farm and forest in Rupert, VT. The weather didn’t really cooperate (howling winds and icy snow the whole time!) but we still had a grand time! I am still looking for community involvement outside of BOC, though there is some progress being made there as I visit and get to know some church congregations in the area. We’ll see where those relationships go! It’s been such a good experience to live in this part of the country and discover what the land, people, and culture are all about.

Now for the really exciting part: in January I was offered and accepted two new positions with BOC! I will continue instructing here in Becket till June, then will switch to summer camp mode. This summer I will be the Ropes Course Site Supervisor at Camp Becket for Boys, which will last till the end of August. This position involves me supervising and helping run all ropes course and climbing activities at camp, plus helping with some other activities throughout the summer with program staff. I am excited for this opportunity to grow and stretch my abilities and knowledge in the field! I have only ever been part of one summer camp (love you forever Camp Seymour!) so it will be a good experience to be on staff at a new camp.

The second part is that I am now officially going to New Zealand as part of BOC’s International Program! We partner with an outdoor camp outside of Auckland, NZ, called Camp Adair, and do a staff exchange program with them. What this means is I will be staying here at BOC for the remainder of this year and then going to Camp Adair this October where I will stay for six months working as a Program Instructor and doing some traveling on the side. I am really stoked to get more international experience and learn from another culture and outdoor program! And what could be better than doing so in the land of The Lord of the Rings? Nothing. Literally nothing.

I will return from overseas in April, 2018, and that’s where the plans end. Most likely I will finish out the spring season back here in Becket, MA, and then have a second go at summer camp with Camp Becket. That, however, is yet to be determined. We’ll see how things go over the next year! For now, Becket is home. It’s strange to think about still, that I’ll be here in Massachusetts for a while yet. I never thought I’d call this area of the country home, but I’m confident and at peace that it’s where I’m supposed to be.

Shaker Mountain, MA

If you ever find yourself out on the east coast, give me a holler! There’s always a place for you to stay and friends to be made here at camp, so please come for a visit! Or, if you can’t come visit, send a postcard (but the first option is preferable) and expect one in return. Thank you for all your support and involvement in my life. It makes a huge difference in my life! Can’t wait to see where we go next friends. Be blessed!

January 24, 2017 by Garrett Koepke Leave a Comment

The Yosemite

We drove on Highway 120, rising in elevation and leaving the city farther behind as we went. Dry grass and tall pines flanked us on both sides as we approached our final objective in California. It wasn’t long before we came upon the long line of campers, rental vehicles, and packed family cars; a sign of where we were. We had arrived at one of America’s first protected areas and a landscape that has inspired people from all walks of life for centuries: Yosemite National Park.

After a brief stop at the West (Big Oak Flat) Entrance ranger station, we picked up a backcountry permit for the Hetch Hetchy area, a lesser known spot in the northwest part of the park. We pulled up to the backpacker campground at Hetch Hetchy and started to load our packs, excited for our 6 mile hike around the nearby reservoir, and had some lunch once finished. I looked at my watch and saw that it was about 2pm. Yikes, I thought. Hiking in the afternoon? This should be fun. We shouldered our packs and started off down the dirt road that led through the campground. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, the sun was high, and it felt like it. It was hot out, like, really hot. It wasn’t long before we were sweatin’ buckets as we walked, expecting to find the trailhead soon. Suddenly the road took an interesting turn uphill and our confidence wavered. It dropped even more so when we came upon the sign that said, “Helipad Access.” This is so not a trailhead.

As it turned out, we had taken the wrong road and instead of finding a trail to take us on our merry way we found a helipad. Not exactly our finest moment! The helipad did afford us a good view of the area though. A few hundred out lay the Hetch Hetchy Dam and Reservoir. We could spot the small parking lot to the right of the Dam for day-visitors, and the (actual) trail leading through a tunnel and then around the reservoir to the left. Bearings in mind, we started down the hill. As we went, though, I could feel fatigue seeping in. 30 minutes trekking today felt like two hours on an average day. I thought of how the rest of the day was probably going to go if we carried on and saw two scenarios playing out. One: we could get a portion of the hike done but then have to stop because of fatigue, dehydration, etc. Two: we could take it real slow and finish the hike in the dark. The facts weren’t promising: we were running on little sleep (Kaari and I had to take Alyssa to the airport that morning at 5am), got a late start, and it was a very hot day. Was this very smart?

