I want to tell you about the day that I climbed to the summit of this awesome beauty, Mt Taranaki. It was decided by the Youth leaders of our Church, what day we were to take on this journey, so permission was needed from our Parents. All of the party participants needed to be in good health, for obvious reasons, and the party was Led by and experienced climber.. All up, there were around 20 of us. Now my parents were not happy with this, as I had a blood sugar disorder (hypoglycemia) and they both agreed that it would be too much for me to take on. I was livid at this decision and much pleading went on. They conceded that it would be best, if I was only to go as far as the Mountain Plateau, and remain there, whilst my Brother was allowed to complete the trip. On that improviso, permission was granted. Well the day came, a nice sunny Sunday Morning it was, and we set off before first light, with last minute instructions.. Of course I had no intention of only going to the plateau, I intended to make the whole journey. This required getting past the Youth leaders and Brother dear, who was older than I. No mean feat, I can assure you, but I managed it. Wasnt that so foolhardy of me, knowing how easily I tired when I became hungry?. Determination had set in and that was that, so off we went. Of course the Leaders felt responsible for me, and extra attention was given, so that I didnt lag behind the rest of the party, or become too fatigued to carry on. I had eaten a good hearty breakfast, and had enough provision for lunch, so I was feeling pretty good throughout the first part of the trek, through the ranges, and into the tracks that wound up the mountainside. More than anything at that time, I wanted to climb my beloved mountain. I had been to the plateau many times, played in the snow, but this was the challenge of all challenges for me, a headstrong fourteen year old.. About a quarter of the way through the tracks, I started to feel a little fatigued, and it was quickly realised that not only myself, but others were needing a break. So we stopped, had a drink, a small snack and a ten minute rest, before setting off again. The next part of the Journey started to get decidedly steeper, oh yes! We were feeling the pinch now, and I was wondering at that point if I had done a silly thing. One of the Guys thought it best if I was right up front with the Party leader, so I was escorted up there with him.. A kindly man he was, and I felt quite safe trekking behind him. Through bush and scrub, tree's and rocks, winding tracks, steeper and steeper we climbed, till it was time to take another break. An early Lunch. We had made good time, as it took a whole day to climb this beauty.! A good nourishing lunch and rest, plenty of chit chat, and a prayer offered for the continuance of our safety, completed that break.Then we set off again, on our quest for the top. By now everyone was talking of how it would be, and our goal was clear.All were experiencing the same excitement, that soon we would reach the top. Driven by an incredible desire, and fuelled by an enthusiasm and energy that was heaven sent, on and on we trekked.After another break, we knew that the hardest part was just before us, the party leader had given us forewarning. He advised us that if anyone felt it to be too much, now was the time to be escorted back down, with a volunteer. Noone accepted that offer. I figured if I had made it this far, why turn back, as I was feeling fine. Well now I must tell you that the last part, the cone, is far from easy. I estimated around 45 degrees, and so therefore it was mountain-goating time. Hands and knees into the side of the mountainside, grappling with our hands on rocks overhead, whilst our feet, ledged on rocks were carefully plotted out below for us. Stronger climbers ahead and below, with the not so strong in the middle. My nails took quite a beating from the gravel and needless to say I broke a few. I didnt care, it was well worth it for me. We looked over our heads and knew that our journey was nearly through, the top was within our sights now. What joy I felt at that time, We were nearly there, I was going to make it. Filled with such joy, and whispering a prayer for just a little bit more strength and stamina to make it, I distinctly remember an incredible feeling of lightness and from there on the rest of the Journey seemed easy. My adrenaline pumping flat out, almost breathless, I recall a hand reaching down to me, and hauling me up and over the last part, and clean into the dazzling white crater. I had made it! Regaining my breath and composure, I stood to my feet and looked around, awestruck by the sight. So pure was the snow within, so blinding almost as the sun hit it on certain angles. Then My brother who was right behind me :) and I were overcome with the urge to make the most of this. Rolling around in the whitest of white snow, we actually marvelled at how it cut our hands, as the red blood fell on the snow, what a contrast! I didnt really notice any pain. We were all allotted around half an hour to enjoy the snow, hurling snowballs at each other, and then absorbing the breathtaking view..I felt that we were at the top of the world, and that God was right up there with us. I know he had helped me to get there despite my weakness. We could see clear to the length and breadth of the North Island of New Zealand, and way out to the ocean beyond. Such magnificence in my mind is quite inequalled. Photo's were taken of everyone, and I know that someone, still to this day has one of me, standing there at the top, with my pink T shirt, flared Jeans with braid, and smiley face on the left knee. Being mindful of the time factor, and the altitude we were at, our leader called us to together, to give thanks to God, and ask for a safe Journey back down the mountainside. Reluctantly we gathered a momento, in the form of a rock, and started off on the descent. Compared to the ascent, it was a piece of cake. We climbed carefully, then reaching a part where we could slide, as we had taken a slightly different route, literally skidding on the gravel for quite a way. My shoes took a beating and resembled well worn out tyres. The rest of the trek home was full of song, jokes and heavy laughter. Everyone was tired, but exhilerated by what had been achieved.
The Lord Gave me a Mountain to climb that Day, literally, and I believe that this example was to hold me in good stead for the challenges that lay ahead of me as time went on. I see amazing parallels from this journey, as to the one's I have faced thoughout life. When I have felt I couldnt take on the Mountain (figuratively) I have been given compulsion to forge ahead. When it has started to tire me, he has given me breaks in between, just enough to refuel and and go again. Spiritual food and water, to sustain me. There have been times that I have felt like turning back, but He has once again, attended to my needs, and many times, carried me part the way. Then at the very last when I have been so worn out, given me that last burst of strength, and reached down to haul me up and over to the top. Praise the Lord for all his wonders and mercies, in My life. I hope and Pray that this, too, will be your experience, as you travel life's road, and have to climb mountains that seem to high to even take on.
You do not want to know what my Parents had to say about my taking on the entire Journey, and the shoes.!! |
