Two Months to Kilimanjaro

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I have less than 2 months before I leave for Africa to climb the highest free standing mountain in the world.  I am looking forward to the trip. 

From the top of Mauao

I have been putting so much of my energy into fundraising - it's time consuming work.  I'm also maintaining my fitness.   When people find out that I'm climbing Kilimanjaro the first question they ask me is, "What are you doing for training?"

Well my training consists of yoga and tramping.  I participate in Les Mills Body Balance classes at my gym every day of the week - they keep me strong and supple but at the same time centered and focused.  Mental strength is probably just as important as physical strength (if not more) for this expedition.

I am also lucky enough to live near an extinct volcano that I can climb as often as I wish.  I was trying to climb it 4-5 times a week but lately I've been so busy that I'm just getting up there once or twice a week - but I climb it twice in a row.

A few weeks ago I went on a 4 hour tramp to the top of the Pinnacles in the Kauaeranga Valley, carrying my big pack to stay overnight in the DOC  hut.  It was a beautiful hike and we had stunning weather for the middle of winter!  

The Kauaeranga Valley, New Zealand

It may not sound like much, but I feel strong and ready for Kilimanjaro.  I've spoken to quite a few people who have done it - some didn't train much at all, while others trained hard at the gym.  Some made it to the top, while others were affected by altitude sickness and didn't make it to the summit.  It sounds like luck of the draw.  I've been told that some people over train and then do the climb too quickly which is why they are affected by altitude.

Slow and steady wins the race.  

So I'm hoping that my breathing and meditation techniques will come in handy.  I'm not stressing.  I'll just do my best and pray I make it to the summit.  It wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't.  Just getting there and saying I was on Kilimanjaro is an accomplishment!  

Africa was never on my bucket list.  There was always something about Africa that scared me, whether it was the fact that you need to have so many immunizations and take pills to prevent malaria or whether it was the fact that it is just so third world.  But now that I've had the jabs for yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid and flu, it doesn't seem so daunting.  And I am lucky to have friends who have relatives living close to where I'll be going, so I am making new connections and there will be someone there I can call on.  Africa looks to be an exciting place and this will be a real adventure.

But I still have money to raise to get there.  I need another $9,000 to cover my costs of this trip.  Over the next month I will be advertizing items that people have generously donated to be auctioned off to help raise the money I need.  The first week of September (which is Ovarian Cancer month) I will put all the items up on Trade Me - a New Zealand online auction site where people can bid.  If you live overseas and you see an auction you would like to bid on, please let me know and I can bid on your behalf OR we can make an arrangement before it goes to public auction.

Don't forget to follow along on facebook by liking Tracy Pepper's Expedition of Hope

Kokopelli for Kilimanjaro

My mom sends me all sorts of random gifts.  She's an artist and has always had a really unique imagination.  Her gifts are hit and miss.  Sometimes when I open a parcel she's sent, I marvel at the things she has put in it with total bewilderment.  What was she thinking?  But other times she sends the most wonderful and thoughtful items.  She likes sending things that have a spiritual meaning. 

No matter what her parcels contain, I delight in opening them.  No matter how old I am, there is nothing better than getting a parcel in the mail from my mom, covered in stickers just like she did when I was 8 years old at summer camp.

I was thinking about my mom tonight when I was soaking in my spa pool under the stars on this cool, crisp Southern Hemisphere winter's night.  I was thinking about my upcoming trip to Africa and what items I want to take along to wear. I enjoy wearing items that were gifted to me, many by my mom.  They are my good luck charms.

I thought about the Kokopelli necklace and matching earrings she sent years ago.

I said to myself, "I love my Mommy" and looked up into the starry sky and witnessed the brightest shooting star.  It shot across the  clear night sky just for me.  It lasted a good 5 seconds.

What a special moment.  

I'm so far away from my family and I haven't seen my mom in over 4 years.  We don't talk much either - she's not one to use her computer or pick up the phone.  She shows her love in parcels.

I will wear my Kokopelli earrings in Africa.  They seem perfect for this trip.  

"If Kokopelli has lured you with his magical flute, it is time to listen to his song. This song is one of fertility. You are being asked to use your talents to create fertility in some area of your life. If things have been slow moving, Kokopelli's song is saying that whatever you intend to plant at this time will be very productive for you.

Planting seeds for the future takes effort on your part, so now is the time to use your skill and resources to make use of the magic.
If you have a project to begin or an idea to develop, the timing couldn't be better. Shift away from any old, limiting ideas and move forward. The time is now - the power is you !"

Thanks Mom!  I love you!

22 Years of Service to Young People with Cancer - A Video Diary

Super Social Butterfly

I knew from a young age that my life was to be used to support others.   When you know you will never have children, it can devastate you or you can choose to see the opportunities it will open up.

I attended a camp for children with cancer - called Camp Oochigeas (now just Camp Ooch) and became a counsellor. I had many happy summers at Ooch. When you are a survivor, you form very close bonds to other cancer patients and survivors. 

It's a wonderfully natural bond which lasts a lifetime.  Those who haven't had cancer often described having what we called, "cancer envy" because they wanted to be part of this exclusive club.  Sounds really weird to say that but there is no doubt that those of us who have had cancer and lived through it, view life differently. We are angels on this earth, knowing that we have a message to share. 

I nurture my child within.  Some call it Peter Pan Syndrome.  I am deeply connected to my playful side.  My wise 10 year old self.

When I decided to relocate to New Zealand, I wanted to spread the love and share my life and experiences with the young people here.  Once again I've had a richness of experience volunteering with CanTeen for 9 years. 

I am not just a volunteer.  I am a pioneer.   I am a role model.  I am a mentor.  I am a behind the scenes  ambassador.  I am the face of cancer and I am the heart of what it means to survive and to make a difference to others.   But I do it for love and out of love.  I've spoken about the importance of giving to charity.  I feel very fortunate that I am able to give my time so freely.  As I've said before;  my "job" pays the bills but charity work fills my soul.

Volunteering has been my greatest "work".  Time is more valuable than money.  You can make more money, but when time is spent, it's gone forever.

And just look at how rich my life has been.  I can't wait for the next 22 years.