Heather O’Neal is a world traveler, respected author, inspirational speaker and professional tour guide for private clients to exotic destinations around the world. Heather has taken her clients to see Spain, U.S. national parks and other intriguing destinations.

However, she’s famous for taking clients into the heart of the Himalayas; more specifically Mount Everest. Heather won’t take you to the summit of Mt. Everest, but her trusted Sherpa by the name of Pemba (Pem) Durjee will.

I first met Heather last spring at a party she hosted for her past clients. Heather was celebrating her 10-year anniversary as owner of “Of Global Interest Adventure Travel” based out of Ann Arbor. My fiancé and Heather have been lifelong friends, and we were invited to the party.

There were past clients from around the country who made it to this party. They talked about their adventures and how their lifelong goals were achieved. Some clients talked about their trips to Spain, while others talked about trekking from Katmandu to Base Camp at Mt. Everest.

Everyone shared a sense of awe and humility about their various adventures and how it changed their lives. It was an eye opening experience for me, far more than what I expected for the evening.

Heather was nice enough to talk with me about the Himalayan people and their culture. As hard as I tried, I just couldn’t remember all that she shared with me. Heather described the majestic Himalayan Mountains and the beautiful people who inhabited the area.

However, she also discussed the extreme poverty, cultural taboos, child trafficking and leprosy that have plagued the region for centuries. Any of these topics could make the strongest person weep for those who have suffered.

But, nothing prepared me for what Heather talked about next. Men and women who are convicted of a crime sometimes must also take their children to prison as well. Talk about the sins of the father.

My heart broke when Heather explained the reasoning behind this cultural practice. There’s a term called “juto” which loosely translated means bad luck. It’s believed that people who dishonor themselves bring bad luck (juto) to other family members. Therefore, even the children of the convicted bring dishonor (juto) to other relatives. It’s for this reason that the children typically go to prison with their parents.

Heather has worked tirelessly to help these children and other poor people by instituting the “Random Acts of Kindness” fund. Heather discussed her relationship with a friend by the name of Joe Connaughton who opened her eyes to the children in prison. In short, Joe gave her $100 back in 2000 and asked her to talk to the prison guards and get the kids some shoes or take them out to lunch.

Heather did just that and the rest is history. She collects money every year for the “Random Acts of Kindness” fund and helps the children out. Please go to Heather’s website for the full history of this inspiring story.

The highlight of the evening came when I met the Sherpa Heather works with, Pem Dorjee, his wife, Moni Mulepati, and their beautiful daughter. 'Pemba' is how you say Saturday in the Sherpa language. The mountain people of Nepal often name their children on the day they’re born. So, if a person's name is Pemba, then it’s safe to say that s/he was born on a Saturday. In 2002, Heather and Pemba had a client who became the first cancer survivor to reach the top of Mt. Everest.

Pemba was born in Nepal and has a story so extraordinary that defies all logic. A Sherpa is a member of the Buddhist people of Tibet living on the southern side of the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal and are famous for their mountaineering expertise. I found it extraordinary to be in the presence of someone who was born and raised in the heart of the Himalayas and who climbed Mt. Everest on two occasions. These accomplishments in and of themselves are astonishing.

Pemba was born in a remote village high in the Himalayan Mountains. Pemba didn’t have electricity or running water and never saw the lights of a big city or cars until he was 20 years old. However, Moni was born and raised in the bustling city of Katmandu. Pemba was a Buddhist and Moni a Hindu. Simply stated, their respective religions forbid them from getting married.

But, love finds a way to enter one’s heart no matter where you’re from. Pemba and Moni fell in love but feared their families might never accept their marriage as legitimate. But, they believed in each other and hatched a plan that eventually made world news and history: Both Pemba and Moni made the near impossible decision to attempt a summit to the top of Mt. Everest. There, they would exchange their wedding vows should they make it to the top.

Pemba and Moni fought off frostbite, exhaustion and survived in the oxygen deprived area known as the “Death Zone” long enough to meet atop the summit of Mt. Everest. They literally found themselves on top of the world, briefly took off their oxygen masks and exchanged wedding vows. They were the first to ever get married on top of Mt. Everest.

Word soon spread of the good news making them heroes in Nepal. Heather said, "Not only did their parents finally accept their marriage, many people in their country admired their courage. In many ways their world news making Everest wedding has been influential in changing thousands of years of cultural traditions. Of course the younger generations are much more accepting than the older ones.”

It’s arguably the most beautiful story I’ve ever heard, and I wanted to share it with all of you. I think this story has the makings of a great movie if Hollywood gets a hold of it.
I’d like to thank Heather for her hospitality and for opening my eyes to the Himalayan culture.

Don’t hesitate to visit Heather’s website should you want to donate to “Random Acts of Kindness” or if you have any questions or interest in travelling to some amazing destinations around the world. Her website is www.ofglobalinterest.com.

Your story ideas and comments are warmly welcomed. Feel free to contact Rick Taylor at 734-223-5656 or through his website at www.ricktaylorrealestate.com.