When I think back to the month of November and our time spent in Tanzania, one of my all-time favorite memories has to be climbing mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, towering above sea level at 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet.
At the end of the month, 13 crazy members of H squad were blessed with the opportunity to climb this beast. We trekked the 5 day Marangu route. And the first day of hiking was none other than my 24th birthday, what a way to spend it! Thanks mom and dad!
Over the course of 3 days, we hiked 6-7 hours a day, camping in cabins and acclimating to the altitude along the way until we finally reached base camp the evening of the 3rd day. Aside from blisters, dehydration, and exhaustion, altitude sickness and nausea had already begin to set in. We slept for a few measly hours and were awoken at 11pm to scarf down some gingersnap cookies and warm tea and start the final ascent at midnight.
We were thoroughly under prepared when it came to equipment, let alone experience. Masked by the darkness of night we set out for the final ascent, strategically doing switchbacks then entire time and thanking the Lord for the cover of darkness because we didn't realize we were on the 'cusp of death,' as one climber we met on the way up stated, due to the steepness, sharp turns and gigantic boulders we maneuvered over to get to the very top of the mountain. A little after witnessing a glorious sunrise, we all made it! When I finally reached the summit and caught my breath I turned to KJ and said, "Now we know, we really CAN do all things through Christ who gives us strength."
Amen to that and amen again! Climbing mount Kili was literally the hardest thing I've ever done in my life both mentally and physically. There is absolutely no way I could have made it if it weren't for the Lord giving me the strength to do it. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20: "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." I am a firm believer that NOTHING is impossible with God as your foundation.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:31
As I stood at the top of the summit and glanced around at the massive snow covered peak and gigantic glacier that was a stone's throw away, I was simply forced to think big. To think God. My mind as well as my eye was lifted by the loftiness of these creations. The mountain forced the thought of God upon me. I don't think I've ever prayed as much as I did over the course of those 6 and a half hours trekking up the mountainside. Shivering cold, wheezing due to lack of oxygen, choking back vomit, shielding my face from the wind, just plain exhausted, miserably forcing each step, each heavy lift of my boot. Left foot, then right, left then right. But in the middle of the struggle, God brought me to a quite place with Him. He said, 'Be still and know that I am God.' My feeble doubts became insignificant and the difficulties melted into oblivion before God and the rocking monarch of the Earth that was under my frozen feet. In it's majestic silence this mountain shouted at me a clear resounding fact. God is great.
Please enjoy these pictures and awesome video by KJ!
Taking lots of water breaks. Our guides made sure we drank at least 2 liters a day.
We snuck up on some wild monkeys. Mount Kili has several different climate regions or 'layers.' The first being a tropical jungle, then a dry desert. Once you get close to base camp it just looks like Mars. And 19,000 feet up in the sky you have a beautiful arctic tundra!
Camping in these cozy cabins every night snuggled up in our sleeping bags and bunk beds.
Breakfast with our amazing guides and porters who carried all of our heavy bags, motivated and encouraged us and gave us a good kick in the butt to keep moving when we needed it most! These guys have literally climbed the mountain hundreds of times. No biggie.
The gang going strong!
Reaching the huts day 2.
Officially above the clouds. Beautiful views, beautiful sunsets and such an honor to witness the splendor of His creation.
Ash enjoying some delicious pumpkin soup for dinner. Taking in those calories to get some much needed energy for the climb!
Kage feeling good the morning of day 3…this guy's going places!
Getting closer!
En route to the final base camp. About an hour later we reached Kibo huts.
Rise and shine at midnight. The crew all geared up and ready to summit! Yahooo!
The sun rose from behind the clouds to give us hope as we neared the top and a little extra motivational push to get us there.
Trav and Kage summiting! The oxygen level at the top is 50% compared to ground level and the specific trail we took on Marangu route had only a 60% success rate.
We made it! Victory pic!
19,000 feet up, standing on the rooftop of Africa. But never again…this birthday was one for the books!
I need not shout my faith. Thrice eloquent.
Are quiet trees and the green listening sod;
Hushed are the stars, whose power is never spent;
The hills are mute, yet how they speak of God.
Author unknown.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour fourth speech;
night after night they revel knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the end of the world.
Psalm 19:1-4
