My brother hits Everest’s base camp

In a society where communication technology has made distance among loved ones seem more bearable and staying in touch easier, the thought of being out of anyone’s reach has become almost unfathomable. While I have learned in recent weeks that one can obtain cell phone service at various locations on Mount Everest, sending emails, updating Facebook statuses and Skyping do not come as easy. This post is my technological cheerlead – a dedication to my brother, Dan, who just accomplished a 17,598-foot hike to Everest’s base camp with little way to tell anyone about it.

On October 7th, Dan celebrated his 25th birthday by boarding a plane from Los Angeles to Kathmandu, Nepal. He and three friends spent a year saving funds and planning their hike to Everest’s South Base Camp – the final stop before climbing the dangerous 12,000 remaining feet to the mountain’s summit. South Base Camp was their goal, and they made it.

Due to technology barriers, I know little about their hike. My family has not seen one photo. I do, however, know that the group of four young men are in good spirits. They have encountered “some of the most beautiful sights” they have ever seen and think highly of the Nepali people. I know some of their breakfasts have consisted of Tibetan bread and tea. They share one cell phone that works only sometimes, so can only make brief check-in calls to parents. My guess is that while absorbing the landscapes of Everest, they like it that way.

My brother and I have always shared a common curiosity for exploring the world. When he presented me with the idea of taking a year off to travel, I responded with immediate excitement. He represents one person who does what I think most people do not – having a thought and acting on it no matter what outside barriers get in the way. He lives one of my deepest life hopes – that everyone Lives by Ladybugs.

“Just don’t tell anyone else about it yet,” he would say when the idea had first blossomed. “The few others I’ve told all think I’m crazy.”

Today, he stands on the highest mountain in the world with no job, no pressing schedule and a heart now filled with an accomplishment few will say they’ve achieved. If this is what crazy is, I want it too.

After conquering Everest, the group has a mission to travel the globe until the money runs out – an adventure Dan deemed necessary to feel more fulfilled and “figure out how the world works.” Dan’s friends and family are rooting for him, but my hope is that we all also learn from him. No matter how big or small, may we all find something that will greater fulfill us. Then, go after it.