The Endless SkyThe girls are incredible. Ruth. MG. Jaclyn. You are and always will be amazing. Climbing Little Si on our first group activity after Search, we got to bond even further after that amazing 5-week retreat we journeyed on together. Seeing them live life on top of the mountain is incredible adn this photo just gives me so much joy.

The BranchHiking with 6 other team members was a fun experience outside of being together for Search. As Ruth was taking a drink of water from her hydro, I simply looked up and snapped a photo of the branch overhanging. When taking the photo, I thought nothing of it. But when putting it through Photoshop, I saw the beautiful complexity the branch had overlaying the green leaves from the trees above. one of my favorite photos from December.

The La CroixI don't even know how our La Croix addiction happened, but it is one of those inside jokes that we have running. Everybody on Team now has had La Croix once. Coming up to the summit of Little Si, I carried 6 extra just to make sure we could "crack a cold one" on the top of the mountain. Although this picture shows the drink that we have all bonded over for some apparent reason, this picture defines the unity we share together. Like Jaclyn on MG, we all know that we can lean on each others' shoulders when we need it. The trust I have in all of them is neverending.

The Barren TreeI love nature. Hiking with friends is amazing but being able to experience the beauty that surrounded our every step allows me to appreciate this world to the fullest. Going on a hike in December, you get to see a variety of colors and plants. Walking through evergreen forests yet still walking past trees that appear barren without their leaves. One of the reasons I love this photo is the difference between the barren branch and the fruitful tress in the background, along with the mountain range.

The FamilyWhen signing up to be a leader on Search, you have to apply to "team." That is what the common name of the leaders on Search is. For most groups, that name might be applicable. They work together as a "team" to make Search the memorable retreat it is, but never really become a group that can stay together once the retreat passes. We are different. We are not a "team", but a family. We underwent this retreat together, made Winter Search one of the most memorable retreats in Kennedy history, and grew individually. I love every one of these people, and I cannot wait to see our success in the future.