Lynsey S.

Arizona

"Alright I am sitting here on a 10 hour flight reflecting on this trip and I have to pour my heart out for a moment. This whole experience has been incredible and I absolutely feel like it has changed me. I never ever imagined I could do something like this, not only climb a frickin mountain, but also fly to the other side of the world alone to spend a week in the wilderness with a group of strangers. When I signed up I knew that it would be difficult, scary, and uncomfortable but also that it would be worth it. It was all of those things at one point or another and so so so so worth it. I have so many feelings and I can’t put them into words. But the biggest thing that has hit me this past week is not necessarily the climb itself. Since you’ve all pretty much heard my life’s story this week, you know by now that I have always struggled to make friends and connect with people, and my biggest takeaway from this trip is that I feel like I have made real connections and friendships with people who genuinely enjoyed talking to me and spending time with me — even for a week straight! I’ve never been welcomed and accepted into a group like this, I’ve never gotten a nickname before! I’ve never felt like I truly belonged in the way you all made me feel. You really really have no idea how insanely impactful it has been for me. So I just want to express my utmost gratitude for sharing this amazing adventure with me and legitimately changing my life. You are ridiculously awesome people and I hope we cross paths again. Thank you all so much for everything."