Mike Simons ...

I first went to Horton Center the summer after my sixth-grade year. I had heard stories of the mountain and the wonderful things that happened there, but I didn't really know exactly what to expect. I don't remember many of the specifics of my first few seasons, but perhaps the most important thing to me was the tremendous peace of mind and spirit that I felt at the top of Pine Mountain. Even in middle school, I knew that Horton Center was a place that I could be myself; a place where people accepted me for who I was, not what I wore or did.

As the years passed for me, many wonderful and life-changing opportunities opened up for me because of my involvment on the mountain. At Horton Center I found out about the NH Conference's Youth Cabinet and their April mission trips, both of which I became involved in. The most beautiful thing that happened for me at the Mountain was not any special project or group that I got involved in. It was the people. You see, when you arrive at Horton Center on Sunday, you see faces. LOTS of faces. If it's your first year, you may feel a little bewildered at first. But when the first staff member jumps off the van to greet you, you know there's something special waiting at the top of that wonderful mountain road. If you're returning for second or third time or if you've got even more seasons under your belt, then some of the faces around you are familiar, and you know when to brace yourself in the van to avoid that killer pothole after the second bend. Soon enough, you're at the parking lot, and the week is ready to begin. Old friends run to you with open arms, and in turn, you extend your arms to a face full of hesitation; it's one that you recognize as your own just a few summers ago. That's the spirit of the Mountain for me. Even if Metanoia and the Lodge were to suddenly disappear, it wouldn't matter. (Food might be a problem...) The community of faith and love that I know and cherish would still be there, waiting with open arms until I come again.

For me, it's been seven summers full of fun, love, sadness, laughter, grief, joy, fellowship, and God. I've made memories that I will remember forever, and friends that will last a lifetime.

-- Michael Christian Simons

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