What's your Everest?

12/9/2012

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
Sir Edmund Hillary

Mount Everest had long been considered unclimbable by some and the ultimate climbing challenge by others. The famous mountain is in the Himalayas, along the border of Nepal and Tibet.

Height: 29,035 ft (8,850 m)

Edmund Hillary was challenged to take on an insurmountable obstacle: Mt Everest

Before Hillary successfully reached the summit, two other expeditions got close. Many people still wonder if they might have been the first to make it to the top of Mount Everest. However, since no one made it back down the mountain alive, perhaps we'll never know for sure. Regardless we know Hillary did make it to the top and back in 1953.

The Dangers of Climbing the Highest Mountain in the World

Climbing Mount Everest is extremely dangerous. Besides the freezing weather and the obvious potential for falls, climbers suffer from the effects of the extreme high altitude, often called "altitude sickness."

The high altitude prevents the human body from getting enough oxygen to the brain, causing HYPOXIA. Any climber who climbs above 8,000 meters or 26,246 feet could get altitude sickness and the higher they climb, the more severe the symptoms become. This altitude is considered the human vertical limit.

NOTE: No one climbs Everest alone!
Hillary had a Sherpa, or helper and guide. His name: Tenzing Norgay
Without Tenzing, Everest would have been impossible for Hillary. Tenzing was smart enough to gather a team and make base camp. Together Tenzing, his team and Hillary made history.

Put a pin in that thought and let’s get to more recent events …

July 28, 2011. Dr. Goslin, our neurologist, came to her office and told me I have ALS.

My Everest.

I had to climb an undefeated mountain.

100% fatal. 0% cure rate. Un-beaten.

This was something I had to tackle, then I realized I can't do this alone. I remembered Edmund Hillary and he needed a guide to succeed.

Meet my Tenzing Norgay...

Laura is my Tenzing! Success on this journey is dependant on my reliance on Laura.

We have to trust each other completley. In turn she has to rely on a supportive team.

Laura turned to God and reached out to His followers - YOU!

You may be asking, "ME? How am I helping?"

With words of encouragement, cards, visits, phone calls, and making positive comments on this blog!!

God is blessing us with hundreds of readers from ten different countries!

When you comment, your words bless many people. Pray, then write something.

Please tell me what's your Everest?

Let me and others know we are not alone in our struggles. Sites like Facebook only show the "pretty" side of life. Seeing all the vacations, and family pics leaves me and others feel isolated. Am I the only one suffering?

Tell me if you are facing:

·         health issues,

·         divorce,

·         loss of a loved one,

·         money troubles,

·         ???

Remember, you are not conquering the issue but yourself!

I am not fighting ALS. I must conquer myself first! I have to focus upward.

Letting others know your Everest will bless them. It will show them we are all on a similar journey. The enemy wants us to feel alone. I refuse. I plan on sharing all my failures, concerns, and pain in a transparent way.

Share and bless His people. Help my Tenzing and help me.

My next blog will show you HOW to take on your Everest ... stay tuned.

11 Comments

Kelly Goetsch

12/10/2012 10:12:47 am

Akhil, every one of your blog entries have brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. Your ability to express your thoughts and share your wisdom is a true gift, and I'm sure I speak for many when I say "thank you" for sharing this with all of us. The fact that you are fighting an illness that is 100% fatal and yet are still "shining the light" for others who are also facing challenges in life, speaks mountains as to the man you are. Please keep "shining your light"!

Akhil

12/10/2012 11:32:25 am

In my remaining time, all I want to do is encourage others!

Patricia

12/10/2012 12:55:51 pm

I wanted to share a short version of my recent journey up Everest in hopes that it encourages someone who is reading this. My husband and I wanted to move back to Washington State, so we prayed about it and waited on God for a number of years – We wanted to make sure that it was God who made it happen, and not us in our own strength or power. Sometimes it seemed like it would never happen! Last March, when we felt that hope was lost, we literally cried out to God and gave it all to Him in a way we hadn’t done before. That very evening, God gave me this verse from Psalm 107:
“Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
The next day, I received a phone call from Akhil regarding an opportunity I’d applied for in the very city I’d wanted to settle in! God used Akhil to open the door so we could move back home. Akhil, you were open to God’s leading, and you listened to His voice. Because of that, I was able to see God at work in my life in AMAZING ways! I’m still blown away by what He’s done and what He’s continuing to do. Thank you for being an integral person on our journey up Everest!
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.”

Akhil link

12/11/2012 02:05:53 am

Let's give God more glory as he is a master!

When I was interviewing for this position I received over 120 resumes in two weeks!! Of these 120, there were 30+ that were good candidates (but everyone looks good on paper, right?)

Wow, who to pick. I had an idea, YOUTUBE! I asked all the possible candidates to submit a video answering five key questions. Submitting the video shows technical skills, tenacity and speaking/presentation skills.

I got 11 videos. Ok God, Pick!

He did.

