Team Uhuru to Summit

July 28, 2012

As I type this note, a group of hikers is drinking tea and eating cookies as they prepare to summit to Peak Uhuru, the highest point on the African continent.  I have no doubt that they are quiet, excited, cold, nervous, checking gear, making sure head lamps work well, laughing, patting each other on the back, and encouraging each other as they prepare for the trek of a lifetime.

They will pray for safety.  They will drink more tea.  They will wear triple socks and gloves, zip up their parkas over underarmor, long sleeved shirts and fleeces.  They will tie their boot laces and make sure that their gaiters are snug around their calves.  They will high five each other and they will head out in a single file, with the lead guide in front of them and a guide at the end of the line.

They will move quietly, one foot in front of the other in the darkness, thankful for good batteries and headlamps.  Their walking poles will make scraping noises as they step once, twice, three times and then...a hundred more times, a thousand more times.  They will get into their heads as they walk in the dark, looking up to see a line of other teams making their way up the mountain...no shapes or forms of the climbers visible, but the glow of the headlamps making the trails of humans visible. 

The balaklavas will make their breath warm and will keep their faces from the cold.  They will stop for 2-3 minute breaks to sip tea and to eat another cookie or a piece of candy.  No one will talk.  This is inside work and it is hard.  But...

The sun will rise and the world will change.

They will be hiking above the sun as it rises and they will warm up.  The balaklavas will not be as necessary and talking will start once again.  Yes, it will be a little more full of breath, but it will be talking.  High fives, once again, all around and they will all be thankful for the sun.

Stella Point comes first.  Photos for those who want them and a small tea break.  Can't stop for long or you'll get frostbite.  So...move on for just a little over an hour more and they will be soon be sipping juice and eating chocolate at Uhuru Point. 

Our brave group will have reached the Roof of Africa.  Why?  For some, to realize a life long dream of climbing and summiting Kilimanjaro.  But, most imporantly, they did it so that children affected/infected by AIDS can live lives of hope and opportunity.  As an organization, we can't thank them enough for what they are doing.  As someone who has seen these children grow up and who has the honor of playing, talking, and eating with them, I don't have words left to say.  Just know that each of the climbers is a hero to me and to those for whom they climb. 

As the team descends in the African morning, they will be exhausted, but won't know it.  By Monday noonish (African time), they will be at Mbahe Farm again, taking the best shower in their lives.  Guaranteed. 

As soon as I receive photos and/or updates, I'll post again.