Yesterday was "Kili" day, the day we give Kilimanjaro a "mild assault" which means we climb to the first "hut" (between 8,000 and 9,000 feet) Our purpose for this endeavor is to "get a feel" for the mountain and at the same time go to the place where believers in days past went to the place where their ancestors worshiped other gods. We will celebrate their achievements in prayer in breaking curses and agree with them that The Kingdom of God has come to earth and is moving throughout it. The eleven of us will pray for Tanzania and the nations of Africa and also pray for America and divine intervention.
The next day . . .KILI AT THE END OF DAY - From Jack's Perspective
Well, the "mild assault" was carried out yesterday. Kilimanjaro was everything but mild. The day was beautiful beyond description. The world's highest free-standing mountain stood clearly visible, proud and majestic, as we drove to the Morangu gate of the mountain park where we would begin our plans to trek trail to Maramba hut at 9,000 feet. "A snap" I thought as we walked the first hundred or so yards. The sights were breathtaking with the thick jungle giving way to welcome rays of the sun to relieve us from the early morning cold, a nearby murmuring stream from melting snows at the top of Kili whispering a welcome, blue monkeys feeding on leaves in the treetops . . . a veritable paradise!
Eleven of us (I, by far the eldest) would trek to Maramba, the first resting place for those who ascend to the peak. We were there to "have a do" at the famed mountain to see if we would like to engage her more seriously later. We would ascend to Maramba, have lunch, go a bit further to an old crater and come back to the base. It was soon obvious that age would give way to youth and, as my pace slowed, the others, including Friede, went on. My guide, brother of one of our favorite pastors, Pastor Moshe, stayed with me. Wilson was the best guide in the whole park, having ascended Kilimanjaro more than a thousand times.
In my personal "mild assault" on Kili, she fought back! The trail's ascent became more serious, the rocks more treacherous. My lungs demanded more oxygen as we passed the 8,000 foot altitude mark (that's Denver plus 3,000 feet). My shoulders began to cry out for relief as the walking sticks demanded more strength. My leg muscles began to argue with me but my personal guide spurred me on. So on I went, eventually arriving at the half way mark where the others waited and congratulated.
My guide, fearing that I might not make it to the goal, took our lunches from the porters and the others left. Then began the most punishing period I can remember in a long time. What was bad became worse. What was worse became almost intolerable. Twice Wllson asked if I was ready for lunch. I refused, saying I wanted (?) to go on. Every known muscle of my body now joined my lungs in a violent protest but my weakening stubbornness persisted.
Well, to make a long story rather brief, I made it . . . barely! The others, having already eaten their lunches, went on. The best wisdom was that my guide and I would begin our descent soon after lunch (a gem of an idea!) Believe it or not, the descent was worse, demanding more of already weakened muscles and taxing the ones little-used on the ascent. Lungs sought to come to my rescue as breathing became easier, giving me more resolve for the moment but no relief from my joints, bones, muscles and even parts of my brain, now a chorus, singing, "You idiot, why are you doing this to us?" Having no reasonable answer, I fought on.
Then came the best news of the day! Halfway down there was a road and a vehicle was on the way to pick me up! With absolutely no protest from me. I was waiting for the group at the base when they returned.
Feeling defeated? Nah! Wiser by far. It's the morning after now, pain is subsiding, perspective is clearing. Kilimanjaro is in the past for me, the Kingdom is in my future and I will leave several sons to ascend to her summit. My heart will be with them and we will win.
Friede made the entire trip up and down. Proud of her and a bit pleased with my wisdom in marrying a younger woman!
I wear a T-shirt today that says in big letters across the front, JUST DONE IT and a map of Kili on the back. A lie? Nah, I will write on the back in small letters a-l-m-o-s-t! Now I leave such adventures to the younger set!.
Thanks for your prayers!
Now, on the Germany and no more mountains. Then to the Austrian Alps, Graz, Innsbruck and Vienna and home August 4. Keep praying.
Still Singing in the Reign!
Love to all of you!
Popi & Friede
