Footwear

I took a step of faith today and bought some shoes for the big walk.  The team itself isn't looking too match-fit however.  Martin had a knee operation last Friday and DJ has been booked off from all physical exertion for at least 6 weeks!  And that's just from his physiotherapist - he's still to see his heart specialist next month!  And Mullen's confirmed he's not coming.

I got back into swimming after a week in Zim - but after reading in "Facing Up" that people die on the Everest Base Camp hike (17 000 ft) then I've got a long way to go to be ready for this.

Am really trusting God with getting the team good and ready for a 300km stroll in the Himalayas!  

Decisions

Today I crossed the Rubicon.  I went to Gateway to look at shoes.   Then I called to tell Martin I was coming.  He said it was the best news he'd heard all week.  I experienced a surge of excitement when I put down the phone.  Funny enough, everyone I've mentioned it to seems to express huge excitement about it!

On a related note, Kathleen gave me a Father's Day present today - two all-action adventures written by Bear Grylls (Facing Up and Facing the Frozen Ocean) - very much in keeping with it all.

Now I really pray that Mullen will come - and DJ too.  Lord, break Mullen from his cell - breath new purpose into his life.  Inspire him - "in - spire" - put your Spirit into him.  Into me for that matter.  Work a miracle in DJ's heart this week - may Gilmer pronounce life, wholeness and plenty of action packed adventure over his ticker when he goes to see him on Monday.

I am reminded of the verse of a Psalm which appears on a plaque in the observatory up on the Jungfrau Joch

"Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!"

Psalm 66:5

Consultations...

I've gone for a bit of Inspiraiton today with a pic I took off National Geographic.  I took the liberty of calling Cuan too - ostensibly to find out what footwear I should be considering.  He strongly encouraged me to grab the opportunity with both hands.

Whispers...

A friend lent me a mountaineering book the other day - I used to mainline on them but this was one I hadn't read before.  I polished it off in about 2 days and the disaster was complete.  I am now nearly finished reading "Into Thin Air" for the second time.  When I saw Martin this morning at church, he said to me:  "Why be satisfied with just reading about it...why not come with me to Nepal this September?"

To say I was distracted for the rest of the Sunday meeting is an understatement.  That I am enticed and even sorely tempted is not up for debate.  Will I have the courage to make a decision, to step out in to the unknown?  To turn theoretical interest and dreamy sentiment into bold action?  "All men dream but not equally..." said T.E. Lawrence.

Having the courage isn't just about putting up with a bit of pain and discomfort for 3 weeks - bad food, stomach upsets, blisters, heat and cold.  It's about spending the money.  Buying the equipment.  Turning one's back on possible income and saying "this is worth it" regardless.  It's about "get busy living or get busy dying".  In short, even though it would be spending on myself - it would be a step of faith nonetheless.

And it's about Lisa...leaving her alone for 3 weeks.  Knowing that we'll both feel it.  She's been most encouraging and said there should be little debate about whether I go or not.  DJ wants me to go - heck, I want DJ to go - but there's some doubt over his fitness since he got re-booted a few weeks ago.   His heart specialist will rule either way tomorrow.

Anyway, when I took the dogs for a walk today, I didn't wear my usual flip flops.  I wore my hiking boots instead.