Day 10: Final Day in Arusha

JOURNAL ENTRY

Final Day in Arusha - Trip Celebration Dinner

Our last full day brought time for resting, shopping, a visit to a coffee plantation, and stretching tired muscles. We all looked forward to our final dinner together, although some of us were a bit circumspect of dirt road we took to get there! We sat outside, wrapped in blankets under a full moon to reflect on this time we have shared together. We were thankful to have Chris and Papa Deo join us again, as they have been a blessing to all of us since we arrived. From rides from the airport to late night trips to pick up lost bags the night before the climb (those were mine!!) to helping us navigate the market in Arusha, Chris showed kindness and welcome to us at every turn. As we began reflecting on the trip, Drew asked us each to share our greatest high and our biggest lesson. To hear each of my fellow hikers share around the table was one more reminder of this sacred experience we have shared with one another on the mountain. While reaching the summit was a moment in time I will always remember, the greater gift was spending time with this amazing group that included not just those of us climbing, but the cloud of witnesses that loved and served every step of the way. We reflected with gratitude again on the care we received from our guides and porters. We offered thanksgiving for their hearts, their kindness, their desire to help make our experience that much richer. Papa Deo also asked us to consider where we have found freedom, as Uhuru Peak means freedom in Swahili. Articulating all of our thoughts and feelings about this trip led to another story, memory, and of course, more laughter. Papa Deo said that laughter is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Truly the presence of Holy Spirit was with us every step of the way. We sat around the table with mosquitoes biting our ankles (malarone for everyone!), but none of us in a hurry for this evening to end. We leave tomorrow with so many memories and reminders of God’s abundant provision and grace. I’m ending this post the same way I ended my first one because it’s what made this trip all that it was for each of us. Pamoja, Pamoja. Together, together.

~ Laura Jensen