Seven hearty soles adventured up Mount Kenya. The scenery and fellowship were awesome. We started at the Sirimon Gate (8694 feet above sea level) and climbed to 16,355 feet over 3 days. The peak ascent started at 3:15 AM in driving rain and included hands and feet scrambling up icy car size rocks in the snow and darkness. Our longest day included over 17 miles of hiking!
We had an entourage of about 17 guides, cooks, and porters. Despite the hard work of carrying the heavy loads, they were always cheerful and professional. We knew we were in good hands when we found out the leads were named Moses, Peter, and Paul. The conversations with our hosts were fascinating and provided insight into a day in the life of a Kenyan. Rebecca talked with one porter about living with family. He could not understand that we did not live with our parents. "Then everyone needs their own house?" I talked with a guide who said that he worked at a bank for 3 years after high school until the bank manager told him he would have to pay a bribe to keep his job. One porter told me he would make around $30 for the 4 day trip - it was not great work but it was work. Given the economy, the next trip is not scheduled for 2 months!
As I reflect on the Africa trip as a whole, one of the take aways for me is from a sign I saw somewhere along the way. It said "You may not change the whole world but you can change the world for one person." I am convinced that small efforts on our part can have meaningful and lasting impact on people in Kenya - yet the ultimate benefits may be realized here based on what we learn and how we grow in our faith.
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