We started by flying into London from the States. We spent 10 hours there on a layover and got to spend some time in the city. My favorite part about that was to be able to see Big Ben (the clock tower). Next, we flew over to Moscow and down to Min. Vody. which was about an hour or so to the mountain. We were on the mountain for five days. The first day we took lifts up to 11,700 feet and walked up 400 verticle feet. We slept in our tiny cabin-like huts that night and woke up early the next morning for our climatization hike. On this hike we climbed up anywhere from 14,000 to 15,010 feet. Some of us brought our snowboards and got to hit the snow the whole way down. It wasn't bad snow but it was real icy. The next day we relaxed the entire day getting ready to wake up at 3:00 a.m. It was now time for the hike. The hike for me was rewarding. It took us 9 hours to summit the mountain and everytime that I thought we were close we had another 4 hours. The way down wasn't a cake walk either. It took another 3 1/2 to 5 hours for us to get down and only a few of us snowboarded down, but only from 15,000 feet because it was too far for us to bring them to the top.. ha ha. After the mountain we got to go into a town to play soccer against kids from Russia and Chechnia (spell check). This was a lot of fun because we got to interact with the kids. After staying down there for a few days, we headed up to Moscow again. In Moscow we did some shopping and went to the Red Square. This was great because I was standing on history. Finally, we left and went to Munich, Germany. This city was amazing. Most of their transportation was done on electric trains and buses which made getting around easier. By now everyone had had a trip of their life. I know that I did. I was able to grow as a young man and improve things about me that will help out in the future. Thank you to all of you that prayed and supported us on our trip. We barely had any problems and and we appreciate all that you did.

Hey gang, This is Rich Collins. I was one of the leaders on the trip. I've known John for a number of years and participated in the 2xtreme Peru trip as a leader. He asked me to come along on this trip as extra support on the climb and of course, who could turn down a climbing trip to Russia.

This trip was much different from the Peru trip for me. I moved to Pennsylvania from Colorado in the Summer of 2005 to be near my wife's family and to attend graduate school to earn my Masters Degree in Counseling (John played a huge roll in encouraging me to take the step from being a climbing bum to earning an advanced degree, but that's another story for another time). On the Peru trip I was very active w/ the team. I planned and led training weekends and was able to build strong relationships w/ the guys on the trip. This trip was different in that I had never met the guys before I met up w/ them in Russia. I had no idea of their personalities, attitudes, or their experience level. Since they had been a team all year and had been through some tough experiences w/ each other I was unsure of how they'd respond to having to adapt the group dynamics to a new member and a new personality.

The guys were awesome! From day 1 when we met at the base of Elbrus they included me, listened to my opinion and voice of experience, and acted like I'd been w/ them from the beginning. This speaks volumes to me about how much they've grown. Young men, in general, have a very difficult time opening up to strangers. Trust is a huge issue and the masculine competitive nature we as men struggle w/ can impede honesty and openness. Maybe it was each of them being thrust into a foreign experience where their comfort level and need for each other was at a place it hadn't been before, maybe they've lived through experiences where they've seen the futility of displaying a facade and acting out of pretense, or maybe honest and personal communication has been modeled for them. I'm sure it was a combination of those and other factors. Whatever the reason, the guys were open w/ each other and honest w/ themselves throughout the whole trip.

The mountain was harder than I expected. I've spent a ton of time in the mountains. I was an instructor for the Colorado Outward Bound School for 5 years, guided for a Young Life wilderness program for two years, was a Ski Patroller for 5 years, and have climbed and skied religiously. Getting on a mountain the size of Elbrus, even though I've been on them before, always shocks you. In photos and in views from base camp the mountain looks easy. It is one of two moderate looking peaks and the route is straight forward.

