Amara turned the milestone 13 in June. Crossing into her teens signified that Amara is no longer a girl. She is now a young woman. The transformations that are happening right before our eyes are something to behold. From the physical, to the mental and emotional as well as spiritual. We see maturity in Amara, as well as a holding on to her younger self.
This time, this period of any young person's life is significant. This period of life can be hard. It is why almost every culture, religion and spiritual practice have a symbolic ritual to mark this rite of passage. For our family, being out in nature, being with Great Creator, is part of our foundation. That is where we felt would be the place for Amara to begin this rite passage.
To support this process, we planed for Amara to do a backpacking trip with a local girls organization. All of the starting pre-pandemic. Thankfully, the group was still able to make the trip happen despite the pandemic with careful organizing. We planned and prepped, along with support from her cousins who gave great advice as well as lending invaluable gear, for several months. Then, my brave Amara was off. On a five day backpacking trip in Point Reyes. With nine girls she did not know. The courage that took, on every level, it made me kvel. Amara is a remarkable young lady. Strong, courageous, determined. There were nerves and tears too. Yet off she went. On a journey that would test her mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. On a journey that would mark the start of the transition from girl to woman.
The first several photos below were taken by the leaders. Amara is in yellow. I was quite grateful to have received those. The last few are ones we took in the days prior and up to the day she left.
On the day she returned home to us.
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