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!