Here's to the Journey!

By Isabelle Privé

I'd like to tell you a bit about myself.  I signed on for the Kilimanjaro project without really knowing what I was letting myself in for. Since I said "yes" to my Kili colleague André's message last December, a lot has happened.

I've rediscovered the pleasure of writing through this blog. I've organised a fund-raising event. I've discovered the satisfaction of giving. I wasn't really the sort to do voluntary work but I've discovered the immense joy, the pride and the feeling of duty fulfilled that accompany the gift of self.

I found a rôle in the team by helping to look after communications. Inform the members about future events, send reminders and invitations, discuss future activities...dream...plan.

I've discovered that getting special shirts made is more complicated than you'd think!

Since the beginning of this crazy adventure, I'm discovering strengths I didn't even know I had. Or maybe I've uncovered forgotten sides of myself. Buried under all the responsibilities of everyday life and the trials of adulthood, these strengths were just waiting for an excuse to resurface.

  

At the same time........ the fear of the upcoming challenge is always present. How many times have I asked myself -  "What on earth have you got yourself into?"

I'm not too keen on trekking as such. I don't even know what sort of equipment is needed. The one and only mountain I've ever climbed is Mont Tremblant last year. I walked on the mountain for the whole of 2 hours!

And now, we're talking about an expedition, about walking for 4 - 7 hours a day for 10 days. I'm hearing about mountain sickness, pills, vaccinations, passport, travel insurance (MAXIMUM), backpack weighing 35 liters, towelettes for washing in the absence of showers on the mountain. Sleeping in my winter jacket in a tent for two... Sure,  I've been camping before - in a trailer-tent - in summer!

Then there's the journey. The only time I've ever been on a plane was from Sept-Iles to Montreal when I was 4! .....  And now I'm going to Africa? 24 hours on the plane? And the safari? In a tent next to the lions and the giraffes?

It seems more like science fiction than a wonderful dream. You ask me if I'm afraid?

YES, I'M SCARED STIFF!!!

 So why go, in that case?  Because, at the end of the adventure, I'll have lived to the full and survived a 24 hour journey, an expedition up Africa's highest mountain and a safari. And, last but not least, I'll have overcome my fears!

Who knows what other strengths I'll discover along the way!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin