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
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