During the morning devotional Jan. 13, Noemi Bravo told the story of Moses climbing Mt. Sinai, then pivoted to the Coast to Crest Trail Challenge.
“These six individuals really climbed the mountain,” Bravo said of six recent finishers from San Diego Rescue Mission.
Bravo, an education and career development coordinator at the mission, said that she too completed the series of five hikes at locations up and down the San Dieguito River watershed.
“Pushing through to the peak of the mountain,” she said, “is where you get the best view of life.”
Her congratulations included certificates and gifts from the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, which organizes the annual hiking challenge.
The challenge fits hand-in-glove with the rescue mission’s program to promote personal growth, overcome homelessness and rebuild lives, she said.
One participant, Rita, said she appreciated the support of her fellow hikers and that thanks to being sober, she was able to feel every emotion and every muscle during the hikes.
“It was rough,” she said. “My body’s not used to it.”
San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy Executive Director Cheryl Goddard attended the ceremony and praised the participants for their accomplishments.
“The Coast to Crest Trail Challenge isn’t easy,” she told the finishers. “It takes grit and determination.”