The simplicity is the source of the difficulty. On technical climbs you have things to distract you from yourself. When you have to be alert and focused on where you are placing your next piece of protective equipment, where you will swing your ice axe, or how stable your foothold is the adrenaline and focus takes your mind off of how your body is hurting. I've said many times that mountaineering is a masochistic pursuit. There are moments of ecstacy and adrenaline but they are greatly out numbered by hours of pain and suffering. The reward is internal. Climbing mountains changes us. It changes us quietly. We are forced to test the limits of our endurance. The struggle, for me anyway, is more mental than physical. My body is screaming, my lungs are burning, my heartbeat is pounding in my head so loud and so fast from the exertion and altitude that I'm sure my climbing partner can hear it. The lack of oxygen and constant state of hyperventilation make me feel as if I'm going to vomit and I lose my appetite and desire for water. I count breaths, count steps, set attainable goals (OK, I can make it to that next rock outcropping w/out resting), and dream of my sleeping bag and a good book.

Why? What makes it worth the effort and pain?

As I said before, the reward is internal. When you sit on the top of a mountain you gain perspective. We gain perspective on how significant we really are and on how small our problems are. We understand ourselves better. Our limits aren't as narrow as they used to be. There is a quiet strength that wells up w/in us. It is difficult to notice, but obvious once recognized. We aren't the same people. We've wrestled w/ ourselves and with something greater than us. We've found strength and fortitude that we didn't know that we had. We've learned that the easy route isn't always the best route. We've become more confident in ourselves. We're more in tune w/ those around us. In John's words, "We've lived the metaphor". The mountain is a metaphor for life. For our struggles. Just as we can't describe to people what it is like to wrestle w/ addiction or deal w/ a dysfunctional family we cannot describe to people the true nature of the struggle w/ ourselves on the mountain or that moment on the mountain top. We can give them glimpses but they won't understand wholely. The reward, and resulting change, can't be described, only seen.

They guys ability to reach into their guts and will themselves up the mountain is something that I will never forget. It really took more strength than anyone who hasn't climbed can imagine. I am incredibly proud of them, not only for their performance on the climb, but for the commitment I saw of them supporting each other, working out their problems and differences individually and as a group, and their behavior on the trip as a whole. It was amazing to see how much the trip meant to them. Watching them break down as they read letters of encouragement on the night before the summit bid blew me away. I know that had a huge impact and I pray that the things written on paper are now words spoken since they've been home.

I've got to go to work. If any of you guys want to e-mail me pics or tell me how you're doing I'd love to hear from you. richheathercollins@yahoo.com

Rich

First of all Wren wrote this to be read to the guys on Pizza night...

Dear Homies and 2Xtreme team,
Well, as you all know I am off to school for qutie a while and have no clue when I will see you guys again. I hope it is soon though! I just want to tell you guys that this trip changed my life and I'm glad that my life changed with you guys I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anybody else. Congratulations to everybody for conquering their mountain and achieving your own goal.
No more time, have to get on the plane - LOVE YOU ALL TONS!

John also asked that he write for the Blog final thoughts and he ran out of time, but left me with his words.
Wren, expressed more then once that it was an experience of a lifetime for him, he never would have dreamed this could happen for him! And how very grateful he was to the folks that scholarshiped him, to John and the Board for the opportunity and to me (his Mom) for saving and scraping together the mullah for the equipment he would need. His heart overflowed with gratitude.

He was so clear that it took every part of his being to climb that mountain - and to make it to the top was truly the hardest thing he has done - he shared that it was a lot of self talk, encouragement from his teammates, setting his mind to the next 5 steps, hearing our letters of encouragement and sheer will power - He was asked what he learned about himself by his sponsers and friends and his response was " that I have the strength and determination to overcome the hardest things in life and I now know that I can set out any goal for myself and I can achieve it...I didn't really know this before, and it seems like it improved my self esteem."
I asked when he called the day before the climb what has been your most memorable experience on the mountain so far? " My talk with John." this was followed by tears.

