I did it!

I have come down from the mountain, this afternoon, and am exhausted - both physically and emotinoally. I did it. I summitted on Aug 1 and it was both the hardest and best day of my life so far! Details to follow when I have better internet access but wanted to share with you this amazing detail. Thank you for your support and for your belief in my trek up Mt Kilimanjaro! T

This is it!

Today I head to Amsterdam, where I will stay with family and have a few days in that great place. My mom is Dutch and was born in Holland, so of course there is something very special about that place...beyond its natural beauty. Step one will be great.

Then, it's off to Mt. Kilimanjaro. I need your prayers and thoughts as I take on this mountain!

Monday July 25 - Acclimatization day - nature walk around the foothills of Kili.

Day 1 - Tues July 26 - 3-4 hours of hiking. 9,281 feet

Day 2 - Wed July 27 - 5-6 hours if hiking. 11,499 feet

Day 3 - Thurs July 28 - 3-4 hours of hiking. 12,795 feet

Day 4 - Fri July 29 4-6 hours of hiking. 15,213 feet

Day 5 - Sat July 30 - 6-7 hours of hiking. 13,231 feet

Day 6 - Sun July 31 - 3-4 hours of hiking. 15,331 feet

Day 7 Mon Aug 1 - 8-10 hours of hiking. 18,802 feet

Day 8 Tues Aug 2 - 1-2 hours to the SUMMIT!!! 19,341 - The highest "free standing" (volcanic) mountain in the world! The top of Africa and what this is all about. Pictures then... down. Brrrr

Still Day 8 - 5-7 hours of hiking down. 10,065 feet

Day 9 - Wed Aug 3 2-3 hours of hiking - completion celebration!!! Shower, food, bed.

Aug 4-8 - Safari! :o)

Aug 9-24 Malawi! :o)

Thank you all for your support, encouragement and love as I embark on this adventure of a lifetime. As you can see, I need your thoughts and prayers for health, safety, protection against Acute Altitude Sickness and stamina while I take on Mt Kilimanjaro. I will update as I'm able, however internet access will be sporadic and generally unpredictable. Everyday you will be in my thoughts, knowing I have so much support, I am deeply encouraged.

With my whole heart, thank you.

Success

While waiting at the walk in clinic for my altitude sickness prevention medicine (yes it's true, I have NO idea how I almost left without it?!) I was talking with a stranger. I was sharing my plans for the next 2 months and near the end of our conversation, she asked me how I will know if I was successful. She said, not including if I summit or not, but how else will I measure the success of this journey?

Wow. I love how quickly the answer came. I didn't have to think about it, it just rolled off my tongue. My response...

It's already a success. There are many children who will go to school next year, have the necessary supplies and have their fees paid, therefore obtaining credit for the year.

I have put a huge amount of pressure on myself to summit - of course I want to, that is the goal! But it's almost like this woman was an angel sent just for me today. To help me realize the greater goal, the greater success. That I am doing this for children in Malawi as well as here in BC. By the generous donations of my family and friends, this journey has not yet begun, but has already been deemed a success.

Amen.

Singin and Smilin in the Rain

I've been doing lots of walking and stretching the last few days. Feels pretty good! Tonight I spent some time with a good friend, had pizza and watched some "cop" shows on the tv. It was great to just chill and relax with her and not be "busy" doing or planning or prepping. It felt "civilized."

That's actually the second time I've used the word "civilized" today. I said it earlier when talking with my mom and dad about planning and preparing for this trip. Never in my life have I had so much lead up time to get ready for a vacation or a journey. I always jam as much in right up to departure and then right when I get back. It makes life hectic. My life feels really hectic much of the time. But, for the first time in my adult life (I believe) I took time off. Real time off. I said no to extra shifts (though the money would be fabulous), I didn't go into the school and plan and prep for next year, I didn't work tons at home. I just...wait for it... vacationed. For the last two weeks I have done nothing but walk, hike, sleep and lived mostly without an alarm clock. I feel relaxed. I feel ready for my trip. I feel, civilized.

