Hi! The first time I decided I’d like to participate in an endurance challenge was about 30 years ago. I’ve considered, hiking, swimming, cycling, and anything else I’ve heard about over the years. But, due to career and other demands, I’ve never committed.
Some of my best memories are hiking way into the mountains, where very few people go, with my husband, Troy, as well as two hikes that I did when I was on a search and rescue team in Durango, Colorado. These are a few instances where I learned that the body really will do an awful lot more than we’d think or expect. But I’ve never before committed to an event.
So when I heard about the 29029 event last year I thought, “I’m 55 years old, I love to hike. If not now, when? Every day these knees are one year older.”
in addition, I’ve always been fascinated by Everest and have read numerous books and watched numerous documentaries over the years. Quite honestly, I think anyone who would try Everest might have a few screws loose. When I complete this event, I love the idea that I’ll be able to say I’ve Everested without having to go through the Khumbu Icefall, where many have fallen to their deaths, nor will I have to hike in a death zone while my body is slowly dying due to lack of oxygen.
However, I don’t want this to just be about a selfish mid-life crisis. I’ve chosen three charities that are near and dear to my heart. 1) a missionary couple at our church who builds houses for people, including children, who literally live in huge trash dumps. My husband has been on a trip to help build some of the houses. 2) a missionary couple who travels to Ukraine to minister to war orphans and others who are dealing with everything that war brings. 3) a missionary at our church who provides kids who might never own a pair of shoes with a new pair.
I hope you’ll consider donating to one or all. I firmly believe that we should leave the world a better place and I’m happy to give you the opportunity to do so.
As much as I hate it, I had to choose a goal. I want it to be big! But what’s big? I went with $50,000 but don’t let that stop you. If you want to donate the entire 50k, who I am to prevent you from feeling great about yourself? I can always raise the goal, too. Having said that, I will truly be honored with any amount. I have a lot of young friends who could give up a Starbucks and donate $5, or I guess $10 with inflation, and that would make my heart very happy. No guilt either, if you don’t donate to one of the three causes, just try to donate somewhere. We’ve got to leave the world a better place.
When making your donation, please indicate your choice by stating, “shoes”, “Ukraine”, or “housing”.
About the event…. I will be hiking 30 miles and an elevation gain of 29,029 feet over a period of 36 hours which will mean 13 ascents at SnowBasin in Utah. Please pray that I will remain injury free as I train.
Thanks so much for your consideration! Hugs and blessings!
