Takeaways

"This hike was a wonderful learning experience for me to grow in humility. A mile into the hike, heading up a steep mountain side, both of my quads locked. My muscles would not move. In immense pain, I soldiered on, trying to be like David Goggins for the next seven miles. David Goggins is a retired Navy Seal and motivational speaker, who stresses the importance of pushing through pain and growing in character. And so there I was pushing through pain, and building in character.

Eventually, we made it to camp, and David and I got the fire going. I was physically and mentally drained from pushing myself through adversity and a bit frustrated that the training I had under taken over the summer had not paid off. I had gotten back into weightlifting and running to prep for this hike. I was disappointed, but I vowed to give the next day my best effort. Then, we went to sleep.

At 11:45 PM, I woke up and I could not see out of my left eye. It was swollen from an allergic reaction. Fear gripped my soul, as I realized that I was in between two mountains in a shelter with no cell service with legs that would not work, and an immune system that was flaring up. I was scared. I rolled over and took my medication. Then I had to figure out what to do.

Getting out of my sleeping bag and leaving the shelter, I started pacing for an hour, mentally discerning what the best course of action would be with my current physical and mental state. Finally, I concluded that, for the betterment of the team and for the betterment of myself, it was time to pull the plug. A saying that I was reflecting on during this time was “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. I did not want to be a weak link for my team. Additionally, I realized that it would be imprudent and impractical for me to continue forward with my current physical and mental state. Thus, I asked Dr. Krom for help, growing in humility.

Dr. Krom was wonderful, and took amazing care of me to get me out of the valley and heading home. I am very thankful to him, and the rest of my hiking clan for understanding and for supporting me through this crazy experience. I am very thankful for the hike, as it showed me my physical and mental limits, and proves to me that it is OK to ask for help."

Drawing on the words of the intrepid adventurer and philosopher Gandalf the White, 

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us”

- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

Thomas :)

"It's a very contagious phenomenon when a person chooses to climb a steep slope, carry part of someone else's load, or hike 12 miles in wet clothing all with an uplifting persona. It seemed unlikely such a thing would happen. . . . . but it did. And it often garnered such a positive response from the group that everyone suddenly began persevering with an extraordinary attitude. This was especially true on day #4 where I fondly remember singing songs to lighten the mood.... I did my best to sing - although I would classify it more as yodeling in different pitches as I lost my breath going up steep hills. The talented vocalists made up for my subpar yodeling, for which I am grateful. My gratitude extends to the many instances when people chose a good over poor attitude leading to strong perseverance.

-John

"The best part of the Benedictine Outdoor Leadership experience was getting to know an amazing group of people and seeing them pull together as a unified team, rooted in prayer, to accomplish something truly extraordinary.  They demonstrated the fortitude and charity of the highest caliber leaders, with hearts of servants.  If we ever experience a “Zombie Apocalypse,” these are the first ten people I will call.”

-Br. Roman

"I learned a lot about myself, a lot about God, and a lot about friends, new and old, on this trip. It was indeed a blessing, even when the rain and the uphills made it seem like it wasn't. This hike was a great way to experience genuine community and sharpen one's self with the grindstone of adversity."

-Parker