Wow! In my life I never thought I’d attempt climbing any mountain, never mind the highest free standing mountain in the world. Truly-as a very blessedly busy mother of 6 fabulous children ranging from 20 to 4, I struggle in my life to find the time to exercise regularly, now I am training daily, hiking for hours, accumulating strange gear that I will most probably never wear again, all for the sake of this massive undertaking.
After all, I grew up in NYC...mountains were not exactly part of the agenda! There are so many
factors that would normally make me run a mile (ok-walk a mile!)... the bitterly cold weather (-20 degrees Celsius), the altitude story and all that comes with, no bathrooms, no showers for
a week, the intense training regime etc...WHY? What is compelling me?
For starters I feel I am being drawn to this climb, like I am being pulled towards this wonderful life- changing experience. Nothing in this world happens by accident and I believe there’s great divine intervention as to the timing this climb presented itself into my life. Over these past few years I have lost a few special beautiful young friends to terrible illness. I watched as they lost the capacity to look after themselves, the use of their bodies-once strong and healthy, dignity and pride, independence and all connection to physicality and materialism. Yet, I also was privileged to witness absolute beauty, courage, perspective, and spirit that I had never dreamed possible given such painful circumstances. I realized that the spirit has no limits, that the inner magnificence of the soul knows no boundaries. When all is stripped away, all that we are left with is our connection to ourselves- our real selves- our infinite spiritual selves. All that ultimately remains is the trust we form with our Creator and the knowledge of what is truly valuable in this world.
Fear? Yes, there are many things to fear in this challenging life. Do we ever really know what is
around the corner? So, we are given a choice, to live with fear or to let go and trust that we will be looked after and given absolutely everything we need, not always everything we like, but all
that we need to blossom into the people we are meant to be. This mountain represents for me the letting go of fear, the embracing of the difficult, the trusting in the unknown, the discovering courage and strength where we never imagined they existed. I am climbing this mountain largely because I CAN. I am so blessed with a healthy body, with eyes that see, with lungs that breath, with a family that loves and supports me. Many people in my world have not been given these privileges and blessings. I commit to using mine, with G-d’s help, to the best of my ability.
I can think of no greater cause to climb for than ORT SA/ORT JET. It is an organization that is very close to my heart as it has been my amazing husband Paul’s passion and dream for many years now. He has poured his heart and soul, time and effort into building such a fantastic place, where struggling businesses and individuals (in particular women who are in compromised financial situations) are given tremendous assistance to get back on their feet. It is all about empowerment and dignity and together with his wonderful team they strive to create a safe space where the utmost sensitivity, kindness and professionalism are upheld. They deserve our support, admiration and respect. They certainly have mine! Please join me in helping to ensure that they continue their very special and much needed services to the community.
I am no stranger to challenge and pain nor am I a stranger to joy and redemption, I cannot wait to stand on the peak of Africa just as the sun rises, overlooking the breathtaking snow capped glaciers, the magnificence of our beautiful world and to thank my G-d for every big and little blessing and opportunity in my life.
Here’s to a fabulous adventure, L’chaim!
by Chev Bacher
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