The Elevated

Right now, I am writing. I should really be sleeping. Sometimes adventure equals being sleep deprived. That's okay. Today I am writing about something I haven't felt for a long long time. I'm not sure how I identified it or even what to call it. But it has to do with people. Missing people, specifically. I've only experienced this type of emptiness a few times in my life. Although many people experience the pain of missing someone or something, I believe that a small group of specific people really know this feeling. These people are known as Williamsburgers, Burgers that William made. A group of really odd people who laugh at the story of Preston Wesley and get emotional when they see llamas and want to hug a random stranger after hearing the word "walls". These people get nostalgia by eating a Clif Bar and like studying and have meaningful relationships with their mentors and peers, often times people they've never met in person before. These people are scholars of the most worthy education. And I miss them. This weekend, I had the spectacular opportunity to meet and spend a day with two of my best friends, these friends being Burgers. And man do these people know how to adventure. These people are elevated. Twice a year, Williamsburg Learning hosts a camp called Elevation, and it literally does elevate you. There's a reason why Burgers are my people. They elevate with me. In 22 days, Elevation will begin elevating. Oh and I cannot wait. My anticipation is so great that I shed a tear everytime I think about it. I cannot wait to meet my pod, to stay up until 1 am talking with my pod sisters in a freezing cold tent, eating the disgusting elevation oatmeal, rock climb and repel and do walls and just LIVE in the most BEAUTIFUL place with the most SPECTACULAR PEOPLE.

Some of you who don't know Burgers or Elevation or USH Study Guides might be wondering, why does it matter? They're just people. Just experiences. Well let me tell you.

When you love someone so much that you will stay up until 1 am to talk to them over a computer, you're going to miss them. When you love someone so much that when you have the opportunity to sacrifice money and time and energy just to see them for a few hours, you're going to do it. When you take time out of your already busy schedule just to call these people, you're going to love them. And when you finally meet them and see them in person and hug them and joke with them and laugh with them, you're going to live with them. And when you have to leave, you're going to leave part of yourself with them. And they're going to leave part of them with you. And you hold onto that love until you can finally see them again and give more to receive more.

You want to go conquer the world with these people because you know that they know of their potential and you also know that they know that you know of YOUR potential and that you will support each other in your dreams. But alas. All you can do is send a text telling them of what goal you just achieved or what opportunity came your way, and at best, call them. That hurts.

The perfect gift would be an infinite amount of time in the mountains with these people. Why, oh why can't it be so? Fate is cruel.

Gah. The Elevated are to be treasured. Love your elevators. Till 22 days, Burgers.

Savannah