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

I voiced my concerns to Kaari and after talking about it we decided to stay at the campground that night. We both needed a restful afternoon, so after some searching we found a good hammock spot and enjoyed the afternoon from a grove of pines below the slopes of the Hetch Hetchy Valley. The rest of the evening was fairly uneventful, an appreciated change after so much action the past week. Although, we did find a rattlesnake in camp that night. We were sure to set up the tent after that instead of cowboy camping! The next day we hiked to Ranchera Falls, skirting along the edge of the reservoir for 6 miles. Despite the hot temps we didn’t jump in for a swim, mostly because it’s illegal. That’s right, it’s illegal to swim in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir! Why? Because it’s San Francisco’s water source. Things didn’t go as planned, but I’m glad we spent time at Hetch Hetchy. It was good to see a different part of the park and gain a more complete picture of it. I was also encouraged by the lack of traffic in the area. It heartened me to know there is still some solitude to be found in one of the most highly visited sites in the country.

Day 3 in Yosemite dawned. This was the day we planned to spend in the main valley. I must admit, though, it hasn’t attracted me much in my life. The crowded famous places usually don’t fit my love for unknown backdoor areas. But after watching the climbing film, Valley Uprising (which takes place in Yosemite), earlier in 2016, I was inspired anew to go. But it’s important to keep first things first…so we ate pancakes and drank coffee first, then hopped in the car and left our campsite behind. As we descended the final stretch in, the valley floor came into view. Two of the greatest icons of our land rose in the distance: the daunting, challenging face of El Capitan soaring 3000′ above on the left, Half Dome’s unmatched novelty further down on the right, as if God Himself cleaved a granite dome in two, and towering, unyielding granite walls in between it all, running the 8 mile length of the valley. The Merced River slowly wound it’s way through the heart of the green meadows resting below the walls, as Bridalveil Falls and countless other falls on both sides poured life down to all below. It was absolutely captivating.

This was it. This was the birthplace of so much our people hold dear. Art, literature, the conservation and preservation movements, the sport of rock climbing…all these and more were brought to life here. This was the place the great naturalist John Muir described as, “Look(ing) like an immense hall or temple lighted from above. But not temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life.” As all my sense rejoiced in their surroundings, I realized John was right. This place was a slice of Heaven; this place was Yosemite.

Vernal Falls

After a good hike up to Vernal Falls on the far end of the valley, a much needed swim in the Merced River, a trip to the visitors center (science!), and some ice cream, we drove up to our final spot for the day: Glacier Point. Kaari and I wanted to get a good view of the area at sunset and we heard Glacier Point was the place. We parked and started towards the overlook and as we approached, the eastern half of the valley revealed itself. Distant waterfalls were bright white highlights on a granite landscape atop a green carpet of life below. Presiding above it all was Half Dome, a ruler sitting enthroned above the rest. We had a profile view of it, getting a good grasp of its size and shape, which are both RIDICULOUS. But this was only half of the view; there was still the western side around behind us, blocked by mountains and trees. We knew of a trail that ran west and down from Glacier Point, so we decided to give it a try and find the missing half. Immediately upon getting on the trail we left the crowds at the parking lot (this is the secret to good experiences in national parks), admiring the view as we jogged along, chasing the sunset. Slowly but surely the rest of the valley started to show up, but mostly through trees. Some views were great but we knew there was more, so we kept going, seeking that one perfect spot. And then we found it.

It surprised us. We came around a bend in the trail and I let out a gasp. Whoa. “Come on!” I yelled with joy. “Are you serious?!” I could hardly believe my eyes. Before us stretched the entirety of the western Yosemite Valley, lit by a glorious sunset. The gentle Merced River snaked its way through the center, reflecting the glowing pink and orange clouds as a mirror. All things seemed to glow with a life and pride that came from within. El Capitan stood nobly on the right, silently convincing us of the respect and admiration it deserved. It was truly one of the most inspiring, sublime sights I have ever laid eyes on. I wanted to stay there forever and soak it all in.

Western Yosemite Valley and El Capitan

In that moment, it clicked for me. “I think I get it,” I remember telling Kaari, though I was afraid to interrupt the serenity of the moment. “I get why Yosemite is so special, why it has changed history.” She nodded in agreement. There really is no place like it, and it deserves every bit of its reputation. There is more material on Yosemite than maybe any other park, but it took a personal visit for me to truly grasp the truth of it. This has been a big lesson for me over the years: there is no substitute for personal experience. This is true for every area of life. So I encourage you, don’t be satisfied with just reading about a person or place. Go experience it yourself! Then you’ll understand, it’ll “click” for you, and you won’t ever forget it.

The next couple days we drove north through eastern Oregon, visiting friends and family in the Columbia Gorge (thanks Ryan and Emily for the orchard tour!) and Portland (thanks Jeremy and Lori for having us overnight!), finally returning to Tacoma and concluding our summer road trip. My final thought on this California adventure has to do with perception. When you think of a place beyond value, somewhere important, a place you don’t think we can afford to lose, where do you think of? Is it a famous spot? One only you know about? It’s easy to be blown away by the extraordinary, historical, legendary icons. But can we find worth in the small, ordinary things? Can we value our own street, local parks, or neighborhoods as much as the world renowned travel destinations? If we can learn to, it might just change our lives.

