Reclaiming My Strength

Hello all!

I would like to go into a little more detail as to why I am pursuing this hike.  As I explained in the previous post, my father had wanted to do this hike himself.  He really made me fall in love with the idea of such an experience.  Prior to his death, I had wanted to do the hike and video tape or take pictures along the way to show him so that he could have the experience and would feel like he had done it too.  However, I did not have a chance to do it due to my educational endeavors.  When he passed away I vowed that I would still hike the A.T. for him. 

I was working on my Masters degree in Oriental Medicine when my father passed away.  The past year since his death has been somewhat of a lost year to me.  I felt like the wind was knocked out of me and I just couldn't catch my breath again.  I really lost sight of my own strength and found myself at what seemed to be the bottom of a pit that I couldn't possibly climb out of.  It has only been recently that I have been seeing strength in myself again.  I can't explain how good it feels to see again the things that I love about life and myself.  This hike is me reclaiming my strength.  The chance to be able to do such a big thing in my life- to push myself to keep moving forward, to honor my father, to find beauty and happiness in even the smallest things, and to prove to myself that I can do anything if I put my mind to it- means the world to me.

I am extending my hope to be able to have a chance to hike the A.T. out to all of you.  I cannot do this without you.  Please help me make my dream a reality!  Even just $5 or $10 goes a long way if I can find enough people to believe in me and this cause.  Any donations made to the hike itself that are not used for the hike will automatically be donated to the American Heart Association.

For an idea of what I am needing in order to make this possible, here is a rough list starting with the most important
-Hiking pack
-Tent
-Sleeping bag and mat
-A lightweight stove
-A rain jacket & pants
-Headlamp, trowel, hiking socks
-Food bag, rope, DEET/bugspray
-Food, hostel stays, camping fees (during the 6 months)

I have less than 3 weeks now to come up with enough support to be able to start the hike.  If you believe in me or in doing things for love, strength, and a greater purpose, please be a heart hiker with me and help me make this possible! 

I thank you with all that I am and  am sending love out to you all.

In all that you do, do it with heart <3

-Amber