The journey turned out to be a more incredible adventure than I expected, one of the highlights being acquiring new friends. The package included six prep hikes, with Kilimambogo being the first. This was a new education, not confined to a classroom. There were hardly any theories, just practicals. The designers of the CBC curriculum would have been proud!
The Mt. Kenya experience is not easy to put into words. I can try, but I would not do it justice because it is primarily something one feels and lives. It was incredible, scary, peaceful, and cold—very cold. The food was
I have been too self-critical in the last couple of years to the point I didn’t recognize myself. These past three months have taught me to be kind to myself. It was not automatic; it has been a journey to loving myself; to kindness, reminding myself what an awesome person I am, and celebrating myself and any wins I get!
The journey to the top is never easy. You often come across all sorts of hurdles. Of importance to remember is your WHY.
Three lessons I picked from the trails:
1. Never give up; you may be closest to your dreams.
2. As you pursue your dreams, there will always be some noise — noise to cheer you on and destructive noise. Identify the noise you want to listen to.
3. Your body has no limits; your limits are in your mind.
This journey has shown me just how powerful the mind is and just how far one can go with the right attitude. I am confident that what started as a crazy idea has manifested into a life-changing experience.
I did not know what to expect; I just knew I was going to do, quite possibly, the hardest thing I had ever done! I don’t think I have had as many conversations with God as I did while on this trek. He was my source of strength whenever I would feel that there was nothing left in me to go on. At night when trying to sleep I would ask for strength for myself, and for everyone else to face the next day’s challenge.
The trials have taught me that I am in control; not my thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. My experiences do not determine who I become; rather, my responses to life’s experiences determine my growth.
The opportunity to spend time alone together, the memories made, and the glories of nature we’ve been witness to are all things that will stick with us for life and if God gives us life and health, this certainly won’t be the last time we’re hiking.
Taking the leap to being part of the program is something I will never regret. Hiking the trails every fortnight proved to me that I could change the narrative of my past — and getting to Point Lenana was all I needed to remind myself that I am one rad chic! 😄
