Moment of Truth

The adventures of a mountaineer wannabe

Our first training climb is fast approaching (less than two days away!). Last night after our final pre-climb meeting, I thought, "I can't do this! What the hell was I thinking?!?!" I don't know how I'll carry my heavy back pack up the mountain for eight hours (10 if we're slow!). I'm also the only first-time climber in my group, and though my groupmates are great and I know they won't leave me behind, I don't want to be "the weakest link." I don't want to be the reason the group slows down and I don't want to start crying in the middle of the trail. My friend Ruth told me that on her first trek, she started crying when they finally reached the summit and she wished for nothing but a helicopter to whisk her away. Though her words are hardly comforting, I am reassured by the fact that she made it back in one piece, and that she said this will really increase my confidence and independence!

Thanks to friends and family who have been very supportive and encouraging, my fears have somewhat abated. But fears are good too, I think. I remember the weeks leading to my departure for Singapore last year. I was terrified! After all, it was the first time I was going to be living away from home—in another country no less! But I lived through the experience. I didn't go home unscathed, but I did go home with the best memories and I gained the best friends.

So as I scale Mt. Tapulao, at Iba, Zambales this weekend, I will begin with the end in mind. I told myself I would go through with this course and go through with it I will. As our group leader Angie told us, "Just like Harry Potter, the underdog who beats Lord Voldemort each time, you too can beat the odds in TC1 as long as you possess the courage to face them. May your feet take flight with the wings of courage. WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA!!!" (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince comes out tomorrow. Yay!)

But of course, I still need your prayers, friends! And as my age-old mantra goes, "I AM BRAVE, I AM STRONG, KUYA JESS IS BY MY SIDE!"