Day 7: Climb to Kosovo Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

As our climbers near the summit, they have another short day for acclimatization today. After breakfast, climbers leave Karanga Camp and make their way across moraine with a view of Mawenzi and Kibo to Barafu. The alpine desert terrain is full of boulders with lichen and moss. Upon reaching camp, climbers will spend the afternoon resting before packing for the summit and having an early dinner in preparation for their ascent to the summit to start at midnight. Summit begins at 5 PM EST!

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 13,300 feet

Ending elevation 15,400 feet

Elevation gain 2,100 feet

Distance hiked 3 miles

Average hiking time 4 to 5 hours

Today we left karanga camp at about 9am for an uphill shot most of the way that I was honestly intimidated by but that ended up not being bad because our (babukubwa) awesome guides taught us the "mountain step" that in summary just makes one use less energy when covering long distances uphill. In fact the mountain step was so effective that at one point I just bust into my own worship session appreciating Gods creation and how far He brought us. We have been together through some long stretches up down sideways, in the sun and in the mist, sweating or layering up against cold winds we have always been encouraging each other with a smile or a hug all the while remembering Papa Deo’s words to take each step when it's hard saying "Thank you Jesus, Praise you Jesus" and now it feels like I have been moving with a new found family on which I can find friendship and draw strength on, a family made up of the guides, the porters and the climbers all of whom made this journey that much better.

Finally after what feels like a lifetime ago because of all the experiences that I can scarcely believe were all compacted into a few days we are at Kosovo camp 4pm looking at the foot of the peak. I cannot express accurately enough how nervous and excited I am and I see the same energy I assume is in my eyes in everyone else's. The closest I could describe this feeling as is seeing your crush or first love and gathering the courage to confess. Tonight/this coming morning at midnight we look toward the summit, we have had dinner together and been briefed on all we should know and most importantly prayed together all has been placed into the Lord's hands and I cannot wait to gaze upon what we have been working towards that has in my opinion worked through us giving us grit and perseverance. I am so grateful for having been giving this opportunity and more so for how much more I know myself and having gotten closer to the Lord.

John Murray YLA Staff