My dear friend Libby who I met while I was in the middle east used the word "civilized" and it stuck. Much of what she said and the principles she lives by stuck with me. She is a strong woman with great values. Of the many things she said, "civilized" seems to be creeping into my world lately.

Tonight, I walked home from my friends and took the long way, then did some extra circles. The rain was falling, the air was warm and the flowers were out. Lights were on in peoples homes. Tv's on, children's bedroom nightlights on and families gathered in the family rooms. People were sitting out on their porches and at one house, a couple was enjoying wine at a dining room table lit by candle light. I noticed I had a smile on my face. My pace was quick but my heart was warm and calm. The world around me is civilized. People take time to just "be" and to just "enjoy" each other.

I liked it.

Oh the pressure

I get migraines. They suck. I haven't been able to pin down the trigger for my migraines but strongly believe they are "pressure" related. At least, they have been for the past year. So, Monday I got a migraine and took the magic "pill" slept for a few hours and was tired but otherwise ok. Then the all day headache Tues and today. I cannot let these headaches get me down. Even though the weather may not cooperate, my life still has to keep going!

So, yesterday I did an hour of stairs and the track and felt pretty good. Even though stairs are my all time least favourite cardio training to do. (Then went for a fabulous dinner with my parents to celebrate my mom's birthday! No alcohol for me, feeling a little under the weather. Boo).

Today I did an hour and a half walk and still feel good. They may not be hikes but I'm still feeling pretty strong in the endurance and stamina department so, I guess that's ok.

Dear Mr weatherman - please keep the air pressure close to stable until I leave, I want to depart feeling strong and healthy!!!

Thank you.

Then and Now

Months ago when I started hiking, I was more or less "alone" on the trails. Just me, the raindrops and the mist. I loved it. It was like I was transported to another place, where I existed in a place of vast beauty.

Now when I'm on the trails, it is nice to see faces, say 'hello' to passerby's and enjoy a chat with a fellow hiker now and again. Today, however, I noticed the evidence of the passing of time. I was sad to see so much garbage along my pristine trails and floating in the water. I was left to ponder that if those who left the garbage could have seen and experienced what I did in the early spring, would they change their mind about what they left behind?

I understand much more clearly the meaning of "leave only your footprint" and will continue to enjoy the trails in summer, but await my magical spring with excitement.

Sore today, yesterday's Grind with todays 4+ hours has my calves letting me know they need a hot bath and good, long stretch!

Iced sugar free vanilla coffee... grande, please.

Baden Powell as a warm up.

Up the Grouse Grind.

Down the Grouse Grind.

All I gotta say is this.

Thank heavens there is a Starbucks at the base of Grouse!

Black bear, black bear, what do you see?

Headed out to my favourite spot, Buntzen Lake, today. After a slight delay due to two accidents on the freeway, I made it there mid morning and headed out on the trail. Lower lake was a nice warm up then I decided to do the mountain climb heading up on Lakeview, two and a half times. So the burning quads ensured the workout level was good, the pouring sweat was also a nice sign. I think the ultimate was that I hadn't noticed the smorgasbord I had become for the mosquitos. Nice.

Just over 3 hours, two of which were strong, hard cardio climbs that felt good. After, I slipped my feet out of my boots and into the lake for a quick cool down. Didn't take long - lake is ICE! but it did feel good :o)

Tonight a friend who lives in Port Moody (where my hike was today) posted a picture of a black bear that was walking through his neighbourhood... I saw a bear (grizzly I think?). He saw a bear (black). According to the news many others have been seeing bears. Dear bears, please leave me alone and I promise to do the same for you!

Glad I had by bear bells ringing on my pack all day today!

Hmmm, where to hike tomorrow that promises the bears will not be also?...

2 weeks...

Wow, in just two weeks I'll be starting to pack, ensuring I have everything and hoping it'll all fit AND be under 33 lbs. I have packing issues and am NOT looking forward to how this packing challenge is going to go.

