Day 8. It’s the day were supposed to reach Everest Base Camp. But first, we have a long day of hiking before us. We started in a village called Lobuche (4,910m) and had to trek to a village called Gorak Shep (5,140m). Again, I was feeling the lack of oxygen in the air and my steps kept getting smaller and smaller. But I kept on moving. Kept persevering along the trail.
When we reached Gorak Shep, we took a little break to prepare ourselves for our final climb. From here, we were about 1 1/2 hours away from Base Camp. We were all excited and ready to make the final push. But God knew I had to go through a little more pain before I reached my goal.
A couple years ago, I had gone over to a friends house to have a few drinks and hang out. We decided that we wanted to go to a bar in the city and had a buddy drive us there. We arrived at the bar and that’s where my memory goes blank.
It was about 2:00am. I woke up not even knowing where I was. I look around and there are about 5 others in this confined room with me.
When I finally came to my senses, my heart dropped when I realized where I was.
I was in a jail cell.
Yes, that’s right, I was in prison.
I thought to myself, why am I here? What did I do? What happened?
The last thing I could even remember was drinking at the bar with my friends, and the next thing I know, I’m sitting in jail, confused, worried, and scared.
My mind was racing. Did I get put in here for drunk driving? Did I get arrested for fighting?
8:00am rolled around and they finally led us out to collect our belongings. But first, I had to go through a hearing with a judge.
It was then that I found out what my charges and convictions were.
Public intoxication.
From the report, I was wondering around the city and was questioned by some police. They had determined I was very intoxicated and took me to the county jail. After being released and paying a fine, I reflected on the situation.
What have I become? Have I become this guy who just goes out and gets drunk? Have I become a man who just continues to live two different lives?
I realized I WAS living two different lives. I would be the good guy who goes to church on Sunday, but then would go out every other night. The one who would get drunk and not even remember anything the next morning. The one who called myself a Christian, but didn’t truly have a relationship.
And so as I continued up the mountain toward Base Camp, the Lord comforted me. He was along side of me every step of the way. And He’s been alongside me my entire life. Even through the valleys, lows, and dark times, He’s been by my side. And what He has shown me is all I need to do is turn to him. To take His hand. To accept his grace and love that He has poured out onto me.
I’m certainly not proud of the things that I have done in the past. But what God has taught me throughout this race, is that I have to be honest with myself, my community, and Him. To be real with who I used to be. To share the struggles that I’ve gone through. To be vulnerable with my past.
The Everest trek will be a trip I’ll never forget. I not only successfully reached Everest Base Camp, but God was able to help me show who the real Will is. The one who has gone through pains in the past, who has made mistakes, and chosen some unhealthy paths.
Showing my battle wounds and scars.
Showing my failures in this world.
But more importantly, showing how intimate our Lord wants us to be with Him.
Showing how much grace, love, and compassion our Father has for us.
And showing how much I’ve grown in becoming a man of God.