I had such a strong urge to contact Patricia. Problem, she was on the other side of the country. My manager told me to hire someone local. I couldn't let go of the feeling that Patricia was it. God was tugging on me.

I got a call from the Executive VP of the company asking me. "What are you thinking!! This is a local hire, get it done."

I was able to convince my management team to continue with Patricia. Not only interview her, but fly her to Vancouver! Costs.

I basically put my head on the chopping block. If Patricia didn't work out, I was jeopardizing my job.

God whispered in my ear, "Trust me."

Long story, short: She was hired. Today EVERYONE loves Patricia. She was a risk, but God showed me the risk was NOT being obedient.

She has become a key member of our team and is the nicest/most humble person I know.

Congratulations Patricia.

Thanks God, you Rock. Wait you are my rock ;)

Keith

12/11/2012 02:01:26 am

What an inspirational Blog, and very well done I might add!

You definitely give me motivation to conquer my own Everest. It has all happened so fast recently...I was feeling worn out frequently and my heart felt fluttery more than normal, and with the baby on her way, I decided to get everything checked out.
One appointment/test after the other, it was finally determined that my Mitral Valve Prolapse had gotten worse and that I'd need OPEN HEART SURGERY to repair or possibly replace it! Hearing that was very hard to take...I can only imagine what went through your mind when you were told you had ALS...
Now with my surgery rescheduled (after a hospitilization with EndoCarditis that delayed my surgery the first time it was scheduled) and set for this Friday, I have found peace that it is all in God's plan and He will get me through this one way or another so that I can take care of my new family. I appreciate all of the prayers I have received and ask that people pray I make it through OK and pray that the surgeon is able to repair the valve instead of having to replace it. (Replacement will have all kinds of future implications.)
Akhil, I thank you for your inspiration and strength and all of the opportunities you have given me.
Your brother in Faith,
Keith.

Akhil link

12/11/2012 02:30:43 am

Keith,
Not only are you a giant at 6' 4", God is making you a giant of faith! It is scary when your life is on the balance and you have only one choice: God.

Unfortunately, we tend to go to God as a last resort. I am speaking about myself; but I suspect this is common theme.

Keith your surgery is in God's hands and He wants you healthy. The rest of the story is you taking His hand.

How?

Mark 11:27 tells us how. We pray with thanks that we have already received, then it will be yours.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King, Jr

Stay awesome. Akhil

Jill

12/11/2012 07:25:51 am

As long as I can remember, I have heard the expression "The lord works in mysterious ways". As long as I can remember, I have seen evidence of that . Akhil is my newest evidence. He, and all that he is, realigns me, every day. I am now more thankful for every minute, and I never take a single thing for granted. God has been calling me closer for awhile. I have been stubborn. The lord works in mysterious ways. Akhil, with limbs that defy his commands, carries me closer to the lord. I will forever, and I do mean forever, be grateful.

Akhil link

12/11/2012 08:56:49 am

Jill,
The real mystery is why did I wait so long to share my pains, joys, glorious moments and monumental failures until now?
God wants me to share. He wants Laura to share her struggles with other caregivers.

Fortunately we finally listened.

I am so happy that our story has brought you closer to Him.
You really made my day!!!!!

Thank you.
Akhil

Grace Tamayo

12/12/2012 09:27:54 am

Hi Akhil. It was a year ago this week (I believe) that I came home from visiting my neurologist and getting the news that the tests came back and MS was highly suspected. I had already suspected it since I had done a lot or research and all my symptoms pointed straight at the MonSter that was starting manifest itself in me.
I remember sitting in my room feeling sorry for myself and having a good cry on my recliner. I continued to do some more research, going on Google and YouTube. I found a set of videos in where you talked about your MS and how you went to India and got better. I was so inspired and soon the tears of self pity turned into tears of hope. After I finished watching the videos I noticed that you had posted your phone number and you encouraged anyone watching the video to call you if we'd like. I had this strong sense to call you. I had no idea that I would be talking directly to you. I was so confused. I was expecting some kind of recorded message or something of the sort. Anyway, It was so nice talking to you and I was so thankful to you for all your advice. I was so excited to know that you are a brother in Christ and that I was actually talking to you. I could see God smiling because He was using you as an instrument to give me hope. I started eating better, though I have fallen off the bandwagon plenty times after that. Each time I see and take turmeric I think of you! Thanks for all your encouragement. It's so neat that I feel connected to you somehow even though we haven't met. You have a beautiful family and I feel so blessed just "knowing" you through FB.
It's been a year and i've had second opinions and recently had my annual MRI. It has come back as a good report. No new lesions and the one in my CS has gotten smaller. I had no idea that was even possible.......BUT GOD........with HIM ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Thanks for all the encouragement you give me through your posts and responses. I look forward to meeting you some day....God Bless you and your beautiful family!

John Buckner

12/14/2012 12:19:23 pm

Grace be to you from God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.