But, it'll all work out, it always does. School has now finished and my mind has shifted gears, I'm starting to be consumed by thoughts of my summer. Consumed with walking, hiking, training and hoping that what I have been able to do will carry me to the top of Africa. Healthy and strong.

This journey is for children near and far who have greater challenges than I can even imagine. My small hike over 8 days is nothing, really, in comparison to the lifelong challenges they have faced. I am excited to take this on, to bring hope to young lives ensuring they will attend school for another year.

I am only one, but still I am one.

Snow.

Saturday's hike was to be to Elfin Lakes in Garbaldi Park by Squamish, with a friend I have not seen since high school. We drove up the access road, 16 km through potholes and gravel, in my Mazda... (There always seems to be a 4x4 story popping up in my life...) and close to the beginning of the hike we saw "nature."

Yes, a beautiful bear. Large in size - perhaps a mother??? She/he pranced across the road in front of us. Must admit, there was some anxiety in me. Ok, my anxiety level shot through the roof! Cool and all - totally awesome, but a sharp reminder that they are out there... it is real... there are bears in the mountains of BC.

So we got to the trailhead and I took out the bear spray - shot a "test spray" and had my knife in close proximity up my sleeve. The bear bells ringing on my pack we started up the trail. My friend and I heard these odd noises - she thought they were a bird... I'm not convinced - but then again, what does a bear sound like close up, maybe it was a bird? We kept going and about 15 minutes up the trail there was white stuff.

It's June 25, and the white stuff was sporadic at first but then, reality set in - if there's snow here, and we're going up, it's only going to get worse :o( So, we went and looked ahead at the snow packs and turned around. Who knew?!?!

We ultimately ended up at Smokey Bluffs, also in Squamish. Nothing like Elfin Lakes - the scenery of ferns and rock was nice and all but somewhat disappointing considering what we were hoping to view! But, the rain stopped, the sun peaked in and out, we had a good hike and got to reconnect. It was a great day. It was worth it.

It is my hope that I will get to hike up Elfin Lakes before I head out - apparently it is more weather dependent these days than a lack of planning and trying! A few more hours in the boots accomplished this weekend and feeling good.

23 days until I leave.

29 days until I climb.

More than boarding a plane or strapping on a boot.

There have been many things about this "journey" that have made me realize the journey does not begin when I board the plane, or begin to trek the mountain. Rather, the journey began the day I decided to do this.

Along the journey of preparation, I have reconnected with many friends from my earlier years. Emails and facebook messages have been pouring in with inquiries, encouragement and donations. A new element of purpose has set in about why I began this, and what it has become.

I am beening challenged. I have been changed. I haven't even left the country yet.

I have learned much about myself, the negative thoughts that I allow in my mind and how I can battle them out - and keep them out. I have learned to adopt an "I can" attitude and truly believe it. I have learned that each small step made/spoken/donated all will have a powerful impact on someone's life. That "someone" has been a close friend, a friend from the past and will certainly be someone I meet in the future.

This journey is just beginning, has already been a success and in many ways, and has not yet begun.

I honestly had different plans for this season of my life - like being married and having children. That is not so for me right now. Many have said that they could not do this (climb Kili) because they are married and/or have children. I think I am trying to accept that we are all in the season of life that we are in - I could push to change it, but then it wouldn't really be what my life path was/is supposed to be. I had a dream last night and it was a repeated message. This is your time. Your time will impact the lives of woman and children near and far.

I think I just need to be still, and know that the right plan for me is unfolding before my very eyes. That the rest of my story has already been written and as I walk through it, I will discover how my life will continue to have purpose, in each season.

Your donations will support these children in Malawi. This picture was taken in 2009.

Rainforest

I live in a rainforest. It's true and that makes a dent in the training safety at times.

The hike today was planned and set but had to be cancelled because of safety on the trails due to all the rain! It's very frustrating. But I did make it out, to my trusted Buntzen Lake trails and I got a hike in.

