The Trek

The decision to start on such a trek was not easy. All were in latter side of youth as WHO recently described. Youngest bring 47 and eldest being 63. It was told to us that the trek is a tough one - uphill and downhill and might take anywhere between four to seven hours. But the pictures of what to anticipate at the summit, the Annapurna ranges was so overpowering that the fear of toughness was set aside.

How like our own journeys? The vision of a potential future is what should drive us to set aside the reality of fear overpowering us.

We started the journey at about 11, traveling up. The initial few meters itself was discomforting - a introduction to the potential challenges ahead. There were discussions on the wisdom of continuing the journey, at least for some. There was serious consideration of alternate plans. It was at that time, as we turned around the corner, we saw the mountain ranges - the camp to where we were heading. That view was enough to enthuse all and set aside the fear of reality. And the journey continued.

Is this not true for our journey’s too - Recapturing vision

with clarity is essential as we face the hard realities of the journey ahead.

As the saying goes - the journey of a 1000 mile starts with a single step. It not only started with a step but continued with one step at a time. Focusing on each step was important to avoid accidents and this was done well. We managed 5 hours of trek with no accidents. But this focus on each step prevented us from enjoying the context and view around us.

The easy fatigability of the not so young community was a welcome reality. It forced us to take frequent breaks and those breaks made us look around. And that looking around at the landscape the looking back at what we had covered and looking ahead at the vision of the summit was invigorating, giving us the needed momentum to continue the journey.

Something that should become part of our life journeys too. Stop look around enjoy rest reflect and then move ahead.

But as the climb became tougher and difficult some questions emerged. What was our dream or vision? The summit or return home? Recapturing the distant view of the mountain peaks was quite important for all to keep the vision clear.

 Is that not true that the end becomes different or we lose vision as the going gets tough - we start thinking about getting out and or giving up more than the original vision itself?

And as we continued, it became clear, that there were three different groups with different paces. The first group – who seemed fast and not easily tired by the challenging climb, went ahead and led the way. The third group, needed much more time, with frequent rests and moving with a much slower pace, but still committed to completing the journey. Then there was the middle group – who kept the link between the one who went ahead and the one who was following. Making it sure that all were on the same road, moving towards the summit.

How like our own life journeys and community life, where all are moving towards the same summit, some fast, some slow some making sure that all are in line with the overall direction and in touch with each other!

And finally, after about 3 hours of such journey, we reached the summit. The first group that reached decided to get the food and refreshments ready. Though it took much more time than that! But for all, the first and the last, the rewards were same, the beautiful Annapurna peaks in front of us. A picture that would make us forget our tiredness and exhaustion.

The fulfillment of having achieved what we set out to do or conquer was enough for us to forget the pain in our legs and the exhaustion of our bodies. The smile in our faces said it all – we had done it! 

The return was expected to be fast, but one soon realized that the downward journey was as hazardous or more than the upward one! And with dusk soon settling in, we had to get back home without much delay.

Is that not true for life too – easy upward mobilities but tough downward mobilities!

Half way on the way back, it was decided, that it was better to seek help for some at least. Find a taxi to take us back. There was only one available. Rest were willing to wait till a second ride was available or try walking back. It did take some time and much haggling with the taxi driver and spending a bit more than what we should have, to get ride back. But we made it.

The flexibility of plans, the willingness to stretch the expenses and others to wait till the taxi returned, made the return a bit slow but much faster than if we all had decided to take the long road back.

Is that not true for life too – the flexibility built in our community lives, the willingness to spend and be spend for others, the willingness to wait makes the journey together much more enjoyable and fast!

And so, after 8 hours of journey were back, having conquered the summit, but more than that, enjoying God’s creation, and each other’s company, looking forward to another day when we could do this again!

Would we do it again – yes we wait for another day and another time when we could do this again….