My 2nd cousin, Jerry Mika (our mom's are cousins) is on his way to Mt. Everest Base Camp with the Sherpa only "Super Sherpa" expedition. All the details are in the articles I've posted, but in a nutshell:
He and Apa Sherpa are co-owners of Karma Outdoor clothing, here in SLC. Apa holds the world record of 16 successful climbs of Everest. They are filming a documentary of this current climb which is a team solely of Sherpas. Proceeds of the store & the documentary will go to the village Apa is from so they can provide a better education for their children. Apa's family has moved to SLC and last I heard were living with Jerry. Apa's children are in school, including his oldest son who is attending the U of U. This is truly an American Dream type story that will also benefit many others.
One of the saddest things is hearing Jerry's stories of how little the Sherpa's are compensated when they help others climb everest. He said the family of the Sherpa who died last year only received $2000. Can you believe that? Another Sherpa who saved a climbers life only received a bottle of wine from the wealthy banker who's life he saved. And it goes on and on.
Anyway, that's the background of why I have all those links up.
Both local newspapers will be doing updates once the Super Sherpa group begins their climb. I will make those the top 2 links.
7 years ago
So, I guess we served the same mission. That's how I found your blog, I clicked through from the NY, NY N. Mission site and here I am. The only reason I comment on this posting (other than you do a great blog!) is that I worked with Jerry Mika at Snowbird. Great guy. Small world. That's all I wanted to say. Good job on the blog. I'm posting this under my blog identity for my little brother who's on a mission now carrying on my former missionary name. check his blog out if you want to bring back the good mission memories.
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