Orthotics feel good and seem to be helping! Horray!

Now, the emotional battle of being one month out from my departure. The stress of end of school year wrap up, report cards, finishing the kids' scrapbooks, events, physio, massage and on and on - oh and a climb up Mt Kilimanjaro too!!! I'm looking forward to next week when school is over and my focus can fully be on my trip. I'm excited, nervous, worried, thrilled and a mix of so many other emotions all wrapped into one. Is this normal!?

The baking fundraiser at one of my jobs was a huge success and because of the hard work of S.F. I am very close to reaching my goal for the Malawi Project! The generosity of so many who see me only sporadically was overwhelming. To each of those donators, thank you!

Ok - time to work some more on these scrapbooks and hit the pavement for a walk tonight! (All bundled up in layers and rain gear, of course!)

Up, down and all around.

Sat morning I got my orthotics... So far so good but it's a slow transition process!

I went to Squamish on Sat with the intention of climbing the Chief - but was sadly disappointed to learn how much it's changed. I remember a great hike up - this was an obstacle course of ladders, chain ropes and stairs. With the wet weather, I decided to turn back before I injured myself. This was not the type of training I was looking for.

So I headed down and hit Lynn Valley - spent about 1.5 hours in the trails and headed home. Felt a bit sore from the stairs I did during both hikes :o(

Today I went to White Pine and found myself finished the trip in just 25 minutes! What?! So I did the trek around the lake twice then went back to Buntzen to find hike for another few hours. My foot is a bit sore today but I'm not sure if it's because of the orthotic or the hikes?

The dreaded report cards continue looming over my head - but it was great to get out and hike in the sun and forget about them for a bit!

Go Canucks Go! Tomorrow there will be no training, unless I get a little walk in after the game. But I'm really hoping I'll be cheering loudly and celebrating the Canucks winning the Stanley Cup instead of heading out for a walk/run after the game!!!

GREAT weekend for hiking :o)

lingo

So in every sport, hobby or other, there is the "lingo" that one must learn.

In hiking "view" means UP!!!

I learned that one on Sunday.

3.5 hour hike on Sunday due to the detour. Left the main trail and headed on the "Lakeview" trail -- AKA UP!

Nice one Trace, first hike back and this happens...

Good news ~ I felt great! My foot was tired but not sore and physio lady said things felt pretty good today! All systems go :o)

Yahoo!

Got a new bladder ...for my pack and can't wait to try it out tomorrow!

Malawi Website!

http://www.wix.com/christiehartlin1/ecdp-malawi

A week of greatness!

Physio said yes. Donations coming in. New Malawi website up and running (yeah Christie!) and they say we may see some sun this weekend :o) Be sure to check out the new Malawi website. Loads of great information about the project, how it began, where it has come and how so many people's lives have been forever changed. Plus pictures, don't forget the great pictures. This is where your Malawi donation money will go - 100% of it! You can donate online now (Paypal) - but if you do please send me an email so I can keep a personal tally of the donations. IF you mail a cheque directly to the project please put Malawi Project -TK on the memo, as well as send me an email, again so I can keep the tally. http://www.wix.com/christiehartlin1/ecdp-malawi Thank you so much!

She said... YES!

Marriage proposal? Nope, but perhaps better!?!?! Physio lady said things are looking great. Apts 2 and 3 were cancelled for this week and she said I could hike - MY definition of "hike" this weekend and see how it goes. Next apt is next Tuesday. Podiatrist tomorrow... but I'm hoping things are in the clear and this torturous "break" has been worth it. Bring on the mountain, baby!

Answered Prayer

The Canadian Mail strike is looming and my passport and VISA for Tanzania is still at the Embassy and will be MAILED back to me once approved. I leave soon, very soon. If that strike happens who knows what the impact on my trip will be?! Today, however, there was a golden piece of mail in my mailbox! Canada Post - strike away!!!

Doctor! Doctor!

