In December 2012 my father and I attempted to climb Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, South America, which is the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas in Asia. The height of this mountain is 6,961 metres or 22,837 feet above sea level. It would be an exciting and gruelling time for the both of us and an experience that I will never forget. I thank God for taking care of us and bringing us safely back to Canada.
We had many experiences and learned many important lessons during our time climbing, including the importance of teamwork, eating properly to stay healthy, listening to our guides and trusting in God for strength.
Upon arriving in Mendoza, Argentina we met our fellow climbers. They had come from different parts of the world, all ready to attempt to climb one of the toughest mountains in the world. More people die trying to climb Aconcagua than they do climbing Mount Everest. The guides met us at the hotel and we spent some time getting to know each other. We were all asked why we wanted to climb this mountain. Each person had a different reason but all of us were prepared to endure the hardships and make the sacrifices that were necessary to be able to make this journey. From the beginning each team member helped each other out. Everyone worked together. Our first task was to work together to load and later unload the trailer of all the equipment. No one stood idly by. We became like a family, helping each other out.
The following day we travelled about four hours to Puente del Inca where we spent the afternoon and night acclimatizing to the higher altitude. The next morning we began our journey to climb Aconcagua. It would be a long, cold and difficult 16 days on the expedition. The weather was not very pleasant. Although it was summertime in Argentina, it was a very cold hike to the first camp, Confluencia. The lead guide said that this was the worst weather he had ever experienced in his twelve years of leading expeditions. The temperature was already well below 0 degrees Celsius, with winds so strong that it was hard to walk and even stand straight. We had to put on our warmest clothes right at the start of our climb and I wondered how much colder it could really get. Once we arrived at camp and had a little break, we were shown how to set up our tents, which would be our homes for the next 15 days. We each had to learn how to set up our own tents very quickly so that we would get out of the cold as quickly as possible and not get frost bite. The guides told us that if we worked together, we would be able to build the tents faster and then crawl into our sleeping bags and get some rest.
On our trek up the mountain we had many long days of walking to new camps, carrying heavy packs on our backs. I thought of Christian from the book The Pilgrim’s Progress who carried his burden on his back until he got to the Celestial City. There weren’t many distractions on the mountain but I had a lot of time to think while I walked and walked. We continued to climb higher and higher and it continued to get harder and harder to breathe especially as the air got colder and colder. As soon as we would get to a new campsite everyone would immediately help each other set up the tents so that we all could get out of the cold wind as soon as possible. I thought how good it would be if all Christians were like that, helping each other out. We helped each other out on the mountain because we wanted to. It was like a family. I think that is how Jesus wants us to be like, to care for one another so that no one suffers.
As we got higher up on the mountain, the climb got more dangerous since the path we were walking on kept getting steeper. There was so much loose rock that it often got very dangerous and we had to keep warning each other whenever we would see rocks coming down the mountain. People on the expedition team walking in front would yell out “rocks, rocks” so that people in the back of the group would be aware of the danger and would get out of the way. It was important not to get hit and get hurt and have to end one’s climb up the mountain.
As we got even higher up the mountain the climb got even more tiring since we were using more energy just to do simple things like tying our boots which would leave you exhausted and needing a break! When we arrived in the last high camp, Colera, I was so tired but also very excited that the next morning we would start out for the summit of the mountain!
We were up at 4:00 a.m. the next morning to get ready for the summit. By now there were only ten of us from the original twelve that had started the journey. Only a few would make it to the top. Many would have to give up as they would not able to go on. We left early in the morning and began a long day of walking. The guide would say to keep moving, to keep walking, no matter how tired or how cold we were. We had to keep walking and moving towards our destination. We had to use all our efforts, all our will power and strength to keep going. It was dangerous to stand still since you could very quickly get hypothermia and die. It was difficult to breathe but we still had to keep moving.
After only two hours a lady collapsed and could not go on. A short while later one of the guides told my dad that he could not go on and that he had to return to the camp. The guide had not yet told us how long the day was going to be in order to not discourage us, but he knew that my dad would not be able to make it. This was very disappointing for me since I wanted to summit with my dad, but I kept on going.
A short time later one man said he didn’t feel good and that he wanted to turn back. A friend of his went down with him and then the majority of the group became really sick and returned as well. Then only five of the team remained. Two of those five would also not reach the summit. After eleven hours of walking up steep slopes sometimes up to 70 degrees, on scree and shale rock, two others and I finally made it to the top!
Many had started the journey but only a few would make it in the end. It is like many people who hear the truth and start following it, only to give up along the way. Although it was sad to see people turn back, the three of us continued to help each other out and encourage each other along the way. Sometimes we need encouragement from others so that we will keep moving towards our goal and so that we don’t get discouraged and give up. On our journey to heaven we need each other, to help each other, as we are all trying to reach the same destination. We kept on going until we reached our goal, the summit of Aconcagua! The tallest mountain in South America was a very difficult climb but we did it.
In 2011 my father and I were on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro together, but on Aconcagua he was not able to be there with me. It was a little sad not to be able to share that special experience with my father, but I knew that he was thinking of me and was waiting to hear back that I made it to the top. This was now the highest point that I’ve stood on in my life. It was an incredible view of the clouds below and the Andes Mountains as far as my eyes could see. Although I was very tired after having climbed a very difficult mountain, I felt at peace. At 16 years old, I was able to reach my goal! I had made it. God had taken care of me the whole way there. It felt very special to be there. I made it to the top and there I stood, physically the closest to heaven that I’ve ever been while standing on this earth.
This experience really made me think of the journey to heaven that many people begin but only a few will reach. It is not an easy journey and many people will give up for different reasons. We need to prepare very well for this journey. If we don’t properly prepare we won’t make it. Let us encourage each other not to give up or to get sick, fall down or even look back, but to be strong and keep going till we all make it to heaven. Let us help each other when we need help. Always remember to carefully follow your guide, Jesus, and you will make it to your destination.
As we continue to journey on life’s path to our final destination of heaven, I hope that my experience inspires you to keep going and to never give up no matter how difficult things may be. AMEN
James Bessec