Nov 28, 2009
In this update, we meet 17-year old Froila D’souza, a grade 12 student at The Indian High School in Dubai. Froila’s parents originally hail from Attur in Karkala and now reside in Dubai.
Froila makes a vivid description of her experience in climbing Mt. Sinai which I am sure for many will be a reminiscence of their own experience. For others like me, the article will probably kindle a desire for gaining that experience. For still others, the scale of description in the article will be sufficient to evoke the feeling of having been there!
Froila can be called a high achiever having been a participant in dance and quiz programs, besides academic activities. She has also secured a bursary from her school to pursue studies in Computer Technology.
Among her hobbies are nature photography, listening to music, playing the guitar, writing poetry, and of course, surfing the net.
Good Luck to you Froila in all you do. I am sure you will make your school and your family proud.
Sophia Rodrigues
Editor - Kids ARENA
Scaling Mount Sinai
By Froila D’souza
In the commotion and chaos of our arrival into the St. Catherine city after a drive of nine hours from Israel, we hurry in to our tour bus in the early hours of August 14, 2009. At 1:30am, we are at sea level surrounded by pitch darkness.
Unaware of its rough terrain, mighty steps, poky stones, we have set out into the unknown, armed with a monochromatic beam (read: torch) which feels desolate in contrast to the murkiness of the sky. We are not alone. Following us, is the passive watcher in the sky with its bright luminance outshining the shimmer and glitter of stars. The ambience is set with dew drops falling on us. A sign of new beginning!
The only sound is of the sand crushing against the weight of our feet, echoing a forgotten past and an insecure future. We stumble upon the rock which Moses stroked on- and water flowed. The mountain - an answer to our necessities fulfilled the need of water then and satiates eternal spring of tranquility now.
Each gasp for breath is a silent reminder that we are gaining height. There is, however, an uncertainty marked by the question-Will we be able to make it? Three hours later, we reach the coffee shop area. From there, it’s the final 750 steps (also known as steps of penitence) to reach the summit.
The mere sight of each step and the power of the three digits sink within us. However, the buoyancy of strong will and determination has weakened the former’s potential. We begin our ascent.
As the dawn breaks, we feel a gradual uplift in our spirits and we continue. The cool wind caressing our cheeks with its whisper finding a place in the deepest corner of our hearts and then at 5.45 am, we are up there and below our feet is 2,672 meters.
Oh! The mighty feeling of accomplishment! I look at my mother, who fours ago feared that she wouldn’t make it to the top. Now she is standing beside me with a bright smile! The winds become colder.
At 6 am, an amazing event happens. Among the peaks, a radiant ball of fire emerges, a quick transition from absolute bleakness into a new day - August 14, 2009. As I look around, I observe that along with mere darkness, the rising sun has taken away our anxiety, fear and fatigue. The exhaustion is no more.
Pricky stones, narrow rocks, tall steps- nothing bother my feet. I see my aunt climb up slowly. I admire the strength of her heart. She hasn’t allowed her physical feebleness be the cause of her spiritual defeat. She climbs up slowly. She’s made it! I see the immense joy in her heart when the sun’s rays strikes upon her.
I go up to the monastery built there and reflect on Moses receiving the Ten Commandments in the backdrop. So divine, so heavenly. I look back at my solar friend who has now lightened up the path I walked on the previous night. My father was startled at the fact that we had climbed through the path which then seemed never ending. During our ascent, we were accompanied by the wanderer of the night and now on our way back, we are empowered by the warmth of the sun. I pick up a red sand stone as a souvenir.
A time zone later (back in Dubai) I realized that I did not need that stone at all. My soul had picked up a token for itself- as every time I close my eyes, the winds of serenity return to me- serving an eternal memento.
Note to the readers:
Kids Arena column open for below 18-year-old. You can send your articles, stories, poems, or any creatives along with your brief introduction and picture to below email:
kids@daijiworld.com
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