Tracy called the doctor and the doctor said... Come back tomorrow and the next day and the next day and the next! I am currently seeing some type of doctor 5 days a week right now and am not dating any of them! Grrrr. Physio is going well and the pain is quickly decreasing. Today the physio lady said I could go for a hike this weekend! Oh the battle of the voices in my head. Do I ask what "kind" of hike she means of just go for one of MY hikes? Too bad I asked - I was ready to go for a few hours... she said 20-30 minutes with few hills. THAT'S NOT A HIKE! Oh well, I will go, enjoy, and hope to increase the duration and intensity quickly. After all, the orthotics I am being fitted for next week should help! Oh yes, that's right. This little trek up a mountain is turning into quite the adventure. Let's see about these orthotics. Hey, whatever is going to help at this point - I'll take it! My hope right now is that as soon as I'm allowed to get back out there and really hike - the weather will be wonderful :o)

Slow but steady

I wish I could end that title off with, "wins the race" but right now it's, "goes the physio." Up to three times a week but there has been improvement! As the sun shines this weekend - I will be resting. My passport is still at the Tanzanian Embassy so I can't even go down to the states for "rest." I guess the message is clear -- Stay home and REST! A few more donations came in this week, so that has been awesome! Thank you for your support! With the Malawi donations to date, there are many orphans who will get to attend school next year because of your contributions! A huge THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Disappointing News

I went to my physio apt this morning and the healing isn't happening on the broken/sprain foot. So, she recommended I take a few weeks off and not walk or hike, or anything! WHAT?!?! This is much different from last week's news. So, up to twice a week for physio and am hopeful this ridiculous injury (from Jan) will quickly heal and I can move on. The May long weekend was going to be my kick off to big hikes! Feeling pretty crummy right now but would rather feel crummy for a few weeks then hobble all the way up Kili. Pass the chocolate milk please, I need calcium!

Really?

Each walk I did this week I was more and more repulsed by what I saw, lying on the side of the trails... Thank you kindly to the dog owners who pick up their dog's poop - but really, you've gone through all the trouble to do that, do you have to leave the poopy bag there?! Why did you scoop it up then??? Sheeesh. All four walks had poopy bags on the side of the trails. :o(

Timing

Timing is everything, and nothing. Timing is sometimes "created" sometimes "happened upon" and sometimes "uncomfortable."

The timing of this trip has been imperfectly perfect. There were bumps in the planning, my anxieties about "waiting"and fear of actually committing were all evident, but at this point, in retrospect, the timing has been "perfect."

In the last few days, I have been blessed with fundraising ideas and offers as well as large donations (or expressed donations).

I am only one, but still I am one. I believe that together, we can change the world. This is my repeated thought and my way of moving up and moving forward.

Thank you to all those who have expressed support in this journey - I appreciate you all so deeply and am encouraged to set my goal higher by how supported I am.

I am blessed by great friends and perfect timing.

Rainforest

I hiked at Buntzen Lake today. The many florescent yellow signs saying, "caution, trail closed, high water..." was a bit unnerving, I'll admit. But, there were cars in the parking lot. Surely some of them were out on those trails???

Starting out was good, but definitely realized I was wearing the WRONG socks and felt the rubbing early. Decided to suck it up and keep going. The lake seemed a bit high - okay, there were parts where it was right beside the trail and I'm quite certain that's not where it's supposed to be. Made friends with many birds and ducks that were around though. Hiked for about an hour then the rain really started to fall. I kept reminding myself that I live in a rainforest and will be hiking in Africa. Kili will not all be like this. Kili will not be like this. Kili will not be like this.

Actually, Kili may be like this at the beginning - but JUST the beginning! The real treat today was when the hail started. That's when I decided that was enough and I'd head back. Just under an hour later I was back at the car. Wet, cold, sore and feeling awesome.

I love the hiker's high - it is refreshing, revitalizing and keeps drawing me back for more.

