Day 17.. the excitement builds

So here we are at the end of Day 17, Monday June 2, 2014 and if I had to take a guess, the silence of no call tonight tells me that these guys are geared up,, hyper focused, nervous as all... you know what, and are mentally preparing for what lies ahead in the next 24 hours. No distractions of any kind are wanted at this moment as they prepare for the prize.
So does that mean tomorrow is the day? I mean.. THE DAY... the one they have worked so very hard for? Only the 5 brothers of the mountain know.. and God of course! It could be that they just have nothing new to tell. We could speculate for hours, but lets review the basic "facts".
Yesterday it was planned that if the weather held they would advance and make high camp at 17,200', picking up their cache at 16,200 along the way and today would be a rest day. IF the weather did not hold, then they would have done this today and wait for their window.
The "window" as they call it, is really just that, an opening so to speak for them to be able to step through the blustery winter weather that pounds them daily into a more calm surrounding enabling them to safely finish what they came to do. Of course this doesn't mean Moses of the mountain suddenly appears and the clouds part and in steps puppies and sunshine. No, it just means that with any luck, the winds will go from 50mph to hopefully 20mph and the temperatures might then go from 70 below zero to maybe 45 below. And hopefully it wont snow,... the entire time.. hopefully.

The weather forecast for tomorrow and Wednesday however, could not get much better if that crazy old Moses really did make an appearance. Believe it or not, tomorrow is calling for CLEAR skies at the summit. I don't know if that ever really happens? Clear skies, winds south west at 15, and dare I say a high of 17 below with a windchill of only 40 below?? Seriously?? Somehow I cant help but think that all those prayers that we have been sending are being more than heard and the Lord is truly blessing our men with not only their window but quite possibly an opportunity for some unbelievably spectacular views!! Clear skies!!!  I'm so excited I can hardly sit still. What are the odds.
Well before I go Jinxing it,, lets remember to keep those prayers coming. Don't give up on our guys now. Everyone has been praying so hard and this is the final stretch that they are truly going to need them to be heard.  There is still the little factor of having to walk along that spine of the ridge that takes them to the summit. And of course there is the details of having to then descend back to 17,200, and then further each day.
Stay prayerful and keep checking back. I for one, will be taking my cell phone with me everywhere for the next two days just waiting for that call. It's going to be a difficult day, but nothing in comparison to what the men will be facing.
Lift them up Lord, let them walk softly in your path and lead them in their journey, mentally, physically and most importantly spiritually. Guide their steps in the snow and keep them true to their course. Let them rest safely and peacefully with the beauty of your blessings laid out before them. Keep them strong and healthy. Let them feel the love from all of us, surround them as they reach their goal.
Good Luck Men, we are all so very proud of you!!