Day 2: Young Life Africa Experience

Local Young Life Experience and Final Gear Check with Guides

Experience Young Life in Arusha in Morning, Lunch in town with Local YL Staff, Final Mountain Gear & Equipment Check, Safety Briefing with Guides, Trip Host Orientation, Special Group Dinner & Overnight at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha

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Day Zero

Though "Day Zero" in the context of our Kilimanjaro climb starting tomorrow, today was anything but "nothing." Rather, it's been a full day, complete with an incredible ministry visit, good food and great friends!

After many of us arrived late last night, a good night’s rest was welcome. Following a wonderful Mount Meru Hotel breakfast, we loaded into our mini-bus and visited the Young Life ministry in Sokone One (A neighborhood of 300,000+ in Arusha). One of the first Young Life ministries to be established in Tanzania, Sokone One  allowed us to visit the Young Life club house, take part in a gathering of staff, volunteer leaders and the kids they are working with, and marvel at the work that is being accomplished there.

We then enjoyed a great outdoor lunch together and headed back to the hotel for an afternoon full of meeting our lead guide, John Simon, receiving some important information for the climb and going through a pre-climb gear check. 

The rest of the evening was spent packing and preparing to depart first thing in the morning, and enjoying a dinner together. We will hit the road tomorrow at 8:30am and cannot wait to be on the trail!

-Jonathan Schultz