Blind and Sighted Students Taking Off to Machu Picchu
From June 9-21, nine blind and nine sighted students will join Global Explorers and world-famous blind climber Erik Weihenmayer on a journey of a lifetime. This is the first time that Erik, who is one of only a handful of people to have climbed the Seven Summits, will be leading an expedition in which he takes both blind and sighted students to learn from and guide each other. During this 12-day expedition, students from all parts of the United States will learn about the natural beauty of Peru, study the rich Inca culture, and perform a community service project. But most importantly, these students will learn to work together with their fellow travelers to overcome obstacles as they push themselves to new heights.
Our Hopes for Our Adventure
In a recent letter of thanks to a donor, several Leading the Way participants teamed up to discuss what they are most looking forward to about their upcoming adventure. Here's what they had to say: "We look forward to acknowledging and incorporating new ways of life, cultures, qualities, and situations. We also look forward to everything affecting us in so many ways that we will become overwhelmingly knowledgeable in how to help this earth and its people. We will love seeing beyond barriers of nationality and culture to discover that all of humanity really is connected. This trip will encourage us to challenge the limits we place on each other and ourselves. We know that we will be inspired by the rest of the participants around us, and we hope someday to be an inspiration to others."
Global Explorers hopes this inspirational story re-affirms your belief in the power that one person has to create change in the world and challenges any silent prejudices we carry about what is possible.
Live Day-By-Day Website Coverage
During the entire length of our expedition from June 9-21, you can find live audio, video and written updates from the field by visiting our homepage at http://www.globalexplorers.org. Please plan to check-in and hear straight from the students about the many things they are experiencing as it is happening.
A Documentary Film
The Leading the Way expedition will be featured in a forthcoming hour-long documentary film entitled Fellowship of the Andes. Directed by Bernd G.W. Out, a Dutch filmmaker, the documentary will tell a story of adventure, team spirit and unparalleled leadership. The film will premiere in New York in the fall of 2006. Visit http://inca.pilgrimm.com/ for more information.
Thanks to Our Donors!
Many individuals, foundations and corporations stepped forward with generous donations that are making this expedition possible. Thanks to all of you - we could not have accomplished this without you!
Meet the Team
Please visit http://www.globalexplorers.org/site/main/supers/ to learn about each of the participants on this journey.