One of the Bravest Challenges I’ve Ever Chosen
Summer of 1977 - ready to head our for Christian High Adventure Training. That’s me, 5th person on the back row in the plaid shirt and felt hat.
I graduated from William Jewell College on May 15, 1977. By the second week of June, I flew from Kansas City, MO, to Montrose, CO, for an epic summer adventure. “Adventure” wasn’t my plan exactly; my plan centered around service as a summer missionary in North Carolina after preparation in Colorado.
Upon landing at the Denver, Colorado, airport, the reality of an adventure of new heights began to set in for me. Someone guided me to a propeller plane for the last leg of the flight from Denver to Montrose. The shaky aircraft rose above the Uncompahgre Mountains and settled in its valley below. The snowcapped San Juan Mountain Range in the distance gorgeously surrounded the town of Montrose. That’s where Pastor Chuck Clayton, the Home Mission Board missionary in charge of Christian High Adventure’s camping and backpacking, greeted me. I was one of 19 adults who would complete a 15-day wilderness backpacking program to prepare many of us for assignments throughout the United States or for some who came for a personal, physical, and spiritual challenge. When training was complete, I knew I would head to Camp Crestridge, a girls’ camp in North Carolina.
We hit the ground running, so to speak. We ran two miles each of the two mornings in Montrose to acclimate to the higher altitudes. We sorted the necessary gear and supplies into backpacks. My pack, which weighed 62 lbs., contained everything I needed for the next 15 days. We also focused on Bible study, prayer, team building, and wilderness training.
Besides Chuck and 14 other guys, I was one of four ladies. I was in awe of Elaine Furlow, a photographer and reporter for Home Missions magazine. As a journalist, she managed to focus on the hike (and survival!) and her professional tasks simultaneously. I’m indebted to her October 1977 article, as I recall some tiny details nearly 50 years later.
On Day 3, we loaded into the back of a cattle truck and rode to the trailhead, which led us into the San Juan Mountain range. We began our 50-mile hike over several 14,000-foot mountain peaks, averaging 5 miles daily for 12 days. The aspen trees sparkled in the breeze and shaded those first steps, preventing me from seeing the grueling days ahead. Such an oxymoron now: some of the most grueling days of my life, challenging me physically and spiritually while mingling with some of the most exhilarating days of growth and forever memories!
Chuck warned that this trip would be challenging, and I had done my best to prepare. I had awakened early before my morning college classes for weeks and ran a few blocks to my dear education professor and friend, Miss Lutie Chile’s, house. We would then walk around Liberty, MO. She added “leaning over and picking up her friends’ morning newspapers to toss them onto their porches” to her exercise routine. I still smile thinking about our walks and talks. On a side note, I’d never heard of a “mentor” in 1977, but today I know: God blessed me with one of the dearest mentors of all time in Miss Chiles.) After a crisp walk, we returned to her home, where she insisted on making me breakfast while we visited. Afterward, I ran back to my dorm and prepared for classes. Each evening, I ran two miles around the WJC track, fearful of being unprepared for this opening day! In the days at home, between college graduation and leaving for CO, I’d put on my new hiking boots and hike the nearly 10-mile trek between our house and Grandma & Grandpa Tanner’s home. Besides physical prep, I also prayed and studied the Bible. This journey was one of those experiences I knew deep in my heart I must complete, but I still wondered where I got the hair-brained idea that mountain climbing and wilderness training were meant for me! Ready or not, here I come!
This feat was the bravest excursion I had ever undertaken. Under the direction of Chuck Clayton and some seasoned veterans like Bill Berry and Jack Ollis, our team started at an elevation of 6,200 feet outside Montrose. Over two weeks, we steadily climbed in the Uncompahgre Wilderness area of the San Juan Mountains, ending above the timberline within the first few days. I quickly learned to spot our upcoming trails because, more often than not, we followed the paths marked out by the wild game. I discovered that deer, antelope, and elk trekked around the mountains in habitual paths. In a sense, they created their roadway system above the timberline! Isn’t it cool how God created them to innately follow a pattern of caring for themselves?)
