Playing with Fire by Nadia Kamrath
Back and forth. Back and forth. How many times must one go back and forth. Well it turns out for me it was thousands. You’re probably wondering what this could possibly be about and why I needed to repeat the same thing so many times. If you read on, you’ll find out.
The car was warm as air rushed through the windows. The small vehicle swerved up the mountain. Every inch we continued, the better the view. It was magical. At the altitude of 7,500 feet, the Southern California mountains around us were breathtaking.
I did my best to take it all in as we entered a small campground. The buildings were run down and the trees towered around us. People were gathered around a campfire and we ran toward the misty sight.
The beginning was sort of a blur as my eleven-year-old body hiked through the woods learning lifesaving tips every hiker should know. We discussed what plants are helpful and how to use them. Did you know that the bark from a willow tree can be used like aspirin, or that a unique, red, low-lying, flowering plant carries delicious grains on it?
As we ventured farther into the vast green forest, I took everything in. As my eyes were on the mountains beyond, we came to an abrupt stop at a small clearing.
Many instructions later I am proud to say I built my own shelter. It was hard work and the altitude did not make it easy. I pushed along, picking up branches in my path. I saw my father’s figure in the distance rummaging in the forest for leaves.
One stick after another we had built a waterproof shelter. Check. Now onto the next.
The morning was crisp and after a restless night of sleep, I found myself in a small tent with my body crumpled up at the bottom. I stepped out of the opening to discover our tent set upon a hill. The headache that had a hold of me the night before from the altitude was gone. I was ready for more.
The day started off slow with breakfast and a short chat at the fire pit. Then we headed off into the wilderness. We didn't stop until we reached a lake where we weaved grass into a strong rope. My little fingers moved in a pattern, every once in a while, adding more grass.
Soon we finished. We hiked some more and found ourselves back at the camp. I listened to the instructions and set up my sticks to build a fire using on what I was able to find in nature. Little did I know that what was coming would never leave me.
My heart pounded for I knew I was ready. My hand gripped the wood and I pulled it back and forth over and over again. Sweat dripped from my face and my muscles ached. Then I saw it ... smoke.
I had created smoke. But as soon as I had it, it was gone. All that was left were shards of broken wood. Tears filled my eyes as I stared at them in awe. Square one all over again.
Sadness turned into determination so I started again. My instructor sat with me and gave me tips. Back and forth. Again and again.
The instructor counted down from 10 and then told me to stop. With my eyes wide I saw that I had created an ember. This ember had all the potential to become a flame and I knew it.
I blew into the ember as hard as I could. Smoke spilled from it and met my face with force.
After that? Flame. There was a beautiful flame so big the heat hurt my eyes. Looking at that flame I swelled with instant pride. Want to know why? That was my fire, and I made it … and I now know that I can make it many times more.
Sometimes you have to do the same thing over and over again to get the results you want. I had to go back and forth many times. I was sweating and the smoke in my lungs is still present but let me tell you … I wouldn't change it for the world.
