From the Piedmont of North Carolina to the Rocky Mountains in Montana and Wyoming—today was a journey of miles, but also mindset. We traded high humidity for high altitude. After a long day of travel, we arrived in Yellowstone with full hearts, open eyes, and a shared commitment to learn, explore, and be transformed by this place. After our orientation it was nice to reunite with familiar faces despite the early hour.

Today was about flight in many ways – someone’s first time on a plane, flying across the United States, and observing new bird species in their natural habitats. We identified birds soaring above the pines and in the ponds.

We observed dramatic mountain slopes and unique rock formations – jagged lines, geological wonders, and weathered slopes. We set personal and professional goals: to listen deeply, engage fully, and leave changed.

As educators, we want to take everything in and learn from both our environment and each other. We want to be intentional about our surroundings – being in this ancient, raw, untouched land – and temporarily being grounded in this place together. 

The land is already speaking. We’re here to listen to its ancient stories.