I wish to use a recent experience in my life to illustrate edification in it's proper sense. I spent a great amount of time and sincere effort into the application process for an amazing career opportunity in Chile. The owners of this first rate company were professional, diligent and sincere through the entire process. I believe that, although I may not have been the first choice, I was offered the position I applied for in all sincerity. I accepted, humbled and overjoyed.
I was presented with the opportunity to be a part of a 42 day mountain school on the Northern Patagonian Ice Cap. I accepted with great enthusiasm! I was given the opportunity to learn, to record and to interact on this amazing adventure. I participated in an amazing arena where eight people had nowhere to go, nothing to hide behind and were not able to just up and walk away without serious consequence to their lives. For me, this was one experience. For my employers, who were also the guides, the teachers, the mentors, the counselors, this was but one of three such journeys, back-to-back, that season!
I have the utmost respect, admiration and love for these two people. They give everything they have in the most extreme of situations, in one of the most hostile/beautiful and unforgiving environs on this planet. They have an intense understanding of risk management and the discipline to pull it off over and over again in the most threatening situations! What they offer their students is an experience that changes lives, alters destinies, and lives on for all time. These two amazing people have devoted their lives to enriching the lives of those who dare to seek out that elusive opportunity to truly become who you are!
I would do anything for these two beautiful souls. Unfortunately events in my own life offered up the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make... I am no longer there, no longer a part of their adventure! I would like to believe that I am still a part of their experience, like countless others they have mentored and given the opportunity to truly find themselves. For that experience I am eternally grateful. It changed my life in so many ways. Thank you Jaya and Ben, for everything, even for those things that none of us understand... may we one day share a bowl of Mate and embrace it all! You are truly the best of people, and the most worthy friends in any arena of life. I edify you both in the truest sense of the word... I love you both and thank you for a gift that has more worth than price could be set. Keep doing what you do best!
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