"Ever since the beginning of the year, I was told that Chi Alpha was a big family, but I didn't understand that completely until the Salome Creek Canyon hike. The trip was on my birthday and I had never been hiking before, but I wanted to spend time with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, so I took the challenge. The hike was difficult and I grew tired quickly, but I was so excited to see what was around each corner that I kept pushing myself.
Unfortunately, because of some unplanned occurrences, a small group of us had to swim back to the trail in the dark. The water was cold and our bodies were tired, but the seven of us helped each other swim to dry land. Once we were out of the water, we realized it was too dark to see the trail, so Shawn quickly came to a decision. We were going to climb the mountainside. Though I was scared, I threw any negativity out of my head. I knew God was with us and He would get us back home safely.
The climb was rough... and I have countless scars and bruises to prove it! But with the help of God and my dear Chi Alpha family I was able to push through the physical exhaustion and pain. "Have hope," everyone kept saying, "the trail is around here somewhere!" Thankfully, God heard our prayers, for a few feet up we noticed some people walking with a light. We called out to them and I heard a familiar voice, rescue had come at last! A sweet man named Brian who had been camping out with his girlfriend heard we needed help and hiked down the trail to look for us. Thanks to him we were able to find the trail and walked back to the truck where we met the others and hugged each other in relief. All in all, the trip was a great experience! I enjoyed the time I spent with everyone, but I am definitely glad to be back on solid ground.
As for Chi Alpha, it really is like a family to me. My brothers and sisters in Christ have taken me in and showed me how to love God more deeply than I did before. I'm a new believer, I was save just over a year ago... my passion and love for Christ is ever growing. My family back at home is not Christian and seemed to be strongly against my newfound faith. That being said, home life was slightly difficult for me this past year. Before Chi Alpha, I would only be able to spend a few hours on a Sunday morning with God, but I knew it wasn't enough... I soon realized I needed more. Thanks to Chi Alpha, I can now spend as much time as I want with God. I pray on my way to class, I worship Him in the middle of my dorm room and I course, I sit in the prayer house into wee hours of the morning when I should really be sleeping...
Regrettably, my family at home has concerns that I'm not making the right decisions, but I know that this is what God wants me to do. God loves me and wants me to be here with these wonderful people. Chi Alpha is my Christian home away from home, and for that I praise God."
~ Vicky, freshman at Arizona State
