My "Drive" to the Summit

I remember, even as we were driving to the lot from where we would commence our climb to the summit of Mt. Princeton, having sworn off ever climbing another mountain after Kili. Kilimanjaro was my first mountain, a mear 19,341ft above sea level. This weekend's reunion climb would have us climbing Princeton, the Summit of which is at 14,192', as elected by Captain Jack. That alone is reason enough to believe it would be a challenging 14er. For the record, he likes to challenge us with just enough of a downplay on reality so that will take the bait but believes in all of our abilities to summit and as he always says, to go higher. Once I hit this particular mountain I realized I would only summit relying on Jack's patience and the encouragement of my Kili brothers and sisters. In addition to Jack, our group for Princeton included Dee, Wendy, Janet, Sandra, Beth, Hapi, Dave and of course Mark as kaboose insuring we were all okay.

As we passed the initial dirt and rock path, we reached what can only be described as a pile of boulders, beautiful yet challenging to navigate through, only to realize that our trail wasn't much of a trail at all - the only way up nevertheless. My first impression was that this rocky terrain would only encompass part of our trek and as usual, I was wrong as this made up approximately 85% of our 'not trail' to the summit. As with Kili, I was not as prepared as I thought myself to be, unsure whether it was my aptitude or attitude getting to me this time, since my first attempt at a14er last year failed - Oh snowy Quandry. I tried not to look up, daring not to ask if what I believed to be the Summit actually was, for fear it would be confirmed. It was indeed and appeared to be forever away. Somewhere just under 13,000 feet, Dee and I started counting steps, just as I'd done at the last leg of Kili yet this felt too soon, too early to be doing so. I was winded and already in more pain than I should have been in with still over 1,200 feet to go, seemingly almost straight up at some points. I highlighted in my mind the part of our briefing that said anyone who couldn't make it all the way could come down with another group already on the decent. At that particular time it sounded as if written for me. Fortune was on my side as well, as the mountain was teaming with climbers at every turn thanks to the beautiful day God had provided for our climb.

We sat for a break, some water, half a cliff bar I couldn't quite swallow thanks to the Diamox again but I wouldn't have made it even this far without it, so it's okay. I texted a few pictures of some of the most beautiful views I'd ever seen. I looked around knowing this option of quitting brewing in my mind, would be a disappointment to the rest after coming so far; would they even allow it? In God's perfect timing, I receive a text from Jacelyne with a picture of her and Khloe making funny faces and a note below that said "call us when you get up there". Is she kidding me? IS SHE KIDDING ME? Does she not understand the contemplation of startng an early decent was all too real right now? Enter Ruta's success recipe for climbing a mountain - 10% aptitude / 90% attitude. The option of quitting was suddenly off the table. I was blessed with a surge of air in my lungs, strength in my legs and the wind of encouragement at my back. I found my drive, my why. This perfectly timed text would be my driving force to the summit of Princeton on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. It was exactly what I needed at the exact time needed. I've always been careful not to disappoint myself and seldom, if ever, do (Quandry) but disappointing our little adventurer was NEVER an option. I told this story over dinner that evening and Jack laughed at the idea I thought it was actually an option, quitting I mean.

As I sit here at Denver International waiting on our plane, reviewing a declaration of independence and reviewing the idea that it feels as if the concrete poured into my thighs on Saturday is beginning to dry, I am grateful to God for the blessing that this looong weekend was. The blessing that Jorge was able to meet at least part of our Kili family, visit One Child Matters, meet Meghan, Bev, Ty, Michael and Hapi and put faces to so many of the names that he's heard me mention repeatedly when recounting one of a million memories I experienced in our Kili trip. He was able to experience and be moved by the passion this group has for what they do and he was inspired by them all. I was able once again to witness God's love through Mark and Dee's dedication and leadership, Jack's humble yet adventurous heart, Hapi's quiet yet ferocious love for these children, Janet's loving soul (and man can she drive a stick), Wendy's amazing heart and fortitude for these climbs, Sandra and Beth's amazing passion for family and Dave's amazing light and natural inclination for genuine encouragement.

The lesson in this climb was reconfirmation of the importance of knowing, feeling, acknowledging and moving in the direction of what drives us. If you don't know, please take the time to figure it out, sooner rather than later. What's your dream? What's your WHY? I realize many who know me may grow tired of hearing me insist on the importance of vision boards and focus of vision however I refuse to back down as I know and have experienced what a difference this makes in our lives; in the way we handle stress, in whether we see the glass half full or half empty, in our decision to look for the silver lining and find it. It is imperative that we maintain our focus on our dreams, IMPERATIVE! ! God would never plant the seed of a dream in your heart if He hadn't already equipped you with the ability to achieve it. I pray that as you read this, you are able to find your passion, discover what drives you, believe in yourself enough to have the courage to follow your dreams and live the life you are destined to live. Thanks and adventure on :-)