Wren's pictures were awesome and as he showed us the slide show he had wonderful pictures of the Russian family he shared meals with - he described the incrediable generosity and bountiful table that was set before them and expressed sadness that the tradition is for the Mother to prepare all day for the meal and then not to be allowed to share in the meal. He seemed to have great respect for the differances in cultures. He enjoyed connecting with the Russian people, the team, the volunteers for Athletes in Action and most of all the Orphans.

He felt the work with the Orphans was the most motivating and life changing part of the trip - his heart shined and his desire is to check out how to become involved in Athletes in Action and go back to Russia - He was very moved by the volunteers he met and loved being with the kids!

He enjoyed the food, the culture, the art and the architecture especially enjoyed the Russian flea market, Munich was green and clean... and the adventures and challenges given in Germany -

Needless to say this stirred Wren's desire's to travel, volunteer and have many more adventures and life experiences with John!

Thank you to John, the team, Valerie and all who made this possible for Wren!

Hello loyal readers

Thought I would update you on the big arrival. The guys were greated at the airport with signs and balloons. Some wore furry traditional Russian hats. Others wore big smiles. We all hugged one another, greeted Brandon (the photographer on the trip) who was capturing the big arrival on tape, thanked our fearless leader, John, and headed off to food and home.

Brandon P. never stopped talking at dinner. He was on a "high" ( a legal one ) and spilled over with stories about his adventure. He read us his journal (required by John) and would elaborate on each days entry. He asked that I make him one of my famous scrapbooks, which we will work on this summer together.

Living with a dozen young men isn't all it's cracked up to be but the awesome sure outweighed the negative. I am hoping the boys will get on this blog and share a few stories. We are gathering at our home on Monday night for an evening of story sharing. When the video is finished we will gather again and have a movie night.

Brandon has already developed his film to share with grandma and grandpa and our family tonight. Brandon said it was evident that God was there in every step, opening doors, and protecting the guys on their trip.

The climb was the hardest thing he has ever done. He said that just when they thougtht they were at the top, another peak was yet to come. It pushed them. It challenged them. It grew them up. And when at the summit, he said he was so exhausted and proud of himself that he and the others just cried and took it all in. (What an awesome God we have

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers
Randy and Lynette

Dear Parents, friends and family.

In just a few minutes we are leaving Munich, Germany for our travel to be with you after 17 days abroad. We have had a great breakfast at the hostel and are making our way to the train terminal for our first flight to London for a short layover and then on to Denver.

We had a fabulous day in Munich yesterday. We had a great game of ultimate frisbee at the largest park in Germany. Lunch was fun in one of the many markets around some 12th century churches and administrative buildings. Dinner at a very traditional german hall. And of course ice cream/gelato. Feel free to ask Leif how much ice cream he consumed in 24 hours. The ice cream shop called him by name each time he walked in!

We are all ready to come home and share all of our stories. I can not thank you all enough for your daily prayers and support. Every day someone would remind us all about just how much our families love and support us. This adventure has been spectacular. Thank you all for making this trip a reality for each of your young men and for really showing them how much you believe in them. We are blessed, loved and grateful.

SEE YOU IN DENVER!

Love You,

John

Families,

I did hear from John last night. All is well in Germany and the team is doing great.

Valerie

Hey everyone!

We successfuly left Moscow! I am writing from a youth hostel in the city center of Munich. I pulled a big surprize on the guys by informing them at the Munich airport that they were 100% responsible to find our accomodations, transportation and figure out our activities for our time here for the 48 hours. To my delight they got it all done. They were put into three teams and given a budget. They did go over a bit on the budget for housing but they decided to not have a glorious dinner and opted for Mcdonalds in order to get back to the daily spending limit. They have learned so much on this trip about traveling and safety and being a responsible traveler. The big lesson for today is that they could take care of themselves internationally and find what they need to survive. And do it all on a tight spending limit.

Today we are going to a huge park to play ultimate frisbee and do some personal interviews for the dvd and then the guys will have some time to shop and hang out prior to our departure home on Wed. They are all excited to return home. They have a million stories for you. They are all exhausted too!

