Hi Sharon - hope you are doing well and feeling energetic! I saw you in two photos so far - it makes it all more real. I thought our family would be posting like crazy to you , but so far, they don't seem to have figured it out. Kristan and I exchanged emails briefly - it sounds like the kids all had a good time skiing and snowboarding together. Claire and Stefan were proud to show the calendars you made for them, so they could keep track of your trip.
Kevin is heading down to Maryland on Saturday for the UNC basketball game. He is dying to see UNC's star player, Tyler Hansbrough, in action. And he will take Caitlin out to dinner after the game. Ben's basketball season ended on Weds. He and the guys all belong to a gym - so what are they doing every day? Playing basketball. They are crazy! Ben has an all-night volleyball tournament tonight - fun for them, but the next day, it's never pretty. I am looking forward to the Oscars on Sunday night. I have seen a ton of movies and we have an Oscar pool at work, which keeps you interested in the awards!
Take care - eat well - make great memories!
Love, Barb

Hi, I understand that the climb is getting tougher. Keep your head up. I know that you can do it. No doubt! The snow is back in Rochester. Really cold here! Though, it may be colder where you all are but I have no idea :). Love, Molly

I listened to the audio update today and it sounds like the climb is getting harder now. I am thinking about you everyday and hope that you are doing well and are not too exhausted and cold. I played yesterday's audio update from both of you for Daniel & Joshua and they were really excited to hear your voices and learn about what you are experiencing on your climb!

News from home: The girls are talking so much more, especially Rebecca. We got the results of Miriam's X-rays and they showed nothing abnormal, so we'll have to intensify her physical therapy. The rest of us are well.

We wish you great strength as you continue on your climb and hope that you continue to enjoy yourselves. We love you and miss you!

Rachel, Jeremy, Daniel, Joshua, Miriam & Rebecca

You will have an awesome time on the Barranco Wall. Looks impossible from camp, but nothing harder than the Adirondacks. As the trek gets tougher and the air gets thinner, remember Pole Pole, one step at a time. Don't think of all that's ahead and how tired you are, but just the next step. Concentrate and breathe evenly and remember how hard you have worked for this and you will be fine. Love, Jack

Hey dad...you wanted some updates from home..so here you go:
Wednesday i went to get in my car at school to drive home and low and behold it doesnt start...I had to get it jumped..twice..so that was fun. Nevertheless i made it home.
I may leave the car here and try to sell it, Ryan [crounse] offered to bring me back sunday..we'll see though, i'd hate to be without a car.
So thats all the excitement with me..keep going..
Hope you aren't getting sick or anything up there..you are so very close..
I'm proud of you dad
love,
Erin

Hi Rick and Terry and All! It is wonderful to listen to your updates as your
climb! Your friendship bond is beautiful as you work together to reach the top. You ARE inspiring! What did you have for supper? We are headed out for a
Friday Fish Fry! Continued thoughts and prayers! John and Mary Lou

Hello M/D,
Sounds like the air must be getting thinner. The only time I can remember experiencing something similair was my trip many years ago with Gigi & Poppi up Pikes Peak.
It was bit tough to breath as I remember. Likely nothing like you are experiencing.

It has been a cold and snowy day here in Canandaigua. Drove to work in my new car for the first time Thursday. Picked up the new S2000 last night. Gotta wait until Spring until I take this little baby out. Still trying to make room for it in our garage.

