Walking4Air

“Rejoice when you reach the summit: Cry, clap your hands, shout to the four winds that you made it; let the wind purify your mind, cool your hot, weary feet. Open your eyes and blow the dust off your heart. What was once nothing but a dream, a distant vision, is now a part of your life. You made it!” ~ Paulo Coelho

The last minute packing, the frenetic madness of the day of departure. I was missing calls from loved ones, messages were flying in and I was still packing! In fact I had only really started that morning!

Finally packed, with the hope I had everything I needed, I zipped up my two duffel bags and prayed each one was under 20kg’s.

My goodbyes had already started the night before and that is when what I am doing really begin to hit home. At the celebration of life for my friends father, whose memorial service had taken place earlier that afternoon, I finally began to bid everyone farewell around 9:30pm. The hugs flowed and the well wishes filled my soul up and reality hit when friends didn’t just say “Have a safe trip” but said instead said “Please just come home!”

Today, before I left for the mountain, I went around to my family to say goodbye. My baby girl nieces, Emma 5 and Kate 3, left lumps in my throat. Kate, not so fazed gave me a huge and said “I’ll miss you!” Emma, the older of the two kept coming back to hug me again and again and again. I didn’t want to leave. January is a big month, Emma starts Grade 1 and Kate starts pre-reception at her new big school where her older sister already attends. I’m going to miss these special days and I’m going to miss these special girls!

As I finally drove away the girls stood there waving and blowing kisses to me. They are so beautiful and precious, I always hate saying extended goodbyes to them!

My parents drove me to the airport. There was no fear from them. Instead they seemed excited for my upcoming adventure, excited for what lies ahead of me. Another dream coming true. My parents are my biggest supporters when it comes to my dreams. No words could ever thank them enough!

We almost didn’t make it to Joburg tonight. When we arrived early at the airport we were told the flight was full and overbooked (their problem not ours) and they couldn’t help us. We told them they didn’t have a choice but to get us on that plane! Ten minutes later two others were no doubt bumped off the flight and we were on the plane. Life certainly is never dull!

To all of you my loyal followers and to all my friends and family, thank you for following and for all your support and inspiration from the ground. You all inspire me!

In a few hours we fly off to Argentina and yet another dream of a life time begins. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself to know that I’m really living my dreams. It is possible. You just have to believe!

Don’t forget you can still donate towards those living with Cystics Fibrosis. You all know the link by now. So much thanks and gratitude goes out to all those who have so kindly and generously donated so far. Thank you for helping me make that difference for those living with CF.

Climbing a mountain is never to be taken lightly. Aconcagua is going to be my biggest, scariest one yet. I’ve trained hard. I’ve mentally prepared my mind. But what lies ahead is now in the hands of mountain… Please keep my team and I in your prayers and fingers crossed for successful summits.

For my best friend, Emma. I miss you each and every day. Walk with me as I walk to the summit…

They call you
THE STONE SENTINEL
You have taken lives;
You have changed others.
I pray that you will grant my team and I safe passage to your peak.
I humbly beseech that you will let us stand on your summit
To know, to
touch, to behold your wonder.