Ouch

Well, in all my glory, I managed to fall off my stationary bike in January. Yes, it's true. When I first started cardio training I borrowed my cousins wind trainer and set my road bike up in my living room. I was wearing my clips (shoes that clip in) and the bike started to tip, I couldn't get my shoe unclipped and down I went. Pretty embarrassing but it did happen in the privacy of my own living room. THANK GOODNESS!

Unfortunately, I got hurt. I hurt my foot and it took a few weeks to heal. I didn't really tell too many people, for obvious reasons.

Now that I've been increasing my hikes, that pain has been coming back too. So like all good athletes with an important upcoming goal...I ignored it.

Well, it got too painful so today I went to a sports physiotherapist. She told me I likely broke a bone in my foot or badly sprained it. Great. She worked on it for a bit then when I asked if I could still hike - she said YES! There's nothing that can be done for it. It's healed (mostly) but there is some scare tissue that's built up around it (or something, I stopped listening after she said yes) and I just need to go in weekly for some therapy.

So, off I go, to hike some more and make a weekly tlc apt for my poor foot.

Thankfully it wasn't too serious. Perhaps next time I'll go in earlier...(not making any promises though...)

Crunch or Climb

Last weekend I did the Coquitlam Crunch. Nice enough going up, with the sun beating down on me and the openness of the climb. Seemed pretty good. Until the return trip. Unfortunately the loose gravel was too much for me and basically did the "slip and slide" method down. I was wearing my running shoes, my beloved running shoes... From that day forward, I will leave behind my running shoes and lace up the boots. No injuries for this munchkin due to fashion fear. So, this weekend. Yesterday I hiked at Campbell Valley and today I hit Alouette Lake. Left the running shoes in the car and strapped on the ugly boots. Well, ugly they may be, they are pretty phenomenal. I actually feel like I'm floating when I'm wearing them. Weird eh. Whatever - I challenged myself today to hit a strong pace and keep the pace, regardless of what the trail did. Hmmm, there were a few more hills today, well - MANY more hills! But I kept the pace, kept going strong and soon I was done. The trail that is, but I still felt like I could go on. So I went for round two. By the end of the second trip, three hours had passed and I was feeling tired. The people I'd been passing along the trail were looking at me oddly. Who does this trip twice in one day? Who practically runs it? Well, I did and it feels awesome! Home now and I'm sore. Already had one bath and a shower and still feeling a little creaky. Here's hoping tomorrow I'll be feeling ok! The training is feeling good, but the part I love most is those still quiet moments when it's just me and the trail. The best moment of today was not the completion; But the moment where I paused to look up. There was a break in the trees, the snow capped mountains in the background and an eagle soaring above me.

I am not alone in this.

Competition

The miles are adding up and they are being split between the comfy running shoes and the not so pretty hiking boots. Just one problem... there is too much competing for my time! Oh to be a Canucks fan, forced to watch and cheer for 7 games per series and still find time to hike and work out?! Well, I must admit, though I am feeling stronger in my hikes, I am feeling somewhat fatigued from all the stress of being a true Canadian hockey fan.

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out my blog! I'm getting really excited about the trip and all the conversations it has started with people! It's cool to learn just how many people want to help a "cause" of some sort but aren't sure who to help/support or how to get connected. I'm humbled by the interest people are having in wanting to support my journey knowing that the funds raised will go directly to help children! Just today I met a stranger in Shopper's Drug Mart who saw a letterhead for my trip (was mailing off more documents) and just asked what it was all about. I told her and gave her the blog site and hey - who knows - maybe she'll check it out tonight! It's so awesome how everything is falling into place.

The Power of Thought

Hiked on a trail near Deep Cove this weekend and honesty, got worried about 15 seconds into the hike.

