Sunday, May 16, 2010

Summit push is on!

I POSTED 2 DISPATCHES - SEE BELOW

Wow! After 21 days of waiting at E.B.C. and 14 years of constant dreaming, it is now time for me to begin my summit attempt of Mount Everest. I am so excited, thrilled, anxious, scared and more. I take comfort in my favorite Bible verse of all time: Philippians 4:13. The verse states, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” For me, this 8 day endeavor to stand on the roof of the world and return safely will be the most physically demanding thing I have ever done. When the word ‘strength’ is mentioned, it is not only physical strength that will be required of me to stand on top of Mount Everest. Mental strength will also be paramount. The mental strength to keep pushing even though I will be exhausted. The mental strength to constantly reassure myself that I really do have what it takes to summit and that I truly have earned the privilege to climb Mount Everest. Perhaps, most importantly, the mental strength and clarity of thought to determine whether or not to continue up or turn around and be able to climb another day. I do not know, and I often ponder what I will face while high on the slopes of Mount Everest. Unsafe weather conditions, extreme cold, snow/avalanche conditions, the frozen corpses of past climbers, and a host of other factors will weigh heavily on my mind as I travel heavenward. As I have stated many times in the past, climbing safely and returning home to my family is much more important than any accolades I might receive from a summit of Everest.


Here is my anticipated climbing schedule for the next 8 days.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 – leave E.B.C. at 5:00 a.m. and climb directly to Camp 2.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 – Rest day at Camp 2.

Thursday, May 20, 2010- Rest day at Camp 2.

Friday, May 21, 2010- Climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3.

Saturday, May 22, 2010 – Climb from Camp 3 to Camp 4 arriving no later than 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 22, 2010 – leave Camp 4 at 9:00 p.m. for the rooftop of the world.

Sunday, May 23, 2010 – God willing, I will summit Mount Everest around 7:00 a.m. and return to Camp 4.

Monday, May 24, 2010 – Climb down from Camp 4 to Camp 2. Call home, update blog.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 – Climb down from Camp 2 to E.B.C. Call home, update blog.

For those who are interested, the time difference between Denver, Colorado and Mount Everest is 11hrs 45min, with Denver being behind. This may help in determining where I am on the mountain in real time. If possible, I will call my wife and she will update this blog as information becomes available so please check in daily.

I am humbly amazed that I have so many people all across the world praying specifically for the team and I. Thank you! May God richly bless your life as He has mine.

20 comments:

Mom said...

We are so excited and will be cheering you on and praying for you every step, slide, climb and push of the way. We've watched you these last 10 years and have no doubt that you have fought hard, prepared well, and are 100% ready for this step in your mountaineering journey. You CAN do this!!

We love you and will be praying fervently for you and your team over the next 8-10 days. We have peace knowing you have committed your life to Christ, and HE IS IN CONTROL!

Much love,
Mom and Dad

The Doctor said...

Awesome! Julisa and I will be praying!

-Dentlebush

Your Biggest Fans said...

Ben,
We know you can do this. We will be praying for a clear mind and physical strength for you to finish and return home safely. I am thankful for the amazing peace I have because I know the One who is directing your every step.
SOOOO EXCITED for you!
Love,
Diana & Alexander

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Ben and Team,

May you have the best weather possible, the strength to endure and excel, and the wisdom to know when to push, when to pause, and when to celebrate.

God's speed on your timing and work to scale to the top of the world!! You are all in our prayers.

Wayne and Betty

Dad said...

Son, may the God of all comfort guide your every step and guard your heart to the top of the world. I love you and am praying hard that your dream becomes a reality.

Heather said...

So excited to hear that you will get to begin your Summit climb! We are praying many times a day for you to have wisdom, clarity of mind, safety, and physical endurance.

Remember 2 Timothy 1:7 "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind."

Jeramie and Heather Auchtung

Brian Tardiff said...

Ben,

I cannot think of anything to add over the other comments. (especially Wayne's... well said!)

Just wanted to let you know we are still reading the blog and continue to pray for you daily.

Go for it! STAY SAFE out there!

- Brian Tardiff

Jeni said...

Praying for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Ben,

Great News! I will be praying for you daily and can't wait to know you are safely back. Jer. 29:11 has always been a comfort to me.

God Bless

Marcus

Sister said...

Oh, this is pretty neat for me (and you as well)! As soon as I started to write this, the movie "Rocky" came into my mind and his "climb" up those stairs to the music Eye of the Tiger. However, you won't be jogging up this mountain.
I'll be thinking of you and picturing in my mind your every step. I anticipate the news and your safe arrival!
Love,
Sister pie

Josie said...
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Chris Dunn said...

Ben, that is awesome. I am so glad you have found your window of opportunity. You will be in our prayers as you live your dream!

Chris for the Dunns

Doug Whittier said...

My prayers are with you and your family, may God look after you and the weather...

Go Ben Go..! Climb Ben Climb..!

Paul said...

Go for it Ben... We at Piper are praying for your success and safe return

Paul

Josie said...

The time is finally here that we have all. been waiting for !

Ben, Yes you have it in you! GOD will be beside you every step of the way. He is your climbing partner. When the going gets tough look to him for strength.

Soon you will be on TOP OF THE WORLD. !

Here is to a SAFE & SUCCESSFUL SUMMIT.

Prayers for everyone!
GOD BLESS YOU.

Louie and Ruth said...

I imagine you are on your way to camp 2 now. We continue to pray for you and the team. Safety first. Stay focused, God is with you all the way to the top. Gooooo.
Love and Prayers,
Louie and Ruth

Anonymous said...

Bennigans,
I'm getting all excited and nervous for you! The time of waiting is over, now, it's just doing what you've been training for. God is with you! Prov 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord w/ all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Keep trusting in our faithful God! Press on! I am praying for you!

Steph

Lewie said...

Ben-ja-vitis,
Praying for your final push brotha! I'm praying for strength and clarity of mind and cooperating weather! Eat some extra orange Dots and go for it.

Lewie

Stacy said...

Ben - I'm praying, praying, praying for you! This is such a great moment, the moment of a lifetime. Trust in God, know that you've trained for this, let your uncontainable enthusiasm out, and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Blessings!

-Stacy