"We shared what life was meant for and thus the depth of meaning for each of us: Consolation in the midst of hardship, Leadership by way of service to one another, Strength through group unity, Relationship in telling and building stories, Encouragement through humor, Discovery of gifts through the admittance of need. I could go on, but suffice to say a group of strangers became family."
-Steve Haas
TUPO PAMOJA: Paul, Logan, Shaban, Elizabeth, Jeannette, Stefanie (Supporter, but didn't climb with us), Erin, Anna and me (Not pictured but who climbed with us: Vayan)
Home visits to Neema and Anna's homes, with everyone sporting their new sunglasses. Thanks Williams family!
Destination: Rongai Route. 6 days on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Are you reeeaaaaaady?! Please note Simon, our guide, towering above. Enthusiasm is clearly NOT his weakness.
Life skills discussion around the dinner table. Many a story were shared here. Daily topics of discussion in order: Goal-setting, Confidence, Role Models, Peer Pressure, and Achievement. Everyone was a student. Who were the teachers? Depends on who you ask!
I know you Americans out there want to know - who made it to the top? :) We're so goal-oriented, aren't we? Erin, Warren (videographer), Elizabeth, Logan, Emmanuel, Vayan and I summitted Uhuru Peak at 19,340 ft (5895 m); Neema, Shaban and Anna made it to Gilman's Point, at the lip of the crater, a major feat and very close to full summit at 18,638 ft (5681 m). However, this experience was not about who made it and who didn't. It was about being together, sharing our stories, our ups and downs together over 6 days. As Simon says, making the peak is a plus, but that's not what it's all about. We all pushed ourselves individually, as far as we could go. And that's something to be proud of!
My head's still spinning from this adventure. To symbolize the movement and growth we've all experienced through this time together - Tanzanian and American alike - I'm keeping this photo sideways. So, let us look sideways. Let us challenge ourselves. Let us think outside the box. Let us step outside ourselves. Let us push ourselves to be better. Let us venture outside of our comfort zones, our comforts. There's more to this LIFE than ME. LIVE!
I'm now embarking on African travels with two fellow Peace Corps friends, Maya and Jen. We'll be sharing life on the road until late October when I'll return to Atlanta, GA.
After 3 amazing years serving in Tanzania, I am at long last homeward bound. Ahh but where is home? Home is where the heart is. My heart feels like it's in many places, but you know, that's not a bad thing.
Again, sincere thanks to everyone that made this climb possible! We couldn't have done it without you all's support - in all forms.
To Faith. Hope. And Love. Love being the greatest of them all,
Tait
*More pictures coming soon at: http://walkingthewalkonkili.blogspot.com
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