We depart from our Hostel in the morning and we look forward to seeing you at DIA.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support.

John

Hello from Moscow!

We had a full 6 minutes on the phone with Brandon P. this noon. He caught us on the cell phone on the way back from a soccer tournament in Boulder. The guys got to Moscow and were split up into different taxis. None of them had translators and they accidently were split up on the road. They were all a little nervous for a while but all ended up at the same hostel. I told Brandon to be aware there are lots of theives in the hostels but everyone I talked to said that people really enjoy the experience. Be careful! He said they were already aware of that and being very careful.

They took the underground Metro around Moscow and walked about 6 miles around town today. He said they went to St. Bastil in the Red Square. St. Bastil's has been there since the 14th century. They have been in awe of the history. He informed us that Red Square was famous for the televised broadcast of Russian tanks with bombs strapped on top during the 1940's. (He said we may not remember ,but that grandma and grandpa would. Thank you Brandon for that acknowledgement of our youth That event spurred on the "Red Scare".

They went shopping in the largest Russian flea market and ate at Moscow's Hard Rock Cafe! He said it tasted so good to have American food like burgers. They will fly to Munich tomorrow.

All are healthy but Bryce has a slight cold. Nothing serious. Everyone has lost weight. (some didn't have much to lose) Brandon P. said they are tired. He said this trip was just the right amount of time. Any longer would have been too long and any shorter would not have been enough time to experience everything they wanted to.

John has been sending them into town in teams to find out where they have to go next in their own sort of "Amazing Race" it sounds like. Brandon said they TRY to find someone who speaks English but that doesn't happen often. They are learning the basics in Russian: Thank you, Good bye, Hello etc... (Probably using some primitive sign language as well.)

They all send their love and can't wait to see everyone at the airport on Wednesday.

That's all folks! (Like that doesn't date me
Lynette and Randy

Bryce called a short time ago to say the team is in Moscow. All are doing well. It was about 2 a.m. local time when he called. They arrived in Moscow earlier in the evening. They loaded into three taxis to head from the airport to the hostel. This had its own challenges as they have found getting around in Moscow a bit more difficult due to language barriers and not having local contacts to help them. The first hostel they tried was full, so they eventually got all three taxis to a 2nd hostel which had space available. After getting settled they went out for an evening meal and found that Moscow deserves its reputation as an expensive city to visit and live. They will be in Moscow another night and then begin their return trip. Bryce mentioned how it's hard to believe they have been gone almost two weeks. It's gone very fast. That's until they think of friends and family back home. Then it seems like a very long time.

Kent & Jodi

Good Afternoon Everyone,



Debbie was left a message on her cell phone from John stating they are having extreme difficulties contacting us with the satellite phone, and communications have been spotty at best. They are traveling to Mineral Vody today to catch their flight to Moscow. Once they are in Moscow they are hoping communications will be better. John said all the boys are doing great and had a great time with all the kids at the orphanage. He said there were over 500 kids there, and the boys had a great time inner acting with all the kids. So far only some minor medical concerns, but all those involved are doing much better. It sounds like this trip is looking like life changing for all the boys. Isn’t that what the main goal of the trip was all about anyways; to show our son’s the positive side of life and how the choices they make will make a difference in their future. Treasure all these moments, always remember to let your son know the positive things he does; don’t have any regrets that you should have talked or inner acted with your son’s activities for one day God has a plan for us all. Don’t get caught wondering why I didn’t talk with my son more.



