Freedom Climb 2013 – Hike to Tengboche

By – Celia Shortt

Today, the Freedom Climb Team hiked  to the village of Tengboche. They said the hike was long, but very beautiful. It included walking along the roof of the mountain and beside a river, seeing wildlife, seeing another view of Mt. Everest, and experiencing some new weather 🙂

Hiking to Tengboche (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Hiking to Tengboche (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Village on the way to Tengboche (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Walking along the river (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Two more hours to Tengboche! (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

A climber from Iowa they met on the trail. He’s celebrating his 80th birthday!

In the hours spent hiking, each climber has the opportunity to remember why they are doing this – to help those women and children who are enslaved and oppressed and cannot free themselves.

“The hike today was good. All the way the scenery was very beautiful. We could see Mt. Everest again and could just see how amazing the creation of God is. For me, the favorite part of this hiking has been to link my experience here with the people who are suffering.” –Gildelia Moromisato

Himalayas (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Village children (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

“We got to see our very first yak, which was amazing. It looked like a big wooly mammoth….It’s snowing!! The yaks are all white!” – Cathey Anderson

A Yak (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Tomorrow (late tonight here), the ladies hike up to Dingboche. Each day the hikes get steeper, higher, and more difficult. None of these women are letting that scare them. They are still united in their purpose of raising awareness and funds for oppressed women and children throughout the world. In fact, they are even more united and focused now that they are feeling better and able to get the rest they need on the trail.

Dingboche (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Dingboche (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Pray that the ladies continue to feel better and remain healthy.
Pray that the weather would not hinder them from hiking.
Pray that they would be an encouragement and witness to those people they come into contact with on the trail and in villages.

Continue to check the Freedom Climb Facebook page and website for more updates, pictures, and videos.

Freedom Climb 2013 – Acclimatization Day

By – Celia Shortt

After their long hike, the Freedom Climb team had a day not only to rest and adjust to the higher altitude, but also to reflect on the difficult hike the day before and their journey so far.

Debbie, second from the front, crossing the bridge.

“It was pretty phenomenal. We had a couple girls on our team who were pretty weak, but I’m telling you they powered through it. It was absolutely stunning beautiful. We had to zig zag across the river a couple times. I wasn’t too crazy about the bridges. I’m a little afraid of heights, so I was looking straight ahead, not down. The porters have been fantastic about taking care of us.” – Debbie Dingle, Freedom Climber from Florida

 

To adjust to the higher altitude, the climbers took some shorter steep hikes around Namche. Their first hike was in the morning before sunrise where they hiked about to a plateau and saw Mt. Everest for the first time since arriving. They also got to see the sunrise over it.

“Today, well we got up very early. I think it was like 5:30. We walked for about an hour to this plateau where we could look over Everest and see the sun come up. It was absolutely stunning!” – Rose Hack

Rose Hack and fellow climber, Denise

Gorgeous View!

View of Namche where they stayed last night

View of the team hiking

While hiking, the team had a great time of fellowship and worship as they spent time together and enjoyed their surroundings. Tomorrow, the team has a long hike to Dingboche where they will spend the night.

Marleen, a Freedom Climber who lives in Africa, is greeted by team members as finishes her hike.

Finishing the hike!

The climbers of the team who went to Baylor University take a minute to celebrate being alumni 🙂

A sign on the trail pointing the way to Tengboche

Please continue to pray for their health.
Pray for hurting knees and aching bodies to feel better.
Pray that they will hike quickly and make up the time lost from having to stay in Lukla for a night.
Continue to check the Freedom Climb Facebook page and website for more updates and pictures.

The Freedom Climb standing in front of Mt. Everest.

Freedom Climb 2013 – Long, Hot, Dusty, and all Uphill – The Hike to Namche

By – Celia Shortt

The Freedom Climb team endured their longest and most difficult hike (so far) and made it to Namche! In the midst of the difficulty of the hike, they pulled together and powered through. Their hike was filled with beautiful scenery, huge heights, and wonderful fellowship with each other and God.

Eating breakfast before leaving Phakding

Preparing to leave Phakding

Hiking to Namche

The river on the hike to Namche

The ladies crossing the river on a really high bridge on the way to Namche

Break at Monjo on the way to Namche

Break at Monjo on the way to Namche

Judy Hart – Hiking to Namche

Stopping for lunch

Namche!

