Day 9: Climb to Mweka Gate

Our climbers are waking up to their last day on the mountain. They’ll have their last breakfast in the mess tent and then start their trek. They’ll descend through the rainforest past towering trees and lush ferns to a hot lunch at Mweka Gate – where they’ll end their adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 13,000 feet

Ending elevation 6,000 feet

Elevation gain 7,000 feet

Distance hiked 7 miles

Average hiking time 5 hours

Friends & Family—

Thank you for your prayers yesterday. We are happy to say that ALL 14 climbers summited! Drew said that the weather was perfect. Now we ask that you please pray for strength for those getting down who have back and hip issues. Thank you for your continued prayers for this team.

Pamoja Pamoja. Together Together.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was an unforgettable experience that challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. It was a journey that pushed me beyond my limits and taught me valuable lessons that will stay with me for my whole  lifetime.

However, as I ascended higher, the altitude began to take its toll. The air became thinner, making every step feel like a Herculean effort. Acclimatization became key, and I had to adapt to the changing conditions. It was a constant battle against fatigue, headaches and being cold every night, but I remained determined to reach the summit by praying.

The final push to the summit, Uhuru Peak, was the most grueling part of the climb. Waking at midnight and spending the rest of night walking where you couldn’t even see with the freezing temperatures and biting winds tested our endurance. Every step was a struggle, but I knew I had come too far to turn back. With sheer determination and the support of my team, I reached the summit just as the sun began to paint the sky with breathtaking hues. If it was not for  God who has been with us, I wouldn’t have made it for sure.

Standing atop Kilimanjaro, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions — a profound sense of accomplishment, gratitude, and humility. The panoramic view from the summit was a reward beyond words. The vastness of the landscape spread out before me, reminding me of the boundless possibilities that exist beyond my comfort zone.

Climbing Kilimanjaro taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience. It showed me that with dedication and a positive mindset, I could overcome even the most daunting challenges. It reminded me of the power of teamwork and the incredible impact of supporting one another. Let me take this time and thank everyone who climbed together….

Ken Tankersley the most encouraging person of mine during this trip. I liked the way you pushed to reached to the summit even though you were in bad condition. You are a great hero. I love you so much my man, I thank you…..

Parker Moore for being there for me on the day of climbing to the summit. Your courage and fighting spirit helped me to reach the top. You are so great my boy.

Thank you Kevin for always showing love to me. Whenever I looked at you I saw a smile that was a full of love and humility.  May God bless you. You will be always on my heart….

Thank you, Mark Moore. You are the father I wish to be in my future and thank you for encouraging me and showing me love etc…..may God bless you so much…

Thank you my brother, Jackson Moore, we shared struggles as we climbed and you became a real friend of mine may God bless you….

Thank you Jamie Hanson. Your presence brought joy to all of us and thanks for the way you made us laugh while our bodies were tired. You are good father. I really learned a lot from you and Lanni… 

Thank you Lanni Hanson for the way you were always caring for your porter Wilfred, your Dad, and all of us. Your smiling for everyone shows me that you have true love in you.  May God bless you… 

Thank you Steve Carmichael for showing me love. Thank you for taking me in as your son and  caring for me. I will never forget how comfortable and strong I felt with you on this trip. May God bless you….

Thank you Hadley Carmichael for your love to every one. Thank you for helping us to get pictures. You are really amazing and your dad is lucky to have wise girl like you….

Thank you Tayler Tankersley. You were always smiling in any condition, checking on everyone to see how he/she was feeling. You have become a friend of everyone. Your Dad is lucky to have a daughter like you. I am confident that he is always proud of you….

Thank you Uncle Sam Stigler. The way you walked every trek well was awesome. You are strong. Thank you for the way you were cheering and sharing the stories to others, it shows me your humbleness and love is great….

Thank you Drew Voyles for encouraging us every day and for giving us hope. The way you ware taking care of everyone, especially me, was so amazing. I found God’s love in you. For sure you are a real man of God. May God bless you. You will be always on my heart….

Thank you Olivia Holtsclaw. You were always somehow quiet but your quietness was full of love and caring. Thank you for always asking me how I was doing and for showing love and care to your porters. It touched me so much. Keep that love may God bless you….

For sure I have a lot of things to say for everyone but time is limited. I love you guys and did not missed my home because of you. The mountain was so hard but being with you made my climbing easy. I will never forget everyone here. I will always be praying for you. I love you….           

Climbing Kilimanjaro was a transformative adventure that pushed me to my limits and beyond. It taught me invaluable life lessons about determination, teamwork, and the strength that lies within. The memories and experiences gained from this extraordinary journey will forever hold a special place in my heart, serving as a constant reminder that anything is possible when you set your mind to it…

~ Olivier (YL Rwanda Staff)