Relax and enjoy the week-end, our son’s would want us to,



Kevin & Debbie Heidt

Dear Valerie, Parents and Kelsey--

I received a call from John and was able to talk for almost 20 minutes! Greg was not available but just listening to John recount their experiences brought me to tears (not such a good thing as I was with my 17 yr. old at the mall. There is so much to share so I will start with trying to convey how proud John is of these boys. They are truly a team of hearts and souls that have touched the lives of others; some who have never embraced an American. By embracing, I mean the boys have repeatedly been invited into Russian homes to eat, socialize, and sleep. This reaction is not customary among the Russians. Americans who live there for years have said that the treatment of the team and how they have been welcomed is unprecedented!. It has taken 2-3 years for some Americans to be invited to a Russian friend's home to share a meal—let alone sleepover.

The translator interpreted a story one of the Russian mothers wanted to share with John— I hope I remember all of the details. There are two doors. When you open each door and walk through, you will find one room that is welcoming; the other room, dark and uninviting with spider webs. Most people enter the room that is warm and comfortable-- not John. He selects the door with the dark and imposing room. What John finds there is more significant--he finds people like our boys who are loving, compassionate and know what is important in life. She said when American high schoolers climb Mt. Elbrus, the Russian community pretty much ignores them, such was not the case with the team. She communicated her admiration for John's work and for the boys for what they have accomplished.

John said that we will not recognize our boys in that they have grown in so many ways. One of the elements of growth he has witnessed is how they have developed respect for others.

As a parent of a team member, I thank you all for allowing my son to take this journey with your sons, boyfriend and husband. Several months ago when I had the opportunity to meet the team, I commented to John that he was so lucky! I could tell that these boys truly cared about eachother and that they clearly loved John.

To Valerie, thank you so much with all of my heart. Without your commitment to John’s occupation and his passion, there would not be a dream team on a trip of a lifetime!

Much love,


Carolyn

Hey friends

John gave me a call at 1:45 our time. He appologized for Brandon missing his call to us last night. I guess the satalite phone was promised to work 85% of the time and is giving about 10%. They can see the satalite go over head often but because of cloud coverage they can't make it work. They are also in an extremely remote area now that they are off the mountain. Also the guys are not always together and have split up into groups in town. He isn't always with the guy whose time it is to call, as was the case last night for Brandon P.
Here is the scoop.
They chose not to go to the Black sea due to a couple of reasons. Reason #1 they took an extra day on the mountain due to the time it took to get down. Reason #2 it takes 2 days to travel to the Black sea. Reason #3 they were invited to stay and eat with the families of their mountain cooks. This was an amazing opportunity. One of their translaters said that he had been in Russia for 3 years and has never been invited over for dinner. They have been invited into two homes now. One of the women commented on how happy she was to see what good the guys were doing there. Their hearts are being softened as they touch others and impact lives.
The dance was awesome last night. There were over 1000 people in attendance. This is a cultural event dated back 300 years. It was the place young men and women would meet one another. The russian people were dressed in traditional garb (including their mountain cook) and danced, without touching one another as a way to meet.
Our Brandon P. took the opportunity to dance along with the men. He was met with much laughter. (That doesn't surprise us)
The community service projects went well. There were 500+ kids in attendance. They are due to play some basketball later. (Hopefully they will do better at B-ball than they did at soccer)
There was another highlight that some of the guys were able to participate in. Leaf, Brandon A., Joey, John and Bryce were able to go to an orphange. ( The others stayed to do laundry and take naps) They weren't able to all go due to the size of their group. They orphans are 4-years-old and are raised by women. When they saw the men, they cried. They never see men. It was very emotional for the guys. The children had all been abandoned and it was sad.
All the guys are doing GREAT!! They are all healthy and feeling well. Exhausted, but well. Brandon P. said he is going to need a vacation after this is over. They are staying busy.
Now for the next few days, it will be nearly impossible to guarantee the satalite phone will work. After today, there will not be any translators to help John with the pay phone situation. He may not be able to reach the parents he was scheduled to call. He apologizes for this but it is unavoidable.
Know they are ALL thinking of their families. They send their love.
Expect great things in the future out of these young men and their life-changing adventure.