“We are at a guesthouse in Namche, Nepal. Today we hiked from 7 am to 5 pm up the side of an extremely steep mountain. It was the hardest physical thing I have ever experienced, but I know there are people suffering every single day- which makes this effort worth it.” – Sarah Bradfield

Sarah and Annette at Namche

“We have had a long hike from Phakding today! The trail was busy with yaks, donkeys and groups of people, in addition to porters with heavy loads! Several ladies still weakened, and hike long + altitude, so it took a while! All 3 teams cheered one another on! Such good fellowship and attitudes among ladies. Several said hardest hike of their life!” – Annette Sky

“Made it to Namche – elev 11,000 ft. We climbed at least 8 hrs straight up. Hardest thing I’ve ever done! Only God got us up today!” – Becky Barnhart

“We have made it to Namche!!!! What a day! You need to look images of this place up.” – Cheryl Bell

Namche Campsite

Christina and Pat

Namche Campsite

Rose and Denise

Tomorrow, the climbers will spend a day in Namche to adjust to the altitude. While there, they will go on a short (40 minute) hike and spend most of their time resting and adjusting to being 3,000 feet higher in elevation.

Continue to pray for their health and stamina.
Pray that they will adjust to the altitude and gain the rest that they need.
Pray that they will impact the lives of those they come into contact with in Namche.

Be sure to check the Freedom Climb Facebook page and website for more information.

Freedom Climb 2013 – The Trekking Has Begun

By – Celia Shortt

After being delayed for a day because of some illness, the Freedom Climb team reached the small village of Phakding, their first destination on the trail to Mt. Everest Base Camp. The team hiked for about five hours before reaching the village and setting up camp. Everyone is in good spirits and settling in for the night.

Himalayan Rivers along the trail to Phakding (photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Animals with them on the trail (photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Tomorrow will be a longer and more difficult day for the team. They are hiking to Namche, the next village on the way to Everest. The hike will be long, hot and uphill. Tonight they are resting well and gearing up for tomorrow.

The village of Namche, where they will be trekking to tomorrow (photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

“Tomorrow is going to be a long day because we hike from here up to Namche… it’s going to be long and hot and dusty and all uphill. But the good news is that everybody’s going to be feeling so much better tomorrow that we’ll be in good shape.” – Cathey Anderson, Freedom Climb Founder

Cathey Anderson

Continue to pray for the health of the climbers.
Pray that the hike tomorrow would go well.

Remember to check out the Freedom Climb Facebook page and website for more updates and pictures.

Freedom Climb 2013 – Travel to Lukla

By – Celia Shortt

Yesterday, at 6:45 p.m. EST, the Freedom Climb team boarded three separate planes and flew to the small town of Lukla. Due to some illness and other elements, their climb itinerary has changed, and the climbers stayed in Lukla for the day instead of hiking to Phakding. Tomorrow morning (late tonight here) they will start on the trail to Mt. Everest.

Despite this delay, the climbers enjoyed spending time in Lukla and interacting with the people there.

Annette Sky, Freedom Climber

“Crazy busy at Kathmandu airport this morning, but we climbers were able to board our scheduled 3 Twin Otters. Beautiful flight over mountains where people farm and live without roads, running water or electricity. Turned between snow covered peaks to short uphill runway at the Lukla airport! Beautiful rhododendron mountain sides framed by blinding white peaks all around!” – Annette Sky

The runway/landing strip in Lukla

Our plane!

Kristy Allan and climbers on the plane

Kate and Autumn on the plane

Joanne and her “special” bag after the flight

“Our team landed safely! Thank you for your prayers! Keep praying:-)” – Tina Yeager

Tina Yeager

The flights they were on were the first that were allowed to leave the airport in 4 days due to windy weather. In fact, after they landed, the airport was shut down. After the team landed, they all enjoyed breakfast before some went out to see the town.

Breakfast in Lukla

Yaks in Lukla

Girl singing in Lukla

Part of the village

Climbers seeing the town

They call this a hill?!

Continue to pray for the health of the climbers.
Pray that they will remain healthy and begin their trek well.
Pray that the weather would cooperate and not hinder them.

Pray for continued safety and favor as they travel.
Pray that they would continue to see God’s grace and provision throughout their journey.

For more updates and pictures, go the Freedom Climb Facebook page and website.

Freedom Climb 2013 – Last Day of Preparations

By – Celia Shortt

Today is the last day the Freedom Climb team has to prepare in Kathmandu before they begin their flight to the trail-head in Lukla. All of them are excited and ready to begin their journey to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar Peak!

Morning Orientation

Hiking around Kathmandu

Climbers walking though the fields by the hotel

While the climbers are on Everest, there will be two teams of women who will be praying for them throughout the duration of the climb. They will also be praying for the women and children who are enslaved and oppressed.

Prayer team in the prayer room

A wall in the prayer room

Prayer Team and climbers

Prayer team and climbers

Sarah Bradfield

“Tomorrow we are headed to Lukla, Nepal to begin our trek! Our team of 45 is anxious, nervous, and excited. Thanks everyone for the thoughts, encouragement and prayers!” – Sarah Bradfield, Freedom Climber from the U.S.

