Day 13 – Zion National Park

We woke up and ate some breakfast before heading on our four hour drive to Zion National Park. Once we got to Zion, we hiked a bit and then stopped to talk about the impact of National Parks and what good they do for our society. After that discussion, we kept hiking a bit more until we reached a river. Some of us went swimming at the river while others just took in the beauty around them. 

After swimming, we had a discussion about the over-usage of water, specifically from the Colorado River. Hannah told us that at the rate Las Vegas is using water right now, they will run out in seven years. We hiked back to the bus after this and drove to a park near our hotel in St. George, Utah. 

At the park we had services, which were led by Jacob. It was amazing to have services outside in nature. One thing about the service that really stuck out to me was the way that Jacob had us do the Shema prayer. Jacob had us break into groups of two and answer three questions about creation, love, and freedom. after two of the three questions, in our pairs, we recited the shema and then answered the third question. 

We had dinner after services at the park. Earle, our bus driver and best friend, barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers for us to eat. It was really nice eating outside all together. After dinner, some of the group went over to join a rally that was coincidentally going on at the same park. The rally was protesting the detention centers at our southern border. 

We got on the bus and headed back to the hotel for free time and sleep after the rally. It was a great day and we’re looking forward to visiting the Grand Canyon tomorrow!