Day 10: Final Day in Arusha

“Seven Days on Kilimanjaro, A Lifetime of Lessons ✅ “

This journey was nothing short of a blessing….

We came from all corners of the United States and somehow found ourselves together in Tanzania, united by one goal: to take on Africa’s rooftop. Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t care where you’re from, what you do for a living, or how confident you feel at the trailhead. It meets everyone the same way—with humility, challenge, and an invitation to grow.

There was blood, sweat, and tears—sometimes all three before breakfast. Blisters became battle scars. Breathing felt optional at times. Sleep was a luxury. There were moments when the mountain tested our resolve and asked, “How bad do you really want this?” And yet, in the middle of the struggle, there was laughter. Real, deep laughter. The kind that only comes when people are pushed beyond comfort and choose joy anyway.

What made this journey unforgettable wasn’t just the summit—it was the people. A special group that started as strangers and quickly became a team, then a family. We encouraged each other on the hardest climbs, celebrated small wins, and leaned on one another when the mountain felt heavier than our packs. Those bonds, forged in thin air and long days, will stay with me forever.

Kilimanjaro taught me lessons I didn’t know I needed: patience over pace, perseverance over pride, gratitude over complaint. It reminded me that progress is made one step at a time and that some of the most meaningful victories come after the most uncomfortable moments. The mountain stripped away noise and left room for reflection—on life, purpose, faith, and the people who matter most.

Standing at the top was powerful, but looking back on the climb is what truly stays with me. The early mornings. The quiet moments of prayer and thought. The cheers when someone pushed past their limit. The shared exhaustion and shared triumph.

This wasn’t just a 7-day trip. It was a reminder of what’s possible when we commit, when we trust the process, and when we surround ourselves with the right people.

Forever grateful. Forever changed. Kilimanjaro, you gave us more than a summit—you gave us memories we’ll carry for a lifetime. 🏔️

~ Josh Hicks