Snowshoeing for the birds

For the fifth straight year, Climbing For Christ's Western New York Chapter is partnering with Heritage Christian Services on a series of special hikes. The 2013 kick-off was on Super Bowl weekend - Saturday, Feb. 2 - at Mendon Ponds Park in suburban Rochester, NY.

Story by Diane Sturmer (Heritage Christian Services/Climbing For Christ member)
Photos by Gary Fallesen (C4C president)

Elaine Fallesen had the chickadees eating out of her hand.

New snow covered Birdsong trail and more than 20 of us enjoyed a special time of snowshoeing and hiking! The chickadees were plentiful and many enjoyed holding birdseed and having the birds land on their hands to feed. The smiles grew each time this happened! I am continually amazed how the friendships begin and grow out in God's creation. There were many from Heritage Christian Services and friends from Climbing For Christ. What a great team! We all enjoyed the beauty of this wintery day!
 
After returning to the warm lodge we shared some soup, stories, music and prayers. Brandy Everts, Climbing For Christ's Canada coordinator, had just returned from Mission: Haiti and shared about her incredible adventure. She told about the beautiful time she had working with the women there and in the medical tent. The medical team treated more than 750 people during their time there. Brandy shared that she and Jordan Rowley had the honor of being part of a team that assisted a Haitian woman along the road in giving birth to a beautiful baby. This was amazing!  They also mentioned that after the delivery they walked her 45 minutes to her home. This was one strong woman!

Zach, left, and Diane Sturmer sign to 'Amazed,' while Brandy Everts enjoys the moment of worship.

Joe Starling and Pat Sturmer shared their gifts of music with all of us. Pat had prepared music sheets. A favorite, Amazed, was repeated as many enjoyed it so much the first time.

Chris Laforce from Buffalo Road opened up with a beautiful prayer and Gary Fallesen from Climbing For Christ completed the morning with an incredible closing prayer.

2013 Heritage hike schedule:

• Feb. 2 - Mendon Ponds Park snowshoeing, 10 a.m.-noon.
• April 20 - Birdsong Trail spring hike, Mendon Ponds Park, 10 a.m.-noon.
• June 1 - National Trails Day hike at Northampton Park, Ogden, 10 a.m.-noon.
• Oct. 15 - Bald Mountain climb, Old Forge, 9 a.m.