Landen's Mt Fuji Hike 4 Make a Wish

My name is Landen Martinez and I am 10 years old.  I have been challenged to hike Mt. Fuji in Japan by my dad.  My first hike was at 6 years old up the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, N.M. where I am from.  It was a 7.5 mile hike to 10,000 feet.  Before the hike my dad checked the weather.  It said clear skies.  We ran into a horrendus lightning, thunder and rain storm.  The lightning was so bad it was shaking the canyon.  I began to cry and scream we are going to die.  My dad got down on both knees and said we are too far up to turn back and there is shelter at the top.  It is getting dark and very cold.  The rain was coming down so fast we could barely see in front of us.  We had no jackets because of the weather report.  He got down on both knees looked me in the eyes and  and told me "you are right, we are going to die, you are going to die and I am going to die, we are all going to die just not today."  We just kept moving even though we had three more miles of rough terrain to go.  I wanted to quit and he would not let me.  He basically pulled me up the mountain.  After I was so happy I made it.  My dad told me I never quit or gave up.  I now love to hike, play sports, piano, trumphet, drums and I am in my school band.  I love skateboarding and funny movies and funny TV shows.  For as long as I can remember I have always been taught that nothing is easy and nothing good is free.  I have also been taught hard work pays off and to never quit at anything you try and always help others.  My father has now challenged me to hike mount Fuji which is over 12,300 feet.  All money donated is going directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.   I love to help people out and would love to help other kids who are sick have their dreams and wishes come true.  I am always told to never ask anyone for anything.  Today I am asking you to help these sick kids wishes come true.  My dad and I will be hiking the second week of July 2015.  My father is paying for us to get out there so as you can see every single dollar donated goes to directly to Make-A- Wish National Foundation.  I am very humbled and thankful for any donations.  Thank you and have  a great day.