Families:
I talked to John about getting the group together for dinner to share their thoughts with all the families while they are still feeling the excitement. We are considering Monday night, June 18th at our house at 6:30 pm. I know my parents wanted to come too. Feel free to invite any grandparents that want to come. Let's do a pizza party. It is easy. Everyone could bring $ for pizza and bring a 6pack of soda.
Any sooner, they are going to be exhausted getting over jet lag, and that weekend is Father's Day.
Then, after the video has been assembled and edited (could be a while he has filmed hours and hours) we will get together again to view it. (Maybe at our church to fit everyone in with a big screen)
Email me to let me know if you are able to come and how many will attend.
p.s. John may or may not be able to be there but told me to go ahead and do it. (I leave that Wednesday for a week long trip)

Waiting with anticipation for their return,
Randy and Lynette Pickering

HEY EVERYONE!!!! John just called at 1:52 p.m. from Malacheck, Russia - left a message on my cell because I had it turned off for class. )(*&($$#(*$#!!!!

Anyhow - everyone is doing fantastic!!!! He apologized for not having Eric make a personal call BUT - the boys are living with three different families at the present time in a remote mineral springs area that is very popular with the Russian people. They are very safe!!! Lack of reception makes it almost impossible to have them make a personal call. All the boys are loving the food. Last evening they were treated to a "home-cooked" meal from the parents of one of the cooks on the expedition. The parents spent time with the group saying what a pleasure it was to have foreigners in their home. It rarely happens and they were so glad to be able to share.

They have seen 500 children in the last few days - have played lots of soccer and have had fun. They painted a garage for Athletes in Action.

They leave Mineraly Vody (mineral water) tomorrow (? Friday or Saturday) and that's where the message cut off. Sorry.

Hope all of you are well!!! Merry Snyder

I recieved an e-mail from Bryce today. He said that they hadn't been getting any reception in Nalcheck, but everyon is doing just fine. He said that he is sad to be leaving his new friends in Nalcheck, but misses home too. He also mensioned the exceptional cooking of their hosts, and said that he wants to revisit. All in all, it sounds like they are still having a ball!

Hey all

We waited all night for our assigned phone call from Brandon P. They must have been busy or thought because he called the other day that he didn't need to call on the 6th. Hope someone hears soon.

Lynette and Randy

Wait! Take a deep breath, it's not as bad as it sounds! John's posting let the cat out the bag ---the Chechen players are agreesive and rather good, to say the least. According to Tim and Nic, they are among the best players these American varisty soccer players have ever played against. The soccer field is really a concrete basketball court with a wire fence around it. The stadium was packed--- everyone wanted to see the Chechen vs. USA match. When the Chechen team scored a goal (which was often) the stadium roared and the whole town could keep score!

Nic's injury provided him with an unforgetable experience. In addition to the details John shared, the Russian police came to the hospital because a foriegner had been injured and they wanted to see if Nic was going to press charges. Nic declined as it was purely accidental. However, the police remained at the hospital with Nic. (We all know how much teen boys adore the police. After Nic suffred through the cartilege realigment, the police wanted to take Nic to the police station to fill out a complicated form with his statement. Fortunately, John's russian speaking colleagues convince the police to let Nic complete the form in the hospital parking lot. Nic now has a photo of him with a Russian policeman standing in front of the police car. Nic is wearing the policeman's hat. Parents, eat your hearts out:-)

The team is doing amazing ---- everyone played in the soccer tournament. The next several days sound great with more soccer, field-day type games, cultura; events and community service.

Sounds as though our boys will be returning as young men --- thank you all for sticking by them and for loving them enough to let them go.
CJ Juleff

Hey everyone! I am writing from my friend Hutch's home in Nalchik. We have had the most amazing adventure. Wanted you all to know that every one of your prayers and well wishes have been received. The boys are doing fantastic. The mountain was just incredible! I mean incredible! Each young man worked tremendously hard at climbing this long mountain. Each one reached a personal goal and was celebrated! The team worked together to support one another with every step. We are off the mountain and safe with no stomach virus as well.

