Climbing Mt. Everest

 Sometimes life presents situations which seem insurmountable.  To a person with disabilities, even small molehills can become as daunting as climbing Mt. Everest.
Do you have a Mt. Everest in your life?
Is there a challenge surrounding the disabilities of someone you love that make it seem almost impossible to overcome?

Today I write to brag a little about an energetic teen boy I am honored to know. A boy who loves football. A boy who loves to laugh. A boy who loves his siblings. A boy, almost 16. A boy who was born with Down Syndrome.  

This teenager is amazing in so many unique ways, but today...today he accomplished what many healthy, average people will never do (myself included!).  Today this boy reached Mt. Everest Base Camp! 

Yes, THE Mt. Everest. In Nepal. Covered in snow.
Yes! Eli, a boy with Down Syndrome. 

Why this incredible, heartwarming story isn't on the front page of every newspaper and every morning talk show, I don't know.  They are all missing the greatest gem of a story!

In this world of shootings & looting's and gloom & doom, it sure seems like a little dose of positive, upbeat, encouraging news would be an AMAZING headline for any talk show.  Trekking all the way to Mt. Everest Base Camp is a phenomenal feat for a boy with Down Syndrome!

Still the story gets even better: Eli made this trek to raise money for The Elisha Foundation (TEF) to reach out to more families with disabilities.  You can read more about Trek4Tef and The Elisha Foundation by clicking these links and going to their websites. (BTW, it's not too late for anyone to make a donation.)

TEF has personally blessed my family by hosting a Respite Care weekend which included 1:1 care for my son, fun activities for siblings, time alone for me and my hubby, and times of encouragement with other families who are raising children with disabilities, lodging and meals.  If you are reading this blog because you are a caretaker of a dear person with disabilities, then I need not even explain how utterly priceless a weekend like this can be!

TEF has a desire to hold retreats such as this across the country. TEF desires to show that those with disabilities have been created in the image of God, just as those without. If you want to learn more about TEF and the family behind it, please read their blogs, follow them on facebook, twitter or instagram.

Eli trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp challenges me to never give up on dreaming for my child in spite of his disabilities. I hope his story encourages you too!