Sunday, May 9, 2010

Still waiting...


Photo 1 – Another nice view of our 2 Mountain Hardwear dome tents at night. In the background is Pumori (23,357’) and a few Buddhist prayer flags blowing in the breeze.


Photo 2 – I attempted to climb this peak, Ama Dablam (22,551’), in 2006. We were constantly pounded by heavy snowfall and the potential avalanche conditions were too high for a safe climb. I retreated happy, confident, and safe, knowing I could attempt this peak again some other time. As you can tell, the mountain is still there and I am still safe.

Patiently waiting is the name of the game here at EBC. The jet stream is still hovering over the mountain and the winds are high. I am trying to stay occupied by going on small hikes. Even in this beautiful setting I am getting bored. I have now been at EBC, resting, for 14 days. Imagine, in the real world, sitting down and doing nothing for 2 weeks! Hard for me to imagine. Honestly, according to the weather forecast, we may be here another 10 days before attempting the summit. Ugghh! As always, your prayers are coveted and much appreciated.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Stucklefresh!
Glad to hear about the end of the strike, bummed for you about the weather, but glad that your clothes are all "sweet-smelling" again... Sorry about the boredom deal - are you working thru a book right now? Could you start sharing books w/ other team members? Learn a new language from one of the international climbers? Memorize a book of the Bible, learn to juggle, have an egg toss competition? I suppose this length of waiting helps you to acclimate even more. I'm still praying for you!

Rock school officially finished out. I led a team of 5 on Hillbilly rock - just starting to work on my leading again. I'd like to work up my comfort level to leading in the 5.6 range again. We'll see. My last seminary class is tonight, which means that with this and ROM being finished, I can finally start focusing on my trip to Israel! I fly out on the 24th. I'll be praying that you summit before I leave! :)

Hang in there Ben! At the very least, learn some new jokes while you're waiting around.... ;)

Lulu

Diana said...

Patiently is the best way to wait. And you are going to be a pro at it. We are practicing with you at home, anxiously waiting for your opportunity to summit and return to us safely.

COME ON JETSTREAM!

Lovingly and prayerfully,
Diana & Alexander

Sister said...

Patience is not an easy task. Sounds like you are doing a good job with it, though. Keep up the awesome pictures. Who knows, maybe you can turn all of this into a book someday.
Memorizing scriptures is a good way to pass some time. I'm sure you'll find things to do.
Sister

Mom said...

Ben - was just sitting here remembering when you were about 9 and you wanted to see what would happen if you stuck your tongue to the fence in below-freezing temperatures! We thought for sure you were going to be stuck there until Spring! However, in typical Ben-fashion, and not to be outdone by a mere fence, you yanked back your head, leaving behind a trail of skin but, fortunately, tongue intact! I'm sure glad you're older and wiser now. :)

You've always thrived on a challenge - the bigger, the better. So I'm not sure which is the bigger challenge now, the seemingly never-ending wait, or the actual climb. I pray that God will be glorified in your life as you continue waiting on and praising Him. And, of course, we continue praying for complete safety and success for you and your team.

Much, much love,
Mom and Dad

Psa. 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord."

Unknown said...

Hi, Ben:

I haven't checked the blog for over a week since I was maxed-out timewise getting things ready for Don's overseas trip. Now he's on his way and I see that I missed a contest? If you give grace for a 2-day deadline extension, I predict May 21 at 4:49 a.m.--just an arbitrary guess, but it will become something special if you summit then!

I keep thinking of you as I keep working my way thru the book THREE CUPS OF TEA by Greg Mortenson (he tried to summit K2, failed, ended up visiting all over the highlands of Pakistan & Afghanistan and spearheaded the building of dozens of schools there, esp. for girls. I read only a few pages a day, so I'm not making it thru very fast.

I like your photos + "journal" of what you're learning & thinking. I hope Don gets to see you when he goes climbing in CO again this summer. You'll have an arsenal of photos & stories for him (us?)! You and your team, and family, are in my prayers.

Aunt Carol

Doug Whittier said...

Hello Ben,
Well what can I say the wouldn't bore you to death, work is work... I do enjoy riding on the new bike, but the weather is still a little too damp around here, but I have not really been jones'n to bad, I think I got my little bit of the cabin fever out of me (I hope...). I just keep looking for the positive that is already within me, reminding myself that I have the whole summer ahead of me, since I was in a sling all last summer it's got to be better right..? NOT... So I just keep looking for the bright side of things, reminds me of Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD." To me, I am one of the worst on waiting on God, I wish I was better, maybe that is why He has allowed me to live this long, so I would have time to get my act together, but that might require hundred years... I am very thankful for his grace, may His everlasting grace wash over you and fill you with courage and strength to endure this wait... May He place your heart in the right frame of mind and hold you there..! Wait Ben Wait..! We are waiting on your adventure too... :) Keep smiling..!