Eastern Yosemite Valley and Half Dome

December 16, 2016 by Garrett Koepke Leave a Comment

Golden Gate Goodness

Continuation from The Pacific Coast Highway post –

The morning came quickly after a solid nights rest. I could have slept in, but I heard folks starting to move around so I decided to join them. I climbed down the ladder from the loft I had slept in and greeted the patriarch of the Kopp family, our hosts. “Would you like some coffee?” he asked. This man is a mind-reader, I thought. I liked him already. I accepted the steaming cup of morning glory from and joined the rest of the family out on the deck. Blue skies,golden California sunshine, a winding river below, new friends, a cup of coffee. This day was starting off right.

We had a leisurely morning at the Kopp river house, having breakfast and going for a swim in the river just below. At this point I seriously felt like we were on vacation! Amanda Kopp is a friend from Camp Seymour and we had gotten in touch with her. Things obviously worked out well! But we had things to do and places to see so we got back in the car and drove to Amanda’s house just outside of San Fran. We made a quick stop and then hopped in her family’s Mini Cooper, speeding away towards the city. We had the rest of the day and the next to explore one of the most iconic cities in the world. We started by getting a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and then headed in to explore China Town. Driving across the Golden Gate was a cool experience; it was even more impressive than I had imagined! I love those moments.

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San Francisco has the largest and oldest China Town in the country and it is SO legit. After exploring the impressively long main street we got some dim sum at a small restaurant. Letting the more knowledgeable members of our crew order, we got many different dishes to share. It was easily the best Chinese food I’ve ever had! If you don’t know much about the food type you’re eating, a cool thing to do is let others order for you, whether it’s an employee or your friends. Try it sometime! The night concluded with getting a view of the city from the Coit Tower and then hitting up a couple bars. All in all, it was a good taste of what was to come!

We started the next day once again in true vacation fashion; nice and slow. Over breakfast at the house we made a plan for the day. I was also able to meet the lock smith who got the keys out of our car for us, so that was nice. Did I forget to mention I locked them in the trunk the day before? Must have slipped my mind. All I have to say is yay for friends with AAA! Off we went once more in the Mini (the perfect big city car) stopping at Fort Baker for a good perspective of the Golden Gate and the rest of the Bay area. This part was very eye opening for me. I realized quickly how ignorant I was of the San Francisco Bay area as a whole.

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In reality, Amanda explained, it’s really a collection of cities surrounding a very large bay with a triangle of bridges connecting them all. With the area being one of the centers of business and technology in our nation and the world, the economy has changed a lot in recent years, especially the housing market. In 2014 San Fran passed NYC as the highest cost of living in the nation, and things haven’t changed much since. Rent easily surpasses $3,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment and average home prices exceed $1 million (nerdwallet). Many folks commute to the Silicon Valley for work, contributing to a strange dynamic with residents and commuters (sfchronicle). There are concerns about it all for sure, but it’s simultaneously quite fascinating. Cities are living, breathing streams of energy and ideas. It’s pretty crazy when you think about it.

From there we explored different areas of the city, admiring the incredible work of countless street artists and hearing from Amanda what San Francisco is all about. It was truly incredible to have someone taking time out of their week to teach and lead us around a place that we could have so easily gotten lost in and fallen into countless tourist traps. Never underestimate the power of a guide, and what listening to them can do for your experience. For our last night we celebrated Kaari’s birthday by going to an adults only night at the California Academy of Sciences, because, you know, that’s what you do in San Fran! Sea Jellies, cocktails, and good friends? Can’t imagine anything better.

file_000-2 Going to iconic places always carries the question of legitimacy with it. “Will this place live up to the hype? Will it meet my expectations?” we ask ourselves. Sometimes we get what we hope for, other times we walk away disappointed. What determines that? Is it up to the place to perform? Or is it up to us, something we can control? Are we subject to external factors, or can we travel in a way that is life giving and fulfilling regardless of how things turn out? It all depends on how we approach the experience. So let me ask you this: what if we asked questions, instead of giving answers when we travel? What if we went on journeys with a heart desiring to learn from and receive what a place has to offer, instead of demanding it meet our expectations? What if we visited a destination to discover its true identity, instead of wanting it to match our ideas of what it should be? Having expectations in travel is a dangerous thing. In the process we can rob a place of its identity by craving an experience that doesn’t match reality. So ask yourself, as I am, what’s your travel mindset?

San Fran Tips: definitely recommend the alleys of the Mission District for stunning street art, Fort Baker for great views of the Golden Gate and Bay Area, and Haight St area for true San Fran shops. Hit up Taqueria Cancun for the best burritos north of the border, Sol Food for killer Puerto Rican deliciousness, and China Town if you’re in the mood for Dim Sum. Find a small restaurant that has no English on the menu and ask the server to order for you! Finish the day off at Vesuvio for a memorable drink with friends.