It's not always about how fast you climb the mountain. Sometimes, it's the climb that means the most.
I feel really stupid for paraphrasing a now falling teen pop star, Hannah Montana, but I see what she means. Hiking Echo Mountain has been the most arduous and painstaking task I've ever done since the end soccer season. Did I suffer the entire time I was on that mountain? Yes. When you start to curse the only source of water you carry, a water bottle, because it feels like a lead block, it usually has negative connotations. Would I hike that mountain again if I had the chance? Absolutely YES.
Despite the negative commentary, it actually felt good to get to the top of that mountain. The scene wasn't what I hoped for, but that's not the point. The amount of accomplishment I felt as the boys and I stood in the breeze with our shorts at our knees, and our gloots exposed for the world to see was unparalleled.
I felt so ebullient due to not only my suffering but also because I realized I was capable of so much more. Forgive my dickory, but I feel bad for those who didn't make it to the top. Of course, they tried their best, but I know they could have made it. I really feel compelled to do even more difficult tasks now. If I felt this good from hiking, how good will I feel when I go to Korea? The possibilities are endless.
Through all this, I can't forget the rest of the group. Running ahead of the group allowed me to get to the top faster, but there were some who really needed a companion to talk to. True character shows in difficult times I guess... As I go to Korea, I CANNOT forget about the feelings of others. I now know what I can do, and the few do not just need a few extra encouragements to make it. The question is -- who will be there to help?