Today we played the Chechen soccer players. About 250 kids showed up and lined the stadium to cheer us on. The age range is 6-18. Our team played the older kids who from my perspective could all have full division 1 college scholarships! They are that good. They were also very aggressive. Our team was wonderful sports! Brandon P was pushed down and has a nice road rash on his knee and elbow--and Nic got kicked in the face on accident and was sent to the hospital for an x-ray. Let me tell you the whole experience was unreal. The hospital was a vision you may expect! Paint falling off the walls and ceiling. Lights broken. Tiles on the floor missing and the list goes on. Nic rode there in a 1950's ambulance with the lights rollin. I am happy to report that his nose was not broken--but they did have to reset his cartilage. That was an experience to watch. Nic was a trooper and so brave. When they put him in this 7 X 15 room he was 3 feet away from an open surgery on a young girls nose. So much for the sanitary environment. Nic is feeling fine and has little pain.

In the morning we are playing more camp games with the smaller Chechen kids. There are 500 at the camp we are going to. In the afternoon we are doing a community service project by helping to build the soccer park that Hutch and his friends have been working on for 2 years. In the evening we are going to a Kabarkian traditional dance. One of the cooks who is Kabarkian invited us to attend. Over 1000 people will be there.

Tonight we had the pleasure of having dinner at the home of Rastam our cook from the mountain. His entire family was there to meet our team. The boys were kind and gracious and great eaters! Two groups of boys are spending the night in Russian homes---both the cooks from the climb. This is a big deal! The boys were excited to sleep out with some new friends. They are safe, healthy and exhausted. I have pushed them with a tight schedule!

They all talk about you all and how much they miss you.

I have seen some amazing moments with your sons and I can't thank you enough for trusting me with them. They are changing in front of my eyes. It is not uncommon to hear comments like: "Man do I have it easy at home", or "Man do I take my life for granite", or "You never hear them complain--they seem so happy without anything"!

This has been the most amazing journey for me and for your sons. I hope you are blessed to hear this has been truely awesome to experience!

We love you all!

John

Emailed from the Heidts: Update on Tim's Condition:

Good Morning Everyone,

We heard from Tim last night at about 12:30. They are back down from the mountain now and everyone one is doing fine. Tim said he was left behind when the group made their final push for the summit due to the intense sunlight off the snow and ice and that he didn’t have all his vision back yet. He said the rest of the group made it to the top and back safe and sound. He said the group all came back from the summit with sunburns, some even 2nd degree due to all the sunlight. He said the weather has been great, even reaching the 90’s. Today the weather is suppose to be in the high 60’s low 70’s, he said they are glad for the cooler weather. Tim said it was like you could reach up to the clouds and touch them, they were that close to the clouds. They are traveling to Nalchek (spelling) today to play soccer with the local kids and meet the children of the orphanage. Tim said they are crazy drivers over there. He said it is really green like a tropical forest over there. He said they had the same meal each night on the mountain ( Tim’s words ) a chunk of beef, 3 potatoes, vegetables and broth; a cross between stew and pot roast. One night they had meatloaf with their meal, he said he really didn’t care for it ( missed mom’s cooking ). He said they would be spending tonight at the cook’s house and his mother was going to cook them a home cooked meal. Now that had Tim’s interest ( food ). He said they were all having the times of their lives, and the trip was better than they all could have imagined. Tim ended the call saying the group was extremely excited about traveling around the country now, and getting to see all the sights.


Sounds like the group is having a great time and that they are proud of all their group and individual accomplishments. Hopefully this will be the life changing event in their lives that propels them forward with purpose and direction; and that there isn’t anything they can not accomplish in life. You could hear in Tim’s voice that they are all having a great time, and that the group is bonding into life long friends.



Congratulations to all the young men and all their leaders!!! Whorah!!!!