It was uphill and, well, my training has been relatively flat to date! My breathing was laboured, the sweat was starting to glisten on my forehead and the quads, oh the quads were burning. Those powerful negative thoughts flooded in and I wondered - what have I done?!
Just a few minutes up and the path flattened, I breathed a sigh of relief (caught my breath) and thought perhaps I could do this. The trees were massive, the cool air refreshing and once we got to the look out it was absolutely worth it! The hike wasn't all that hard, actually I really loved it and cannot wait to do it again!
It's those thoughts, the negative thoughts that take hold and refuse to let go. That is the most frightening part of this journey for me - that I will be bombarded with the negative thoughts and talk myself into a fear so deep that I get stuck. I am thankful that I had this little gimps of negativity because it has shown me just how much work I need to do on the mental preparation part. That I cannot forget to put as much into the mental preparation as I do into the physical preparation.
Tonight, I am writing out some reminders - things to memorize so that when the going gets tough, I am armed with some positive thoughts.

These Boots Were Made For Walking...

Blah.

I took off the beloved running shoes for the first time today and laced up the hiking boots.

The hiking boots that are not fashionable.

The hiking boots that are not pretty.

The hiking boots that and are not fun.

One would think that for the price of them there'd be some fun in them...somewhere...

Nope.

Test hike one was at Campbell Valley Park today and, well, ugly though they are - I think they'll work. Something amazing happened as I looked down at the ugly boots on my feet and I imagined them slowly but surely making their way to the top of Africa. I imagined me on my final ascent. Boots scuffed, dirty and well worn in, walking, no carrying, me confidently and assuredly up to the summit.

Somehow the ugliness of the boots fell away and the beauty of the journey overwhelmed me.

These are the boots that are going to become my BFF, my most important possession for 9 days and will celebrate most intimately with me, the success of the climb.

These boots were made for walking, and that's just what we'll do.

Donating

Thank you for the outpouring of encouragement and support that many of you have sent me (emails and fb msgs have been amazing today!)

I am working on a few glitches with setting up options for donating but will have it sorted out soon and will provide more information about that once it is available.

I am so blessed to have so many people both near and far who are in support of this journey.

Thank you.

100 Days From Now...

My visit to a primary school in Ghana, Africa in 2004. This is where my heart for children in Africa was stretched.

I fell in love with these children and knew my life had been forever changed.

Mt. Kili - 100 days from now we will meet for the first time. There will likely be some

blood, immeasurable amounts of sweat and undoubtably tears.

In 100 days, I will be completing my final gear check and preparing for the greatest adventure of my life. Here's hoping the jet lag will be under control, the gear securely packed, and my nerves will calm.

Mt. Kilimanjaro, here I am! (Ok, will be in 100 days)

I began this adventure in the fall of 2010 when I decided I'd go visit my friend, Christie, in Malawi. Christie has been working along side a village for the past 5 years and has seen the community develop and thrive. Originally, I was going to go to Malawi to see my dear friend, and her project, and leave it at that.

But, you've met me, right?!

No such thing as "leave it at that" in my world... My mind began to spin, my imagination stretched and my dream began. I could climb Mt. Kilimanjaro as a fund raiser before I visit Christie in Malawi. A fund raiser to support children both locally and globally.

Over the next few months I began researching tours up Mt. Kilimanjaro (Mt. Kili from here on in) and decided that if I'm going all the way there to climb the mountain, I may as well do a safari. Of course! So, the safari was added. Then I learned that to fly into Mt. Kili airport, I would need to fly in on KLM - originating from Amsterdam. Well, how perfect is that?! I have family in Amsterdam. So, I sent of an email and voila, my trip was extended to include a visit with family before heading into Africa.

Today, 100 days out, my trip has been booked, my training is underway and my fundraising (despite a few glitches in getting going) is close to ready for launch.

I am a dreamer, and I dream big. I believe that I can do anything that I set my mind to. I love children and have a heart for Africa. When this all mixed up together, I discovered that I am only one, but still I am one and I am choosing to complete this adventure to help children and families both locally and globally.

Please stay with me and follow my blog and my adventure. Please pray for me as I plan, train and prepare both physically and mentally for the greatest challenge of my life. Please dare to dream along side me that together, we can change the world.

Here we go!