Eliana Here:
hi grandma and granpa,
i miss you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!!!! i hope u guys are doing great! i luv hearing ur guys's voices and it is really fun to hear ur progress. i hear tht its getting harder. i think tht it is disgusting without no shower but oh well, i guess its worth it. I CANT WAIT TO GO TO ISREAL WITH YOU. i have been reading my "exploring isreal" book and theres many new places tht sound realy kool to go to. I LOVE U GUYS SO MUCH CUZ UR THE BEST GRANDPARENTS EVER!!!!!!! I CANT WAIT TO SEE U!!
LUV,
ELIANA

You will never ever ever forget this trip. And I understand about you becoming like family. The ones I told you that might write are friends I met during the Freshman year at Houghton College -- we went through so much together that we never lost touch or lost feelings. I know you are strong and will come back even stronger.
Whenever someone says to you, "I went for a hike today, what a work-out!" You can answer, "Workout? Workout?! You wanna know about a work-out, well I'll tell you..." Look and see what God hath wrought...
TIGER by William Blake "...In what distant deeps or skies, burnt the fire of thine eyes? On what wings did he inspire? What the hand dare seize the fire? ...What the hammer? What the chain? In the furnace was thy brain? What the anvil? what dread grasp, Dare its deadly terror clasp? When the stars threw down their spears, and water'd heaven with their tears, Did He smile His work to see? Did He who made the lamb make thee?..."

This site has not been easy to follow. It's better now that you can find everything on one page, but it has frustrated people like Auntie Jane to keep in contact with you from the site. I wrote to Donna today with a link. Most people have a difficult time with things like this anyway. My friends said they were going to write but haven't seen anything from them either. We all love you so much. I'm going to try to contact Vimal as well. He left a message on your phone but it was too late to contact you. I didn't look into the message but I'm sure he just wanted to say good luck. Love, mom

Karen -

You are in my heart & in my mind through all of this. Words can not describe how proud and in awe I am of you and your climb. Remember The Little Engine That Could? "I think I can I think I can OF COURSE I CAN.."!

Wishing you and all of your buddies an AMAZING JOURNEY -----

Love, Nancy

Your kitties are doing fine!!!!

I'm watching your progress every day. I hope you are well. Cousin Jay & Trish's baby is due Monday. Maybe you will be standing on top of the world honoring the lives of your loved ones when they are welcoming a new one into our family. Keep safe. xox

Auntie P.

Hello Everyone from The DeBrine Family in Oregon. We just want you to know that we are thinking of you now more than ever as the hiking gets more challenging. Abby and Owen are telling everyone they know that Aunt Karen is climbing "Mountain Kili". Gus (our dog) also sends Karen his love and requests that she saves her socks for him after the climb. Hang in there. Love and support, The DeBrine Family

Hi Grandma Bonnie,

I am trying to learn to crawl before you reach the summit! I miss you and Daddy and Mommy miss you too. Have fun and good luck. We're all rooting for you.

Love, Mikaela

Just checked in before bed, because OF COURSE I couldn't hear the audio stream from the base...and I was so hoping it was you...but NO...now you have to make friends with the sound AND camera guy. Everything here is well...but nothing like walking on the moon!!! Hopefully you are adjusting well to the elevation and finding a lot of time to enjoy the scenery...I am sure your mom is smiling down on you as you accomplish this journey....keep the faith!!!

Love Andrea and Family

Anyone bring M & M's???
Say hi to all and enjoy the wall
Esther

Keep up the great work! Enjoy your lifetime adventure and return home safely. As Andrea stated...your mother would be proud of you. Keep warm and hope to see you soon. Get in some pics!

John

Ah-ha! I just figured out how to see the pictures and listen to the audio you've all sent... Jennie, I saw your message from the first day (I assume there's not another "Jen") and after reading your description of what you were doing and seeing, I really felt I could see the place myself. Sounds beautiful and strange. I was able to catch you in one of the pics, seated at a long table on the left....you were smiling which is a very good sign! Take care of each other.... I'm exhausted from my taxing night at work....you can't imagine how draining it was to play 57 games of Freecell. :))) HUGS!!

Hello Alex and Desi!
We are rooting for you. Stay steady and sound in your approach. Remember slow and stady wins the race. I am sure when you get there you will see Him and His creation like no body has ever done. Can'nt wait to see you both and hear all the story.
Bapi, Mandi, Riya

The view is always better from the top! Congrats, I'm proud of you and your work.
Love
Eric