1. 29 May 2010 · 05:43 PM ·

    CBF Orientation - May 23-26

    My summer experience started May 23 when I packed a book bag of clothes for the weekend and drove south to Wingate University for CBF’s summer orientation. I arrived at orientation and quickly initiated a game of ultimate Frisbee. It was great to get out in the sun, play barefoot, and get to know some brothers and sister in a game of ultimate.

    After we got a sweat going on the grass we headed to the basketball court at the end of the field. We got a 4 on 4 game going with us intern vs the locals of Wingate which consisted of 4 soccer players, 3 from England and 1 from Brazil. I didn’t think playing barefoot would be too big of a deal. But bare feet and concrete don’t mix. The game was tied 6 all when the burn started to really kick in. I could feel my feet burning and the skin tearing off the bottom of my feet. Unfortunately for me though, pride kicked in and I would not allow myself to stop. I kept asking myself, “Colby is this little game really worth pain the whole weekend and possibly the whole summer?” No the pain was not worth it but I couldn’t quit. My team needed me. Quitting is not in my vocabulary and losing is not an option. I kept playing. We won, 16-14. Thank God the game didn’t go on longer than that. My feet still hurt and I have golf ball size blisters on the bottom of both my feet. I couldn’t walk normal the rest of the weekend. But we won the game. No, the opportunity cost was not high enough for me to stay in the game, but my pride and the simple fact that I am a man would not let me quit the game.

    It was great to finally take a break at Orientation. Even after school was over I was still going full speed. Trying to lay the foundation for a good summer, finding tenants for a property I just acquired, working downtown, building my network, making time for friends and working out at the new Crossfit gym in Charlotte. Life was full speed ahead and I had a lot on my plate, even after school. I had a list of things I needed to get done before summer and not enough time in the day. So needless to say I was looking forward to a summer where I could be me. I honestly didn’t even think about orientation until about an hour before I was supposed to leave. That is how focused I was.

    I would like to note that this Orientation was not the best one I’ve been to and I was a little disappointed to hear how many people were serving at their home churches this summer. I understand why people do it. I understand the perks of working with family and friends. I just don’t understand why you would choose to do that during a summer of college. For me, I crave adventure. I love the rush of doing something dangerous, of getting out of my comfort zone. I love meeting new people and being forced into and uncomfortable situation where you are forced to grow as a person. I feel that’s how we get closer to God and learn more about ourselves.

    Orientation was overall an alight experience. We got to hear from many good speakers like Kyle Mathews. And like most church orientations we got to play the worst icebreaker games ever. The food was good, the company was good and I felt at home again being back in the faith.