First, I praise God for his unfailing love and wonderful deeds to mankind, as our dear Patricia aptly described. And indeed, I see much of his love and kind deeds in your life: he has surrounded you by caring friends, he has given you food and shelter, he has given you the means by which you can provide for your family, and above these he has given a supportive and faithful wife to weather the "mountain" with you. I do not believe there can be any other earthly gift that God gives to men than a spouse for love, support, encouragement, delight, building of character, opportunity to serve, and partnership. Of all that I have in this material world, I continually praise the Lord my God for his undeserved kindness in providing me a wife that I can love and serve, and who actually loves me. ME! Despite my foolishness, pride, and sin, she loves me! Such an invaluable gift inexorably draws my eyes and heart to the wonderful Giver who gives bountifully and extravagently to undeserving sinners!

Of all who have commented on this page, I probably belong least in the company of those who suffer. My suffering culminates in living with my in-laws, experiencing those pains that come with age, and paying student debts. And while I consider these genuine struggles, I would probably not consider myself "qualified" to speak on the kind of suffering that you and others on this page experience.

Yet, I do have a good friend who can. He understands what it means to suffer on a regular basis; to experience despair; to feel alone. I'm speaking of my friend Paul, the Apostle. And though he is not here now, but rather worshipping and rejoicing before the King of kings, his words are still near to me and relevant for us today. It was Paul who said that "I die daily;" that "we were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death"(1 Cor 15:31 ; 2 Cor 1:8-9). And Paul had much to despair of, his life was in constant danger and turmoil: he was persecuted by his fellow countryman, he was beaten and whipped (nearly to death), he was slandered and mocked, he was shipwrecked, imprisoned, and betrayed by those close to him. If anyone had reason to despair it was him. In fact, he even said that Christians, of all people, are the most to be pitied.

And yet, he didn't stop there. His circumstances and afflictions were not the final word on his attitude toward life. For he was "sorrowful and rejoicing" (2 Cor 6:10). Now wait a minute, that makes no sense! How can someone, especially one as afflicted as Paul find rejoicing??? Surely, it was not due to his ability to conquer himself. For he himelf said that he has "the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out" (Romans 7:18). He sees himself as the least of the apostles and even the chief sinner! (1 Cor 15:9; 1 Cor 1:15). Many would say that Paul had too low a view of himself, that he was to hard on himself and not positive enough. But I think he was right. He was not afraid to accept reality as it is; to bear the diagnosis he received. So how in the world was he able to rejoice? How is it that he learned to have plenty and be in need; to be well fed and to be hungry? He gives his answer to this paradox in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Christ is the final word; He is the verdict!

For a man's greatest problem is not a failing marriage, a foreclosed home, or a malignant condition; but rather the internal disease of sin. Far worse the a terminal diagnosis, we justly receive the sentence of condemnation from our gracious Creator for our rebellion against Him and His commandments; rather trusting in His ability to satisfy the longing of our souls, we have put our trust in our jobs, our spouses, and our own substitute therapies and thus committing the ultimate crime of false worship. And it is this worship of false gods that leads to our physical sickness and sorrow. We are a fallen people and a broken people. But the bad news is not final! For the Good Prognosis comes to those who repent of their false worship and put their hope in Jesus Christ who died and rose again for sinners. Because Jesus lived the perfect life of trust and obedience in our place, those who have turned to Him in repentance and faith can rest assured and rejoicing knowing that, while our bodies may be ill, our souls are healthy and restored, having receiving the New Diagnosis from God: Righteous and Holy because of my Son. Because of the resurrection of the Son, those who suffer the effects of the Fall here will ultimately rise to eternity in a new body that is incorruptible, unsusceptible to sin, and free from death.

I pray Akhil that your greatest joy and encouragement will be in the Savior, who was not spared but given up for us all.

John

Joanne

1/14/2013 07:58:39 am

Akhil..Thanks to your beautiful Laura for sharing this with me. I have been thinking about you and your family lately. For you know I have the biggest Everest to climb and I am struggling through each step of my journey. I question myself daily on the why's and what could I have done differently to save my Ryan so he would be here with me today. I have come to face the facts and blessed that God choose me to raise Ryan for a short 17 years. I would not want it any other way and cherish all my memories in my heart for he is always with me! I do find comfort in knowing Ryan is with his savior and I will see him again. It doesn't mean I don't miss him more and more as each day passes..for those who say, "Time heals pain and it gets easier with time." NO! It doesn't make sense that he went before me, it's not suppose to be that way.
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
I have friends and family that are helping me through all this but my best friend is Jesus for he keeps me going and gets me through another day..Love and hugs to you and your family!
Love,
Joanne

Akhil and Laura Jhaveri

Applying the skills they've learned in over 20 years of marriage, this couple faces the challenges of ALS together. MND or motor neuron disease is deadly with no known cure. The Jhaveri family has to endure this battle and show the world God's love!

About Akhil

His journey is described in the "ALS and Akhil " tab