Up that Hill!

 Surprisingly, I forgot to post about one of our 

 Family Life events recently.

One of our offspring, did a lot of planning and 

organizing and flew off

 to do a successful climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.

This is the first time anyone in our family has gone to Africa.

It was big and menacing in the distance

but a challenge he's been wanting to complete.

After a few warm-up days waiting

to start the hike, getting to know the Sherpas

and reviewing the contents of their packs,

he and another enthusiast started up the hill.

This was after of course the "going up

the mountain"  circle dance and song done 

with all the Sherpas and climbers.

It really seemed to start the adventure off

on a high note, (yes, pun intended).

The most challenging aspect of Kilimanjaro,

is not the physical climb self.

No ropes are needed, there's not too many frightening

precipices is to fall off,

but there is one constant challenge.

The altitude.

 The safest way to proceed up the hill

is following the constant advice of the guides and

 "pole pole" which means "slowly slowly" in Swahili.

One has to give their body

time to acclimate to the decreased oxygen 

level in the atmosphere.

Each day's hike would go slightly 

beyond the destination and return

to the evening's campsite.

This would help your body to acclimate

to the oxygen level.

Eight days later, after much learning,

they arrived at the Summit.

He did say that the last 500 m

was basically just putting one foot in front of the other

to get there because it became so strenuous

just to breathe.

He returned to us bringing 

hand carved treasure boxes full

of mementos of the climb made

by local artisans in nearby towns.

Woven name bracelets, small toys

and all memories of a great journey.

May we all attain our goals 

and embrace challenges that make us stronger. 

Stay safe and Sew on!