For those of you who don't know what it is, Beyond Malibu is a backpacking trip in British Columbia through Younglife. It's six total days of hiking, with eight total routes to incredible snow clad summits with breathtaking views of God's creation.

I have been back for about two weeks and all I can think about is how much I'd rather be in the magic of the British Columbia mountains (specifically Mt. Albert), believe it or not, with a 50 lb pack on my back. Here's why I loved it so much.

Faith

First and foremost, the impact Beyond had on my faith is almost ineffable. I grew so much in my faith in God, learned to trust in Him and was inspired by the people around me and their obvious faith. Beyond was tough and emotionally challenging, but because we had nothing else to rely on but the Lord and his power, I spent more time with Him than I ever had before. I grew so much closer. I learned to trust in Him with my whole heart because I had nothing else to place my trust in when I was fearful or exhausted. Hearing stories from the people around me inspired me to be a better Christian.

The Views

Unbelievable. Ineffable. Breathtaking. The views we had (when we had them, we did have whiteouts a lot of the time above tree line) of the Princess Louisa Inlet, the mountains all around and the sun peaking around the peaks of each mountain in the morning and at night. I fell head over heels for the mountains, swearing I wasn't leaving them.

The Guides

Our Guides! They were the glue in our group. They bound the 14 of us together. We sang together, laughed together, worshiped together and loved together. They were incredible role models for all of us. They volunteer for an entire summer with no connection with the world besides through snail mail, and their job is stressful and filled with responsibility. They inspired me so deeply and they continue to, even off the mountain.

The Challenge

Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies. I love to be outside and free in the wilderness. What I wasn't prepared for was the intensity of the hiking at Beyond Malibu. With 50 lb packs, ice axes, and long hours of hiking, Beyond was the real deal. We hiked all throughout: four days up, two days down. At times, it seemed insurmountable. As a group, we made it through what we thought was impossible and the credit goes to the overflowing positivity of every camper, guide and leader.

LNT

Leave no trace. It was a learning experience for everyone. With strict regulations and rules, it was definitely something different than what we are used to when camping. Between stomping out tent platforms and snow kitchens, we left no trace. It was at times tedious to pick up every sunflower seed we dropped and every peanut skin, but something we got used to as time went on. It was a cool new experience for me.

Being Present

Beyond makes a point to urge campers to be present while at camp. They make us lose touch with outside reality. We left our watches at base camp, they would not tell us how long we were hiking and they didn't answer any questions we asked surrounding time and reality. It seemed annoying along the way, but looking back I couldn't imagine it any other way. We played games and had fun with each other in a way we wouldn't have done if we were in touch with the time and our lives below the mountain. If we knew we were hiking x amount of hours, it would have taken away from what we were really there for: getting closer with God. We all left, dreading what was at home in each of our little realities. It was a real gift to be present and to see a clear picture of God.

"Would you do it again?" Is what my leader asked me as soon as we finished our descent from Mt. Albert. My answer: "Absolutely. I would do it again and again." Beyond Malibu was an experience unlike any other. I learned so much, grew so much, loved so much. Next summer I hope to go back to the place I hold so close to my heart, but to work instead.

Now, I hope I have convinced you that Beyond Malibu is as amazing as it seems. If you get the chance, GO!