Day 4--Ain't no mountain high enough...just kidding.

INow, the reason I say that is because we all climbed Croagh Patrick today. Croagh Patrick is a jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain that is famous because of St. Patrick. It's said that he climbed it barefoot to fast, and after today, I can assure you that St. Patrick really and truly was a holy man for withstanding such harsh terrain on bare feet and little food and drink.  

Just look at this!

 Now, we were all feeling mixed about this experience--we had heard that not many made it to the top, that it was easy to give up, that by the top of the last scramble it was knees to forehead cause of the hill's incline. All of these statements became truer and truer the more I climbed. 

I am trying to find the words to classify this trek, and I really am having trouble. Maybe it's because I have barely slept enough, and I made it up and down this big thing today in 4 1/2 hours. But I was talking with Lisa, our campus minister, and we both agreed that this climb is something very hard to explain, but so applicable for those who've been there. There's so much opportunity to draw wisdom from the steep hill, baby steps necessary for success, goal setting, team work, positive thinking, praying, and perseverance necessary for this hike. 

Just gorgeous. Do you see the sheep?

 

Truly, I couldn't have made this climb without my dream team--Katie,

Lisa, Fiona, Shannon, and Biz. Our periodic breaks, calling out in praise and cursing it all and wanting to stop at the next chance made for such a crazy climb that was focused on God and His merciful help and our poor bodies...and what the HECK we were thinking. 

As we made it towards the top, the clouds started rolling in and things got ridiculous...

But step by step...

We got closer!

And finally...

I MADE IT TO THE TOP!

We rejoiced! Some cried, some prayed, some are Pringles, and some did all of three. But we MADE it. 

After the trek back down, which doesn't even deserve a description other than the word PAIN and the exclamation OWWWW.  My body is just so done!

...but this sheep was still going up. Good work fluffy. 

Now I'm off to bed after what has been a crazy day filled with accomplishments, confidence building, faith affirming, and fun-having. God bless, and stay tuned as wee head onto GALLWAY tomorrow!