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!