 

 

Cheryl Bell

 

 

 

 

 

“Up and rolling in Kathmandu. Day of training, prep, packing and repacking and praying. Fly to Lukla early tomorrow (Thursday) morning!” – Cheryl Bell, Freedom Climber from the U.S.

 

 

Shelly Conrad

Hello! It’s 6 AM here and though my alarm is not set to go off until 7:50 AM, an orchestra of birds has awakened me! No AC here, so the windows are open (w/screens). It’s a cool morning but it will heat up. Breakfast this AM, a meeting, then we travel to an OM Project home. We leave  tomorrow to catch our flight to the trail-head in Lukla. Pray for clear skies and a smooth, safe flight. Hope to catch a glimpse of Everest on the way! Limited internet on trek. Communication via text. Thanks for praying! Love to all!  – Shelly Conrad, Freedom Climber from the U.S.

 

 

At 4:30 am tomorrow in Kathmandu (6:45 pm tonight), these 45 ladies will board a small plane and travel to Lukla where they will start their journey at the Mt. Everest trail-head. From there, they will have a short trek to Phakding, camp overnight, and then trek on Namche.

This plane is like the one they will be taking to Lukla. (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Kathmandu from the air on the way to Lukla – (Photo by OMer and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

View of the mountain range they are flying through on the way to Lukla – (Photo by OMer, and Freedom Climber, Nancy Byrne)

Pray that everything would go smoothly at the airport as they leave for Lukla.

Pray that there will not be at backup at the airport before their flight.

Pray for safety on the flight to Lukla.

Pray for the health of all the ladies.

For more updates and pictures go to the Freedom Climb website and the Facebook page.

Freedom Climb 2013 – Trip to Nepal

By – Celia Shortt

After hours of plane flights and layovers, the US Freedom Climbers are in Nepal where they are meeting with the rest of the Freedom Climb team from all over the world. Here are some pictures and highlights from their long to Kathmandu from the US. Tomorrow they visit projects in Kathmandu and finish the final preparations for their trek to Mount Everest Base Camp. Be sure to check out and like the Freedom Climb Facebook page if you haven’t already!

Members of the Freedom Climb Team Pray for their journey during their layover in Washington, D.C.

Kerith making the most of her long layover

“Made it to Doha, Qatar! Flight was smooth and I was thankful to have an aisle seat with no one next to me! I was able to get some sleep. We have a 9 hour layover! All the climbers are sitting in a lounge checking using the free wifi to check their email, texting and posting to Facebook. Thanks for all your prayers!!!! Love, Shelly” – Shelly Ginter Conrad, Freedom Climber from the U.S.

Shelly waiting in the Qatar airport for the flight to Kathmandu

Climbers waiting in the Qatar airport for their flight to Kathmandu

Climbers waiting in the Qatar airport for their flight to Kathmandu

“We are in Qatar. 12.5 hr flight here from Dulles, Washington. We are here 9 hrs and then head to Kathmandu on a 6.5 flight. Freedom Climb…we are over half way there.
Thanks for your prayers. ;0)” – Autumn Ross, Freedom Climber from the U.S.

“Just landed safely in Kathmandu” – Cathey Anderson, Freedom Climber from the U.S. and Founder of the Freedom Climb

“Team arrived!” – Tina Yeager, Freedom Climber from the U.S. and U.S. Freedom Climb Director

Kathmandu

Kathmandu Airport

“Made it to Nepal safe and sound. We are out and about in the village making friends with the Nepali people, especially the beautiful children! Tomorrow we will visit Freedom Climb projects!!” – Sarah Bradfield, Freedom Climber from the U.S.

“greeted warmly in Kathmandu! :)” – Tiffany Hess, Freedom Climber from the U.S.

Greeted warmly in Kathmandu – Sarah, Kerith, and Tiffany

Kids in Kathmandu

Pray for the team as they do the final preparations for their trek.

Pray that the remaining climbers will reach Kathmandu safely.

Pray that they are able to impact the lives of the people who they will come into contact with during their visit.

Pray for their safety as they travel by plane to Lukla to start the trek to Everest Base Camp.

Freedom Climb 2013 Has Begun!

Freedom Climb 2013 to Mt. Everest Base Camp has started. Yesterday, climbers from all over the world began their journey to Nepal where they will come together to trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp and summit Kala Phattar Peak on behalf of women and children all over the world who are enslaved or oppressed.
Pray for them as they begin this journey. Also pray for the women and children who they will be helping.

The Freedom Climbers from Florida start their journey

Members of the Freedom Climb Team Pray for their journey.

They get ready leave!

Praying for their journey