Don't Look Down

Disclaimer: This post made perfect sense at 3:00 a.m. Here's hoping that it can also be understood during daylight hours........

Several weeks ago, I got caught up in a television marathon of shows following expeditions up Mount Everest. The most compelling segments were about the final ascent to the summit - in the dark. To hike at optimal (coldest) temperatures, climbers started their climb in the middle of the night so that they could reach the top by sunrise, catch a few moments rest, take in the views, and then start back down.

During the extremely slow walk along a very narrow ridge, climbers were unable to see past their own boots, and seemingly unaware of how steep the fall would be, how many thousands of feet existed between where they stood and the bottom. Not distracted by this terrifying distance due to the cover of darkness, they were able to focus on the task at hand, put their energy into each moment of the experience, and achieve the goal. Only on the descent, after dawn had broken, could they look down to see what they had missed.

Recently, I have had a recurring day dream about our arrival in India, where we quickly realize that the gravity there is too strong, the distance - both physically and culturally - too vast. We are unable to establish or maintain a connection between our lives here and our lives there. My sincere hope is that in reality, I will be able to stay focused - and not be distracted by what I cannot see. I will have to remind myself why this journey is so important to me, to my family. While sacrifice is indeed part of this adventure, we have chosen to pursue this challenge. We look forward to pushing our limits and fulfilling this long-anticipated dream of life and travels abroad.

And when I'm feeling strong, I will look down. I hope to even smile and wave.