Journey to Kilimanjaro

Admittedly I’m not the writer or hiker my husband is, but if there is one thing I can keep up with him on, it’s adventure. Since the first day we were married to this afternoon I have heard nonstop about “our” preparation - training for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. No, I was never asked. It was assumed the moment we finished our nuptials that not only was I committed for eternity, but also up to the top of the highest mountain in Africa.

 

Mt. Kilimanjaro - photographed by Muhammad Mahdi Karim

The first month I thought he was teasing, after six started to realize he was very serious and now I’ve embraced the fact, we are going to Africa, and more than likely, hiking that mountain. However we have agreed, it may be in a few years, after Jack is potty trained ;)

Weekends often include hike - pace training, this time adding in a weighted pack. And because we don't know when this adventure will take place, we've started collecting gear now. So far we have sleeping bags, backpacks and pads. Thanks to Jack we don't have to search for weights and have to be diligent on time use. This child waits for no one when it comes to needing his diaper changed or food.

Pack training

Since realizing this new, shall we call it, life conquest, our journey has officially begun! We train, read up on, and talk about hiking the old mount!  (Yes, you’re invited to come, seriously, email me). And now I’m really looking forward to it.

Luau dancing

While doing all this I can’t help but draw parallels to other journeys we make; the big one being the journey of life.  From the moment we are born to the last breath we take there is a journey we make. For those who share my faith, we believe that this life is a time to prepare to meet God, to prove to him that can endure the trials and distractions of fads and perceived earthly value and be faithful to his ways, obedient to his commandments and overcome pitfalls through repentance and sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And really the training for this journey happens on the go. It’s in daily choices, just like an exercise routine, that will help set a pattern so the journey isn’t so hard. 

 

That’s just my journey! What’s yours? 

It’s interesting to think about and thanks to Juan and Kilimanjaro I just got to think about it again and gear up.

Until that great hike there will be plenty of other trips and adventures. Note the picture above to know where we're going next. I believe when we finally make it up Kilimanjaro it'll represent more than just a great hike, and hopefully I’ll be well on my life journey.  Luckily I get to have Juan to join me!