Greg's Story

The 2xtreme Dream was an amazing experience which will leave an imprint on me for the rest of my life. It is not every day that a 15-year-old boy goes to the other side of the globe without his parents. John has led me on a path which involved Mt. Elbrus. As John repeated on numerous occasions on the trip: “Can you believe it? You guys are living the metaphor.” When he said that he really meant, “The mountain is your life and you are trying to conquer it.” Personally, I walked away from this trip knowing that no matter how much work and pain you put into something, you must keep going to pursue your goal. Once climbing the mountain I literally felt like I had climbed out of my own hole and I was given a new starting point to continue my life as a happy and successful person.

Soccer with the Chechen orphans was an incredible experience. The kids made us feel like we were famous they made us feel like it was an honor to play with us. I remember shaking almost every one of those kids hands, over one thousand, some multiple times.

My life was a rock and now I feel like the rock has cracked and I have achieved that break is by putting time and effort into achieving my dreams. I now know that what lies ahead and what is inside is beautiful. John has left an enormous impact on my life and I would trust him with anything. He has led me through the right doors to happiness.

For the team: YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!


Greg -15