Thank you John for loving our boys so much, and taking care of them.


Kevin & Debbie Heidt

I heard from Greg twice this morning for a total of one minute--he said that everyone is doing really well. He got sunburned and was now blistering. Tim is doing much better. The hotel is very nice and they met two Russian teenagers who spoke a little English.

I received a very short call from Brandon this morning which was cut short like many other calls we're getting it looks like. Anyway, he sounded really good and said everybody was doing "great". It was great to hear his voice. He told me he got sunburned pretty bad on his cheeks but the it was getting alot better. He said Tim was "doing great now" and was recovering well from his snow blindness. He said they were just hanging out at the hotel today and then he was gone. Hopefully, he calls back!

Oh my gosh! I just had a surprise call from Wren so thankful I was sitting at my desk!
He said "he still can't believe it's happening and that there has been alot of tears all around at ALL the boys accomplishments!"
"It was the best, they were above the clouds and it was the most beautiful, surreal experience of his life." I asked him how it was to get to the top..."it was one of the hardest things I have ever done and I would think I couldn't make it another step, would be frustrated, tired and kept thinking if I make it to the next spot I will quit - but then would think about the last year and knew I could make it! And he shared without the team it wouldn't have been possible!

The letters from all of us kept him strong and he thanked each of us for the encouragement and belief in him. "It made all the differance"

They are at the base of Elbrus in a nice hotel...he just kept repeating it's just the best thing that has ever happened! Excited for the next leg of playing with the Orpahns, staying in a Russian home and going to a Dance on Wed. evening. The exuberance over the phone radiated!

I am so grateful!

Yea! Had a chance to speak with Nic this morning. His mountaineering backpack is in Min Vody:-). He sounds great and says that on the mountain he feels as though he's back in Colorado. At the hotel the terrain is rough and not as attractive. He says that the Russian guides are very friendly but the Russian people stare at the team. Tomorrow night they are having dinner with Russians (I'm not sure if these are the guides or a family...). He mentioned that the food on the mountain was really good and that the food at the hotel wasn't bad either.

They will conduct one soccer camp tomorrow and another on the 6th. Nic says he does not think they are going to be able to swim in the Black Sea.

He sounded in good form...just disappointed that he didn't make the summit. I assured him that we were all amazed at each and every one of the team members and that none of us would have made it even 10,000 feet! CJ Juleff

I just got a call from Bryce this morning and they are down from the mountain, we got disconected pretty fast, but it was so great to hear his voice! He said that everything has gone amazingly smooth and that reaching the summit was one of the most amazing experiences of his life! I am so happy they are safe!

Brandon P. surprised us with a call tonight at 8:40 pm. He said he had to call and tell us that he had made it to the summit, 18,600 feet. He said they are all feeling great. All but 3 made it to the very top. But all had personal climbing records.
Tim experienced snow blindness on the first day of the climb. His eyes hurt and he couldn't see well enough to climb but is improving.
Brandon said the first climb to 14,750 they all got sun blistered and are really cracked and dry today.
He said it took 9 hours to climb and he went down to 15,000 feet and snowboarded for 40 minute down the mountain. The snow wasn't as good as Colorado but was still fun to go down, knowing it was June here.
He said thankyou for the letters and the support and the trip and sent his love. He sounded emotional. We asked if he wanted to do this again, he said, "I don't know, we will have to see."
They are going to go down and get a much needed shower after 4 days.
We lost the call after 3 minutes.

Lynette and Randy P.

Hello Everyone:

Eric called just a few minutes ago - 8:30 p.m. our time. I didn't answer the cell because it was way upstairs and I was working downstairs and Eric is not scheduled to call until June 6th at 10 p.m. Anyhow, he said the food is good, the huts are warm and everything is going great. He also said he'd see us in a few days. ?????? Hope the knee is working OK. He said making it to the summit was really cool. it was great to hear his voice - such a man at 18!!!! Talk to you all soon - Merry Snyder