Sirak recounts the genesis of his mission to Climb Mt. Everest, "After repeated invites by a co-worker to go hiking, I finally accepted one to Black Mountain located in Henderson, Nevada. I thought it would be easy, even boring. So to add a little challenge to the climb, I wore a 22 pound weighted vest along with water and snacks to the mountain. Little did I know about climbing, but on that day, I felt as if I was carrying a ton up that mountain. That challenge was the labor to the birth of my passion for mountain climbing. From that day on, all my leisure time was spent climbing the high peaks of Nevada and California."

Sirak continues, "After noticing my enthusiasm and passion for climbing, a close friend suggested I climb Mt. Everest representing Ethiopia, my country. Though shocked by the magnitude of the mission in the beginning, it was a goal that was reachable. We envisioned the glory of placing our flag on top of the world, joining the ranks of others mostly that of the developed world, whose nationals were triumphant in accomplishing this feat. A goal was set to climb Mt. Everest with the Ethiopian flag. This goal, we will accomplish!"

Peaks completed up to June 2009 in NEVADA

• Mt Charleston( via North and South Loop ) : The highest peak in Southern Nevada.( Twice )
• Griffith Peak : The third highest peak in Southern Nevada.
• McFarland Peak : Classic route to a seldom climbed peak.
• Mummy Mountain : Classic route to the second highest peak in Southern Nevada.( Twice )
• Black Velvet Peak : One of the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon.
• Bridge Mountain : Considered by many to be the best hike in Red Rock Canyon.( Twice )
• Calico Loop : Red Rock Canyon.
• Calico Tank Peak : Scramble route in Red Rock Canyon.
• Crabby Appleton Peak : Scrambling route through Pine Creek to the summit.
• Indecision Peak : Intense Scrambling route to a peak at the back of First Creek Canyon.
• Goodman Peak : Red Rock Canyon.
• Gunsight Notch Peak: Red Rock Canyon.
• Juniper Peak: One of the top five hikes in Red Rock Canyon.( Twice )
• Mescalito Peak: Scrambling route in Red Rock Canyon.
• Mt. Wilson: Toughest and highest peak in Red Rock Canyon. ( 3 Times )
• Rainbow Peak: Red Rock Canyon.
• Rainbow Wall: Red Rock Canyon.
• Terrace Canyon Peak: Red Rock Canyon.
• Turtlehead Jr.: Red Rock Canyon.
• White Rock Hills Peak: Red Rock Canyon.
• Black Mountain: Henderson NV ( 5 Times )
• Liberty Bell Arch: Lake Mead NV
• Frenchman Mountain: Lake Mead NV
• Summerlin Peak: Las Vegas NV
• Harris Mtn: Las Vegas NV
• Grand Canyon, Rim ( south ) to Rim ( north ) in one day, AZ.

Peaks completed up to June 2009 in CALIFORNIA

• Ross Mountain Via Mt.Baden -Powell Peak & Mt. Lewis: San Bernardino National Forest
• Mt. Baldy : Upland, California

Peaks to be completed in 2009 ( before Everest Mission )

• Mt Rainier: Ashford WA
• Mt Shasta : Shasta CA

The individuals listed below have encouraged and supported me througout the creation of this Mission and Website.

My Family, Abate Sebsibe, Zemenay Lakew, Leykun Worku, Mirna Martinovic, Birhan Bisrat, Terri Demissie, Rebecca Boggs Buelna, Rafael Buelna, Farouq Alzouman (1st Saudi Everest Summiter), Messert Assefa, Raymond Rajan, Rahel Woldemariam, Tigist Sahlu, Vimi Pochun and Family, Guenet Sebsibe, Mahalet Adera, Semira Mohammed, Metti Kanno, Bich Thuy, Karen Herdzik, David Bagaason, Tracy Rosenfeld, Alan Arnette and Dave Brosha.

Thank you all,

Sirak