Home is where the heart is!

27 hours after I stepped on the bus to leave our hotel in Beijing, I finally stepped off my final plane in Tulsa, Oklahoma! I’m home now and it is 3 a.m., but I feel like I’m still on Beijing time – what is there to do but “Blog” a little?

After flying, what seems to be half-way around the world, I have returned with so much more than a few souviners and smelly clothes. I have brought back home a renewed belief in myself, in others, and in the impossible. This past week has been nothing less than a “once in a life-time experience” for me and I would be remiss if I didn’t share a few of my thoughts and appreciation.

First, my heart and soul goes out to all the children that we have sweated for this week. They are the true heroes because they battle their own “ups and downs” every single day. They always have another “tower” to reach and they never give up. And I respect and honor the parents and teachers (many of whom I met this week on this trek) for committing so much of themselves every day. I am awed by the amount of love and work that these people give and humbled and grateful that God has graced with with two healthy children. I only hope that am as good a parent as the ones that I met this week. God bless all you parents and teachers!

To all my fellow trekkers . . . my new friends! I hope you all know how much your friendship means to me and how blessed I feel to have been able to share this past week with you. It was physically, the most difficult thing I believe I have ever done. I know for a fact, that I would not have been able to complete the trek if it had not been for all of your support and encouragement. There was many a time when I looked up at the next tower and thought to myself, “How am I going to have the energy to reach it – let alone, lift my leg one more time”. Then I would hear everyone that had already arrived, chanting “U S A, U S A”. That was all I needed and somehow, the next time I looked up, there were a half-dozen arms reaching down to pull me up the final few feet. I have goosebumps as I write this and I assure you, I will never forget that feeling! I love all of you, but some of you share a very special place in my heart – for many different reasons. Siobhan, Kirsty, and Neil, you three are an inspiration to families everywhere. How wonderful it was to watch a father and his daughters share the trials of this past week and to see how you supported each other, watched out for each other and ALWAYS loved each other. You three make me so grateful to be the dad of two daughters! Paul H., Martin and Peter, I can honestly say that this week would never have been the same without you three. You were an inspiration to everyone on the trek – always helping, always smiling and always making us laugh! Paul and Martin, as a twin myself, I so appeciate the bond you have with each other – thank you for reminding me of my twin as I was half way around the world from him. And Peter, your friendship to Paul and Martin is an inspiration and model for anyone – everyone should have a friend like you! Jeremy and Paul D., my roomies! I could not have asked for better – even though you do snore Jeremy! This time has given Jeremy and I a chance to strenghten a friendship we already had and Paul is now one of our real “buddies”. Tom, if I do decide to do a marathon someday, you’re going to be my running buddy! Kevin, you are a real leader – in every sense of the word!

I miss everyone already but am honestly glad to be home. I didn’t use an escalator or elevator on the way back – I’m addicted to stairs now – imagine that! I loved the Chinese food we had while in China, but if I see it again in the next three months, it will be too soon! I stopped and purchased a large glass of iced tea on the way home from the airport – civilization at last! And! When I stepped on the scale at home, I had lost the 10 pounds that I couldn’t lose before the trek! Yea!

This trek has changed my life! I also know everyone that has helped with their time, their money, and their moral support has contributed to changing the life of some well-deserving children. For that, I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

Please keep watching this website – we have more to add and more we can do for the charity – keep that support coming!


Mike