1. What is LeConte27?
LeConte27 is a hike-a-thon designed to raise awareness and funding to mitigate human trafficking in Romania and around the world. We (Minta and Taylor) will be hiking all 5 approach trails to Mt. LeConte in 24 hours and asking for YOUR HELP in supporting us and our partner organization, MissioLink International, in the fight to END HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
2. Why 27?
There are an estimated 27 million victims of human trafficking worldwide (a conservative estimate). This includes sex trafficking victims, but also an equally alarming number of labor and organ trafficking victims as well as victims of domestic servitude. We have chosen to do our hike on December 27, 2015 to signify our commitment to shedding light on this horrible crime and bringing hope to those in its path.
3. How far are you hiking?
There are five approach trails to Mt. LeConte: Rainbow Falls (6.5 miles), Bullhead (7.2 miles), the Boulevard (8 miles), Trillium Gap (6.5 miles), and Alum Cave (5.5 miles). In order to complete each one in 24 hours, we will be hiking a minimum of 33.7 miles, but will likely hike a grand total of 39.2 miles so we can end our journey at the base of the mountain (our challenge will be complete after a final ascent). The net vertical elevation change of the day will be 14,580 ft.
4. How long will this take?
We plan to begin our hike around 3 am and finish before midnight on December 27th. There will be long periods of hiking by headlamps in the darkness, but we will also get to experience one full sunrise and sunset on the trail. We will likely hike at a pace anywhere between 2-3 miles per hour depending on the terrain and how our legs are feeling. We will also need to stop to be driven from one trailhead to the next and for snacks/water.
5. Why did you pick Mt. LeConte?
Mt. LeConte is a very well-known destination in East Tennessee, the 3rd highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest mountain in the Appalachians when measured from base to summit. For Blueberry (Minta), it is a sacred spot that she discovered with her father and grandfather as a 10 year old girl (to return countless times since.) She calls the mountain Sinai (where Moses went to meet with God in the Old Testament). The inspiration to hike all the approach trails in one day came while Minta was working at Camp Wesley Woods last summer. She met Bob Hayes, a trail-loving Methodist minister who completed the journey for his 65th birthday and was absolutely set on the idea from then on. The hike will not only serve as a fundraiser for a critical issue, but also a journey "home" for the team.
6. Can I support by hiking with you?
We are so thankful for your generous offers of support--whether monetary or offers to walk with us. We honestly do believe that we cannot accomplish this feat alone. We are happy to have others along for the journey (in person and in spirit), but we must press on at an appropriate pace to finish the hike. If you would like to join us for a section, you are more than welcome to do so, so long as you coordinate your own transportation to and from the trailhead and understand that in the interest of a successful hike, we are unable modify our plan to accommodate your needs. For the latest news about the logistics of the hike, keep an eye on the HOME page of this blog. What if you don't live within a reasonable distance of Mt. LeConte? No problem! We would be thrilled if you would like to post pictures of your own hike for human trafficking using #Leconte27. Spread the word!
7. What is MLI and why did you choose to support them?
Missio Link International (MLI) is a non-profit organization that shares the love of Christ by bringing the Gospel message and social services to the unreached and marginalized in Romania. They provide the Gospel and social services to impoverished families and children at risk of abuse and human trafficking. Through various ministries and missions, they enable a hopeful future for undeserved people of Romania, especially children, regardless of their unfortunate past. We chose to support MLI because of long ties Taylor's family has with the organization and amazing people behind it. Bob the Builder (Taylor) had the amazing experience of traveling to Romania and seeing first hand how MLI helps the undeserved people, especially children, of Romania. He was touched by the people transformed by the Gospel and MLI's efforts. MLI positively impacts countless lives in Romania and their partners throughout the world.
Missio Link International (MLI) is a non-profit organization that shares the love of Christ by bringing the Gospel message and social services to the unreached and marginalized in Romania. They provide the Gospel and social services to impoverished families and children at risk of abuse and human trafficking. Through various ministries and missions, they enable a hopeful future for undeserved people of Romania, especially children, regardless of their unfortunate past. We chose to support MLI because of long ties Taylor's family has with the organization and amazing people behind it. Bob the Builder (Taylor) had the amazing experience of traveling to Romania and seeing first hand how MLI helps the undeserved people, especially children, of Romania. He was touched by the people transformed by the Gospel and MLI's efforts. MLI positively impacts countless lives in Romania and their partners throughout the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment