Everest, at 29,035 ft. is the highest mountain in the world. Climbing it has been a lifelong aspiration and on April 1st, 2008, all the dreaming came to a sudden halt when it suddenly became a reality. On April 9th, I made the final journey to basecamp, my home for the next seven weeks. My first night, I didn't sleep much. I had had my first view of the Khumbu Icefall, the twisted chaos of seracs and crevasses that makes getting to Camp 1 one of the most dangerous places on the mountain. With every creak and pop of the glacier and rumble of distant avalanches, I thought of the dangers that lay ahead.The Icefall, while dangerous, turned out to be a beautiful place. By the time we left for the summit, crossing the ladders lashed together was almost normal. We reached the summit on May 24th at about 7:30am. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The conditions on that day were very difficult, yet I managed to pull it off. Sitting back in Davis, in the warmth of my tiny room at fire station 34, I still don't think I conquered that mountain. If anything, the mountain let me stand on her highest point, and then kicked my butt, letting me escape only after she let me know who was in charge. Everest has humbled me greatly. My view of the dangers and the physical and emotional challenges I experienced will most likely fade and my memories of the good times and laughs will make me look back on Everest as a great trip with manageable challenges. What will not fade is my respect for the Sherpas of the Khumbu. Their strength, unwavering generosity, and devotion to the success of our expedition inspired me so much. I COULD NOT have climbed Everest with out the Sherpas hard work and great mentalities. I am forever grateful and in debt to them and wish I could help them in any way possible. They live a simple life. Hospitals and schools are scattered throughout the region, but for many, they are a long walk away and have limited facilities. Children play in the streets with half-flat soccer balls, stones, and sticks yet seem to be some of the most happy children in the world. Non-profit organizations such as the American Himalayan Foundation work to provide schools, hospitals, and housing for the needy in the Khumbu. If you are looking to help me out, I urge you to instead help the great people who helped and inspired me and to please go to their website and make a donation. Click on the photo below of my friends Sonam and her child Dawa Puti to go to the American Himalayan Foundation's homepage. 
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