Greetings to all from Everest Base Camp (17,800ft)!

I just got off the radio with Expedition leader Gary Guller. He is proud and excited to let you know that he and Gary Scott are poised for a summit push on the morning of May 13th, which is the evening of Monday, May 12th your time.

Today, Gary G, Nima Dawa Sherpa and Pem Tenji Sherpa spent a productive day on the Lhotse Face between Camps 2 and 3 making sure all safety measures were in place for the summit push. Both Garys and all the Sherpa are feeling healthy, strong and positive about the plans for the upcoming days.

Vince remains at Camp 2, but plans for an additional acclimatization hike to the base of the Lhotse Face tomorrow. These day hikes will improve his strength and health, which is being monitored daily. Vince's presence, as always, is a tremendous inspiration to TE '03 members. [Vince sends his love across the miles to his wonderful and supportive wife Connie.]

Gary G. reports amazing cooperation among all teams to pitch in the extra gear needed to fix the necessary ropes from the South Col to the Summit. This harmony on the mountain truly represents the importance of the 50th anniversary of the first summit of Mt. Everest.

Further, the support, respect and goodwill that TE '03 has received from international expeditions and Sherpa climbers has been a blessing, showing how cross-cultural and far reaching our message is. It is a testament to the dedication of CTD, the sponsors, supporters, advocates and team members around the world who believe in this cause. You are about to see the message taken to the top of the world!

After hearing about the devastation of our camps by the windstorm of the previous days, it is hard to believe how positive and upbeat everyone is. However, when I think about the people up there - Gary Guller, Gary Scott, Vince, Nima Dawa, Pem Tenji, Karma, Daw Nima and Namgya - I am not surprised in the least that they are working together as a team, staying focused on the goal and the message and making the best of a truly difficult situation. From the rubble, they have emerged stronger! Even at the higher altitudes where cold and harsh conditions make things very difficult, the harmony and team work has been extraordinary.

For the next installment of our Sherpa language lessons, I chose some perfect words for our current situation, as all of us up here in the Himalaya have become like a family:

Mother:mama, Father:apa, older brother:achoo, younger brother:ang, older sister:azhi (what everyone calls me!), younger sister: nuni, son:pujung, daughter: pum, cousin: aku, aunt:umchung, uncle:au, grandfather:paga, grandmother:gaga.

From our family to yours - Ngel pep (Goodnight!)

Yours truly, Christine Kane, Base Camp Manager