Far above the timberline brought the most challenging hikes. Besides becoming bone-weary, fear made its way to my heart multiple times. Sometimes, we hiked on the semi-smooth animal trails, but on Day 5, we also crossed large swaths of loose scree fields, those areas of small broken rock accumulating on the sides of steep mountains. As we ascended 2,300 feet that day, we were hiking across loose scree or over 2-foot snowbanks. Each terrain proved treacherous for me. For each step, I felt my footing slip uncertainly under the weight of my backpack. Crossing loose scree was scary!
I prayed fervently for God’s protection as tears welled in my eyes that day, and I was very grateful for the expertise and encouragement of my team. I pressed on. It seemed like we hiked for hours across this arduous terrain. All I could see in front of me were more rocks, scree ahead, and a deep, snowy chasm below. When we finally found a safe place to rest, I’m sure Jack Ollis noticed my tears. As the tears began to flow, he reached down and pointed to a tiny—yes, minuscule—purple flower. He said, “Janis, what do you see? Remember, where you see a flower, dirt is below it.” He gently reminded me that God has given us solid ground below all this scree. He’s got you.”
LIFE LESSON #1: When I feel like I’m crossing the loose scree in life and nothing feels solid, God is with me. Psalm 18:33 and Matthew 7:25-27 remind me that He is my solid rock. He’s got this!
We made it across the loose scree that day and climbed steadily higher in altitude. We awoke on Day 6 to snow coming down and continued our climb. Before long, I saw snow everywhere: some packed, some fluffy, but always on steep ridges. By now, we knew to dress in layers because of the cold routinely. We covered our heads and faces with wool stocking caps and wore woolen mittens and socks. We clipped crampons on our boots and learned kick-steps to prevent sliding down the steep terrain. One day, in a reasonably safe area (according to our trained guides, yet precariously steep to me!), we practiced using ice axes to stop a fall and then get back up after such a fall—scary practice, but also helpful. By being prepared, I didn’t fear falling as much. I knew what to do. I also knew seasoned climbers who had trekked similar trails, surrounded by me. We climbed over Silver Mountain, a 13,714-foot peak, that day. We encountered steep boulders as we descended Silver Mountain on the opposite side. From Silver Mountain, we could see Wetterhorn Peak in the distance, our technical climb destination.
On Day 9, we hiked up Uncompahgre at 14,309 feet. When we reached the summit, I saw for miles around. My exhaustion paled compared to this majestic sight! We sang hymns of praise together on top of that peak. Today, these memories remind me of Psalm 8:1: “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.”
LIFE LESSON #2: Be prepared by God’s grace. Hopefully, the worst won’t happen, but even if it comes, if I already know and trust God, if I’ve prepared myself by God’s grace, I can feel confident when I begin to slide down slippery slopes. I also know “my” people, those I can trust and turn to for support. I know my prayer warriors. I know my mentors. I know the people who will point me to God.
Three more experiences stand out in my memory. After several days of arduous hiking over loose scree and snow and after ascending Uncompahgre Peak, we descended into a lush green valley. Mountains surrounded us, and a gorgeous mountain stream and lake were in view. What a sight for sore eyes! We set up camp and remained there for four nights. We rested, studied the Bible, and learned rappelling and mountain climbing techniques. We had time to wash up and prepare hot meals. Refreshing!
After settling into Wetterhorn Basin, I experienced the most fantastic sight! While nestled in the valley one late afternoon, we watched storm clouds encircle us. We saw shafts of rain and white snow-covered peaks in every direction while warmed by the sun’s rays in this valley. Never before, nor since, have I seen a storm completely encircle me without being sprinkled upon. The snow-covered peaks and shafts of rain created a mesmerizing sight while I remained dry. I’d give anything to see this again.
LIFE LESSON #3: Stop and accept the rest. This lesson is hard for me. I tend to keep on going even when I feel worn out. Psalm 23 comes to mind as I think of that mountain respite. This rest best happens for me when Don and I take road trips, work in my garden or flowers, or even sit alone with my Bible. Just God and me. Why do I resist slowing down? I’ll miss something beautiful and refreshing if I refuse to slow down and wait. Isaiah 40:31 reminds me, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” I need the rest.
That mountain valley experience prepared us for the most challenging adventure in my life! During the next two days, we would prepare for our technical climb on the rock face of Wetterhorn, a 14,000-foot peak. The following day, we headed to a nearby cliff, where we attached ourselves to ropes with carabiners for a day of rappelling. I loved it! Gliding in the air and pushing off the rock face with my boots was exhilarating. I loved the bounce, knowing I was safely attached to the safety harness, and strong men watched my secured rope above. Afterward, Chuck taught us the next step, belaying. I soon discovered that my partner, Bill Berry, would be on belay for me, and I would, in turn, belay someone. I would be responsible for someone’s life by how well I followed instructions, tied my knots, and guided the rope. Fear set in big time! It was all I could do to bat back tears as we practiced. How could I possibly be strong enough and accurate enough to prevent harming someone else?
That evening, after an early dinner, Chuck instructed us to go off alone with our Bibles and journals: pray and prepare. An early bedtime was necessary for our 4:00 AM wake-up call. We needed to be at Wetterhorn by daylight to make our ascent up the rocky face side early enough to hike down the other side of the mountain before afternoon, as it wasn’t safe to be on the mountain when afternoon storm clouds might roll in. I spent my time alone that early evening in full-blown tears and prayer. I can still feel the tightness in my chest and the shallow breathing as I write these memories some fifty years later. Only God could calm me, cause me to bravely move forward, and prove that we could do this together!
I worked the ropes during our test climb.
Janis working the ropes while climbing Matterhorn Peak, Summer 1977
The following day, Day 12, I awoke early with some trepidation, but mostly, I felt the challenge, knowing I was up to the task. I also realized I wasn’t alone. I might be holding the belay rope, but I would be surrounded by others ready to grab hold if necessary. Interestingly, I didn’t fear for myself, knowing “they” knew what they were doing. The climbing began. Chuck divided us into three teams; the first men of each group climbed and set anchors in the cracks of the rocks. We systematically began climbing. When it was my turn, and I was securely attached to the rope, I called out, “On belay?” From above, I heard, “Belay on.” I replied, “Climbing.” “Climb on,” my partner called back, so I began. I reminded myself always to hold three points at any given moment: two footholds, one hand or two handholds, and one foot securely in place before moving upward. I searched for each step and stretched, ensuring firm grips or footholds before continuing.
I tested the rocks and slowly inched toward the encouraging voices above. Climbing ever so higher, I briefly looked around and saw God’s grand creation differently: what a glorious view! Finally, I reached the summit to the cheers of my team. After a brief rest, I crouched on the belay for the next person. Success! We made it safely up. “God protected ‘him’ from ‘me’ in my weakness and fear,” I often thought! The view from Wetterhorn’s summit proved spectacular. I breathed deeply the fresh, clear air, albeit relatively thin. I signed the registry at the top of Wetterhorn, proving my success. Who will climb it now and look my name up?
LIFE LESSON # 4: God will see me through the scariest situations in life. I need to turn to Him. When I am weak, He is strong. So many verses came to mind the evening before the scary climb. I don’t recall them exactly, but in the past 50 years, these verses proved themselves truthful: Joshua 1:9 “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” and Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.”
When we returned to camp, we began our last major event: a 24-hour time of prayer and fasting. Chuck gave each of us individual coordinates to a camping spot about a half mile away. Using our compasses, he instructed us to take only our sleeping bag, compass, Bible, and journal. Of all the technical skills I’d learned, orienteering and map reading were my favorites! I enjoyed reading my maps and compass to discover my spot. Once settled, I spent daylight exploring the grassy knoll, reading, praying, and napping. When night came, I was at peace. The next day was a repeat in this serene place of rest. I felt God’s closeness as I worshiped, knowing that soon enough, I’d return to the hustle and bustle of work and many more new adventures. Yet, I felt empowered. I must cherish this time, and I did. In many ways, I still feel like these events happened just yesterday.
LIFE LESSON #5: Enjoy God’s presence. Life is all about my relationship with God. Isaiah 25:1: “O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You. I will praise Your name. For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” I must make time for God and me alone.
When prompted, “What is the bravest thing you have ever done?” I know this adventure, chosen by “me,” is the most outlandish choice I have ever made. How would I have known that this choice helped prepare me for brave undertakings in the years ahead—undertakings I would never have chosen, like knowing what to do when a child or loved one was seriously ill, going through brain surgery, facing monumental adult decisions, or so much more? When Paul recorded Romans 5:3-5, I’m sure God spoke personally to me: tribulation leads to perseverance, which leads to character, and character leads to hope. Finally, hope does not disappoint because the Holy Spirit has poured the love of God into our hearts.