Day 2: Meet the Guides

The morning started with a slow motion breakfast, which is just what we all needed!  The second half of the full crew arrived late last night (from Georgia and Kenya) and now it somehow feels like the family is complete. How can we be strangers and family at the same time?  I’m not quite sure yet but seems we can all sense it.  

There was a lot of getting to know one another that helped pass the morning hours quickly.  Another delicious lunch and then it was time to get down to business. After months of collecting gear, breaking in boots, and checking the pack list (like 84738 times) it is go time. We laid out our gear on our beds and the guides came to check (and re-check) that we each had every single thing we’d need.  With great care and knowledge, they affirmed our prep and did not shame us for the amount of snacks we’d collectively brought.  What a gift these guides are already! With warmth and confidence, two of our guides - Gabriel and John Simon - walked us through the details of the days ahead.  We also got to meet our two women guides, and Gabriel’s wife who will be joining us on the climb!

Looking around our meeting today I was overwhelmed by all that these women have had to do/sacrifice to make it to this week - leaving behind lots of people who need them, working through long hours of preparation, passing on the comforts of routine  - all to escape to a mountain to spend intimate time with their gracious creator! What courage! What a gift!

Nervous and excited, vulnerable and cared for, dependent and strong. Feeling all the feelings on the eve of this adventure.  

Pamoja, Pamoja, Swahili phrase we learned today. All together, Family.

Feels just right. Let’s go!!

Entry by Laurie